Community Theater Green Room Discussion Board: Junior Musicals

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POB14
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Topic: Junior Musicals
Posted: 8/25/05 at 11:39am

I've never seen one of MTI's Junior musicals, but they're wildly popular with the schools and community groups around here.

Poking around MTI's website for other reasons today, I discovered they now offer:

*Broadway Jr. Collection - the pared-down musicals for junior high we've all started to see everywhere.

*Kids Collection - shows for K-6 kids; so far 3 Disney shows.

*School Editions - so far just Les Mis (!), a 2-hour version aimed at high schoolers.

*Theatre for Young Audiences - nothing yet, but will be pared-down musicals for adult performers, kid audiences.

So the question is: is this getting out of hand? Good ideas? Bad ideas? Will this stuff whet childrens' appetites for the real thing, or will this further cut attention spans and make kids think the full-length shows are "boring"? What's next, Oh, Calcutta for kindergardeners? A Long Day's Journey Into Naptime?

Whattya think, all?

POB
Old Bugger, Curmudgeon, and Antisocial B**tard

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tristanrobin
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Posted: 8/25/05 at 2:29pm

I think it's deplorable.

I am sure they'll be popular.

So is ecstasy and heroin. Popular doesn't mean good.

I'm against Reader's Digest 'condensing' literature - I'm against
paint by number kits of great masterpieces - and I'm against
butchering play seeking the almighty dollar.

If the grade school kids aren't old enough to do "Mame" - thank
goodness - let them do CHILDREN'S plays. I cannot think of
one single Broadway musical that it's appropriate for children to
perform - to SEE, yes - to perform? Do we NEED 3rd grade
Sally kissing 4th grade Aaron in grade school performances of
"Oklahoma?"

There is an entire world of young people's theatre out there.
there is a REASON it's written. IMO, it's too damn bad if the
parents don't want to sit through it because it's not Broadway
caliber music. First of all - it ain't Broadway. Second of all, kids
aren't vocally developed to sing that stuff yet anyway. Thirdly -
it's their job to sit through "Charlie and Joey Show Babs How to
Catch a Butterfly" - it comes with the kid.

grumble grumble grumble

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Shatcher
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Joined: 2/21/05
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Posts: 251

Posted: 8/25/05 at 5:19pm

as a parent I think it is great that SOME of these shows have been paired down for high school drama clubs. If these kids do nothing but childrens theatre they will soon get bored and give it up altogether. Kids are more savvy than ever about this kind of stuff. Also they need to be prepared for the type of theatre they will encounter at the college level. It would be quite a shock to be doing kiddie theatre than jump in to college where they will encounter plays why beyond that. Before you scream at me let me also say that no 3rd graders should not be doing Mame, but they do need to do things that will fill the seats. in todays world where funding for the arts is being cut many, schools rely on tickets sales to do the next show. So is "Readers Digest" theatre ok? yes and no. Grade school and Jr High should stick to the kiddie theatre but high school kids should get to do the kinds of shows they want to do. If that means doing the Jr version of Les Miz(which by the way I have seen and it was the same as the orginal with some symplifed music) so be it. "A Long Days Journey into Naptime" sounds pretty funny!

One last note. Most parents will sit through anything their kid is in. As a parent is is kind of an insult to say we would not "want to". Besides it is up to the parent what is right for their kid. If it is alright for Dakota Fanning to be in movies like Hide and Seek and War of the worlds is it wrong for her to Kiss the 4th grade Aaron? Only her parents can decide.

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Juliet
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Posted: 8/25/05 at 5:45pm

I don't think it's about shortening it for time's sake as much as it's about keeping it at the age and talent of the kids doing it. Broadway jr is not just for elementary schools but for small theaters and high schools. Some high schools just don't have the talent to do all of "Into the Woods." And the quartet from the Music Man is extremely difficult for small high schools, since they don't have a variety of talent to choose from. I am all for these shows, because middle school and high school students are usually thrilled when they realize there is more to the story.

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tristanrobin
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Posted: 8/25/05 at 7:54pm

"As a parent is is kind of an insult to say we would not "want
to"."

