Friday, January 22, 2010
Uncategorized Does Alliance Theatre’s Avenue X anticipate an a cappella trend?
Posted by Curt Holman @Curt_Holman on Fri, Jan 22, 2010 at 10:56 PM
Hey nonny ding dong, alang alang alang / Boom ba-doh, ba-doo ba-doodle-ay!
The Alliance Theatre's a cappella musical Avenue X affirms that doo-wop music can be as catchy as it is corny. The sight of scatting white guys swaying in unison may induce unwelcome flashbacks to "Uptown Girl"-era Billy Joel – until you catch yourself snapping your fingers and tapping your feet in time.
By staging a musician-free musical, the Alliance Theatre might launch an a cappella resurgence, assuming one hasn't started already. Horizon Theatre's Black Pearl Sings, opening in March, showcases the African tradition of a cappella music. Whether through Avenue X's old-school doo-wop and R&B tunes, or through more contemporary variations, the a cappella musical style seems perfectly in tune for our times, especially in live theater.
Avenue X
Through Feb. 7. $25-$60. Tues.-Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 2:30 and 8 p.m.; Sun., 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Alliance Theatre, Woodruff Arts Center, 1280 Peachtree St. 404-733-5000. www.alliancetheatre.org.
The financial advantages are obvious. In a lean economy, musicals with huge casts become prohibitively expensive, but imagine the savings when the cast is the band. In 2004, the Alliance's Susan V. Booth directed a pared-down My Fair Lady with two pianos and a cast of about 10. Avenue X, which features no musicians and a cast of eight, carries the less-is-more aesthetic even further.
Plus, a cappella performance brings its own kind of drama. A unique energy and excitement accompanies singers unsupported by backing musicians, as if they're performing without a net. Arguably, a cappella diminishes the artificiality of the musical format. In Avenue X, it feels more natural when characters break into song at park benches or kitchen tables, since there's no invisible orchestra providing fanfare.
Continue Reading "Does Alliance Theatre’s Avenue X anticipate an a cappella trend?"
(Photo courtesy Alliance Theatre)
Comments (1)
Showing 1-1 of 1
The article forgot to mention the competition for local a cappella groups! Check the submissions on The Alliance's YouTube channel (especially The Graduates' version of a Bonnie Raitt classic) http://www.youtube.com/alliancetheatre#p/c/54D99E29C2B62788 AND MOST IMPORTANTLY VOTE FOR "SOMETHING TO TALK ABOUT" SUNG BY THE GRADUATES BY GIVING THE VIDEO 5 STARS!
like
dislike
Latest in Fresh Loaf
-
Drawing dance at the Decatur Arts Festival
CORE, Beacon highlight dance offerings
-
Paul Luna isn't finished with PARKatlanta 1
Chef files another lawsuit claiming private parking-enforcement deal violates city's charter
-
That poor baby beluga died 2
Experts say beluga deaths are unavoidable, but deaths in captivity are
- More »
More by Author
-
Ashima Franklin and other female comedians upend audience expectations 1
Maria Bamford and comedy duo Garfunkel and Oates play the Laughing Skull this month
-
Indie hip-hop, tuba films win Short Cuts contest 3
"UNDEREXPOSED: Indie Hip-Hop in Atlanta" and "Goal-Tender of the Orchestra" when the Critic's Choice awards of our 2012 short film contest.
- More »
