Secret Garden

Yesterday, I felt the need to get some culture, Athens style. I had friends working on OVST's Secret Garden, which was written by Marsha Norman, so I headed over for their matinee.

I was impressed by the number of kids there. Including the wiggly kindergarten set. And while this is a musical based on a children's book, and I love the idea of getting 'em hooked on theater young, I also know that your average 5 year old is not going to want to sit through 2 hours of a musical in the dark.

The production made great use of projections to eliminate the need for excessive set. The blocking was more in keeping with staged reading or concert, but the vocals were good. And the costumes looked good. However, about half way through Act 1, I remembered that a) I hate musicals, and b) I never really liked this book. My mom was horrified. K blamed my preference of Austen to Bronte. I was torn. Do I sit through another 90 minutes of music that isn't particularly inspired and a story filled with whiny brats, or do I be the bad audience member and bail? I hate it when people leave, and I very rarely leave. But I didn't leave until intermission.

I am happy to support the arts and artists. And the production itself wasn't bad. It was the musical itself that was repellent. But I still felt guilty not unlike when I skipped Madness to watch the Cubs in the playoffs.

on Pandora: "Down for So Long" - the Rapture