LOL
And as a director in the public school system, I want to say that I
have heard, "I have to sit through that play?" from parents about
a million times in the past twenty years.

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Shatcher
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Posts: 251

Posted: 8/26/05 at 12:25pm

sorry to hear that. I and most of the parents at my kids school will sit through anything. Granted my kid is 6 so we will see how I feel about it in a few years LOL

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POB14
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Posted: 8/29/05 at 12:41pm

Gosh danged if R&H aren't doing the same thing now. http://www.rnh.com/theatricals/index.php?page=g2k

POB
Old Bugger, Curmudgeon, and Antisocial B**tard

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Topper
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Posted: 8/29/05 at 12:44pm

I think you folks are missing the point.

As I see it, Junior Musicals are designed to give
younger kids their first exposure to theater. A
full-scale production of a major musical would be
daunting if not impossible for this age group.

Likewise, many elementary schools and junior highs
simply do not have the technical means nor support
to mount such a production.

Theater teaches youngsters creativity, teamwork and
discipline among many other skills and is a great
social activity for kids of all abilities.

I am the parent of four and -- believe me -- I have sat
through many an interminable show but I still believe
encouraging children to participate in theater has
benefits that far outweigh the consequences.

I'm reminded of the adage about the customer who
complained about buying tickets to see the dancing
bear. The owner replied, "it's not that the bear
dances well, but that he dances at all!"

"None of us really grow up. All we ever do is learn how to behave in public." -- Keith Johnstone

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POB14
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Joined: 7/01/05
Location: United States
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Posts: 349

Posted: 8/29/05 at 12:56pm

This is exactly why I asked the question: I really don't know how I feel about it.

Anybody else here remember Classics Illustrated? I remember reading those, and thinking, "What the @#$%?" (I didn't swear as a kid, but I actually thought in symbols like that. ) "This isn't like the movie at all!" I specifically remember trying to figure out what the hell was going on in the CI version of Frankenstein.

So when I got a little older, I searched out the Shelley book. Surprise! CI had it right, and James Whale was the one who changed things around. So reading this little goofy comic-book abridgement of the book got me to read the real thing.

On the other hand, there was this Bowdler guy . . . . and the movie version of Grease . . . change is not always good.

More thoughts, please, people. I really am struggling with this.

POB
Old Bugger, Curmudgeon, and Antisocial B**tard

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tristanrobin
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Joined: 4/25/05
Location: United States
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Posted: 8/29/05 at 3:05pm

I'm obviously odd-man out here LOL. But I still vehemently
disapprove of them.

Now, granted, for some people (nobody here on this board!!!),
being in a play is simply something to do when the team's
bowling league season is up and there is nothing else
happening on Wednesday nights.

But - for people who pursue theatre as an art - there is one job
for a director and producer (which involves many subdivisions
LOL): respect and give fully realized interpretations of an
author's work. That's what we're here to do. We're merely the
instruments which play the author's orchestration. In fact - it's
the reason we all sign contracts on which there are firm
warnings that any changes need to be consented to in writing.

IMO It is wrong to present an 'abbreviated' version of - oh, say -
The Sound of Music - and advertise it as Rogers and
Hammerstein's musical. It's not. It might have some of the same
songs and lines in it - but it's not the play the authors wrote.

I agree that not every high school is capable of singing the
music in "Into the Woods" - and they shouldn't. There is a level
of achievement required to produce good productions of many
musicals. This is something good school programs work
towards for years. You start small and build...expanding
repertoire, abilities, skills and experience in the studets. But
you don't short cut and say "we're not good enough to do it - so
rather than raising our skill levels, we're going to lower the bar."

I would rather see - and have students working on - a first-rate,
well-performed and well-executed production of a musical
version of The Hardy Boys than a second-rate, pared down
version of LesMiserables. And I think most audiences would
too. But most of all, the students get a chance to totally and
completely fulfill the require skills in a play without
compromising.

Heheh - I know these reductions are popular - LOL - but I just
hate them - LOL - and I hate what I consider to be great
disrespect to the authors who wrote/composed them.

