Is there something you like to see over and over again? A movie or TV show that you’ve watched a million times before? I definitely have many of those. Hell, there are movies I’ve seen countless times in movie theaters. I love watching things over and over…I pick up on new things, or just enjoy watching from a different perspective. And I especially love to see plays and musicals over and over. Unfortunately, I don’t get to do that as much, as shows can be expensive, but it doesn’t take away from when I do get those opportunities. I certainly look for those when I can.
I’m not embarrassed to go on about my favorite shows that I’ve seen multiple times (if you’re asking, Spring Awakening six times, Hair four times, RENT three times, Next To Normal two times), though I probably should be a little. But the thing is, I’ve learned something new about a show with each watch. I think that’s a big part of why I love seeing shows over and over, especially my favorite shows like the ones I listed above. There are so many intricacies to shows, and the best way to catch them is to see shows over and over again.
And it’s very much a basic physical thing, too. Things change depending on where you’re sitting. I remember when all the talk of Spring Awakening was if you were sitting on the side of the stage where you saw Wendla’s breasts or Melchior’s ass. Also, with Spring Awakening, there’s on stage seating. This was an absolutely bizarre experience. Watching the show like that was unbelievable, and I’m glad I got to see the show that way. Even more glad I had watched it in the regular seating before hand. But I learned a lot from that.
It’s also a ton of fun getting to see different actors in different roles. Every actor brings something unique to the role. I love getting to see original cast members, but I’ve definitely fallen in love with replacements as well…sometimes more than the originals. And of course, not everyone lives up to their hype. I saw Jennifer Damiano, the original Natalie in Next To Normal, and was extremely let down. But when I saw a local production of the show, the girl who played Natalie was incredible. You don’t have to be on Broadway to bring something perfect to a role. I loved getting to see a really great Natalie the second time around.
With each production comes different staging. Sometimes sets are the same or very similar. The set for Next To Normal at The Media Theatre was very similar to the set on Broadway. I’ve only seen Spring Awakening on Broadway and touring, so everything was exactly the same on that one. I think the biggest difference I’ve ever seen is with Hair…and for a very particular reason. The second time I got to see the show was when it was being put on in Central Park, where it had started in the late 60s. This was the precursor to it going back to Broadway, but it changed how I perceived the show in general. I was so grateful to get to see it there and on Broadway.
Something very interesting about getting to see shows over and over again is that sometimes shows have to be tailored to the area/audience. When I saw In The Next Room Off Broadway, there were definitely some racier parts than when I saw it at Hedgerow. Honestly, it’s a tough show. There’s a lot in there that could be considered controversial, even on Broadway. Adapting it for a local theatre could mean some changes. You have to make sure your audience is getting what they want and need. Otherwise, the show won’t be a success. Something like that is really cool getting to see again. It really made me think.
Things can really change from production to production. The first two times I saw RENT were on Broadway and touring, so things were very set. They tend to be on Broadway and on tours. When I went to see it at The Media Theatre, I was very curious about how they were going to do it. They had stuck to Next To Normal pretty well. I think RENT is a very different situation. First of all, it’s been around a lot longer. Second of all, the stage and costumes are pretty iconic. Most people who are familiar with musical theatre could tell you about those aspects of RENT. It was interesting, since they used those well known sets and costumes as a starting off point, but also put their own spin on them. Seeing the show again was something totally new and great. The experience was perfect. I was lucky to get to see it again.
There is so much to gain from seeing a show multiple times. I think I’ve learned a lot about how theatre works just from seeing shows multiple times. It doesn’t have to be something big like a Broadway or touring show. There are plenty of local shows I’ve seen multiple times. And it doesn’t just have to be about learning. Sometimes, it’s just sort of fun. So sit in house left one time and house right the next. I’m sure I’m not the only one who could get something out of this as well.
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