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Re: Pit Orchestras

Author: Terry Stibal
Date: 2005-12-20 21:43

I've had similar problems with risers provided for my use in the past that don't have a curb on the rear edge. The chairs slide about, and pretty soon it's falling over backwards time with a bass clarinet heading for your face.

I've even gone so far as to stipulate in my group's contract that a curb be provided for the rear set of risers (the front ones have the risers behind them to stop the chair legs from sliding). The last job we did with risers had a screwed on hardwood curb installed; somebody was reading the fine print on that one.

And, speaking of performances of Chicago, we picked one up a year ago while on vacation in Pensacola. The production values were consistent with the norms overall (i.e., very Fosse-like, and a cast full of strong dancers if not stellar vocalists), excepting only one glaring detail:

In the middle of the stage was the obligatory set of tiers with the pit orchestra (all two string players and big band of it, including the wimpiest baritone sax player on earth) in full view as is customary. In front of the group was perched the vocal music director of a local college, apparently serving a dual role as musical director and pit conductor. And, while everyone else was dressed in the traditional Fosse-inspired black on black shirts and pants, Madame Conductor was decked out in a very flattering off the shoulder black evening gown, complete with sparkling crystals. If somewhat out of place, I have to admit that she looked very good, functioning almost as a wedding cake-like center of attention throughout the entire show.

The only other faux pas that I've ever seen along these lines was a college production of Threepenny Opera where they were going to dispatch Macheath in an electric chair, yet they still left in the scene where the police are testing the trap (on a hangman's gallows) before the big finish.

Some theatrical types need to get out a bit more...

leader of Houston's Sounds Of The South Dance Orchestra
info@sotsdo.com

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Pit Orchestras new

Katrina

2005-12-19 20:20