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Author	Message
POB14 Celebrity Joined: 7/01/05 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 349	Topic: Junior Musicals Posted: 8/25/05 at 11:39am
	I've never seen one of MTI's Junior musicals, but they're wildly popular with the schools and community groups around here. Poking around MTI's website for other reasons today, I discovered they now offer: Broadway Jr. Collection - the pared-down musicals for junior high we've all started to see everywhere. Kids Collection - shows for K-6 kids; so far 3 Disney shows. School Editions - so far just Les Mis* (!), a 2-hour version aimed at high schoolers. Theatre for Young Audiences - nothing yet, but will be pared-down musicals for adult performers, kid audiences. So the question is: is this getting out of hand? Good ideas? Bad ideas? Will this stuff whet childrens' appetites for the real thing, or will this further cut attention spans and make kids think the full-length shows are "boring"? What's next, Oh, Calcutta* for kindergardeners? A Long Day's Journey Into Naptime? Whattya think, all?
	POB Old Bugger, Curmudgeon, and Antisocial B**tard

	IP Logged

tristanrobin Celebrity Joined: 4/25/05 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 704	Posted: 8/25/05 at 2:29pm
	I think it's deplorable. I am sure they'll be popular. So is ecstasy and heroin. Popular doesn't mean good. I'm against Reader's Digest 'condensing' literature - I'm against paint by number kits of great masterpieces - and I'm against butchering play seeking the almighty dollar. If the grade school kids aren't old enough to do "Mame" - thank goodness - let them do CHILDREN'S plays. I cannot think of one single Broadway musical that it's appropriate for children to perform - to SEE, yes - to perform? Do we NEED 3rd grade Sally kissing 4th grade Aaron in grade school performances of "Oklahoma?" There is an entire world of young people's theatre out there. there is a REASON it's written. IMO, it's too damn bad if the parents don't want to sit through it because it's not Broadway caliber music. First of all - it ain't Broadway. Second of all, kids aren't vocally developed to sing that stuff yet anyway. Thirdly - it's their job to sit through "Charlie and Joey Show Babs How to Catch a Butterfly" - it comes with the kid. grumble grumble grumble
	IP Logged

Shatcher Celebrity Joined: 2/21/05 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 251	Posted: 8/25/05 at 5:19pm
	as a parent I think it is great that SOME of these shows have been paired down for high school drama clubs. If these kids do nothing but childrens theatre they will soon get bored and give it up altogether. Kids are more savvy than ever about this kind of stuff. Also they need to be prepared for the type of theatre they will encounter at the college level. It would be quite a shock to be doing kiddie theatre than jump in to college where they will encounter plays why beyond that. Before you scream at me let me also say that no 3rd graders should not be doing Mame, but they do need to do things that will fill the seats. in todays world where funding for the arts is being cut many, schools rely on tickets sales to do the next show. So is "Readers Digest" theatre ok? yes and no. Grade school and Jr High should stick to the kiddie theatre but high school kids should get to do the kinds of shows they want to do. If that means doing the Jr version of Les Miz(which by the way I have seen and it was the same as the orginal with some symplifed music) so be it. "A Long Days Journey into Naptime" sounds pretty funny! One last note. Most parents will sit through anything their kid is in. As a parent is is kind of an insult to say we would not "want to". Besides it is up to the parent what is right for their kid. If it is alright for Dakota Fanning to be in movies like Hide and Seek and War of the worlds is it wrong for her to Kiss the 4th grade Aaron? Only her parents can decide.
	IP Logged

Juliet Star Joined: 8/26/04 Online Status: Offline Posts: 73	Posted: 8/25/05 at 5:45pm
	I don't think it's about shortening it for time's sake as much as it's about keeping it at the age and talent of the kids doing it. Broadway jr is not just for elementary schools but for small theaters and high schools. Some high schools just don't have the talent to do all of "Into the Woods." And the quartet from the Music Man is extremely difficult for small high schools, since they don't have a variety of talent to choose from. I am all for these shows, because middle school and high school students are usually thrilled when they realize there is more to the story.
	IP Logged

tristanrobin Celebrity Joined: 4/25/05 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 704	Posted: 8/25/05 at 7:54pm
	"As a parent is is kind of an insult to say we would not "want to"." LOL And as a director in the public school system, I want to say that I have heard, "I have to sit through that play?" from parents about a million times in the past twenty years.
	IP Logged

Shatcher Celebrity Joined: 2/21/05 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 251	Posted: 8/26/05 at 12:25pm
	sorry to hear that. I and most of the parents at my kids school will sit through anything. Granted my kid is 6 so we will see how I feel about it in a few years LOL
	IP Logged

POB14 Celebrity Joined: 7/01/05 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 349	Posted: 8/29/05 at 12:41pm
	Gosh danged if R&H aren't doing the same thing now. http://www.rnh.com/theatricals/index.php?page=g2k
	POB Old Bugger, Curmudgeon, and Antisocial B**tard
	IP Logged

Topper Celebrity Joined: 1/27/05 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 543	Posted: 8/29/05 at 12:44pm
	I think you folks are missing the point. As I see it, Junior Musicals are designed to give younger kids their first exposure to theater. A full-scale production of a major musical would be daunting if not impossible for this age group. Likewise, many elementary schools and junior highs simply do not have the technical means nor support to mount such a production. Theater teaches youngsters creativity, teamwork and discipline among many other skills and is a great social activity for kids of all abilities. I am the parent of four and -- believe me -- I have sat through many an interminable show but I still believe encouraging children to participate in theater has benefits that far outweigh the consequences. I'm reminded of the adage about the customer who complained about buying tickets to see the dancing bear. The owner replied, "it's not that the bear dances well, but that he dances at all!"
	"None of us really grow up. All we ever do is learn how to behave in public." -- Keith Johnstone
	IP Logged

POB14 Celebrity Joined: 7/01/05 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 349	Posted: 8/29/05 at 12:56pm
	This is exactly why I asked the question: I really don't know how I feel about it. Anybody else here remember Classics Illustrated? I remember reading those, and thinking, "What the @#$%?" (I didn't swear as a kid, but I actually thought in symbols like that. ) "This isn't like the movie at all!" I specifically remember trying to figure out what the hell was going on in the CI version of Frankenstein. So when I got a little older, I searched out the Shelley book. Surprise! CI had it right, and James Whale was the one who changed things around. So reading this little goofy comic-book abridgement of the book got me to read the real thing. On the other hand, there was this Bowdler guy . . . . and the movie version of Grease . . . change is not always good. More thoughts, please, people. I really am struggling with this.
	POB Old Bugger, Curmudgeon, and Antisocial B**tard
	IP Logged

tristanrobin Celebrity Joined: 4/25/05 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 704	Posted: 8/29/05 at 3:05pm
	I'm obviously odd-man out here LOL. But I still vehemently disapprove of them. Now, granted, for some people (nobody here on this board!!!), being in a play is simply something to do when the team's bowling league season is up and there is nothing else happening on Wednesday nights. But - for people who pursue theatre as an art - there is one job for a director and producer (which involves many subdivisions LOL): respect and give fully realized interpretations of an author's work. That's what we're here to do. We're merely the instruments which play the author's orchestration. In fact - it's the reason we all sign contracts on which there are firm warnings that any changes need to be consented to in writing. IMO It is wrong to present an 'abbreviated' version of - oh, say - The Sound of Music - and advertise it as Rogers and Hammerstein's musical. It's not. It might have some of the same songs and lines in it - but it's not the play the authors wrote. I agree that not every high school is capable of singing the music in "Into the Woods" - and they shouldn't. There is a level of achievement required to produce good productions of many musicals. This is something good school programs work towards for years. You start small and build...expanding repertoire, abilities, skills and experience in the studets. But you don't short cut and say "we're not good enough to do it - so rather than raising our skill levels, we're going to lower the bar." I would rather see - and have students working on - a first-rate, well-performed and well-executed production of a musical version of The Hardy Boys than a second-rate, pared down version of LesMiserables. And I think most audiences would too. But most of all, the students get a chance to totally and completely fulfill the require skills in a play without compromising. Heheh - I know these reductions are popular - LOL - but I just hate them - LOL - and I hate what I consider to be great disrespect to the authors who wrote/composed them.
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Topic: Junior Musicals( Topic Closed)
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