Every play is rhythmic control. If you want an audience to go on a journey, it's rhythmic control. You're crafting when they lean in, when they push back, when they breathe, when they surrender.
George C. WolfeRead
A musical is what happens when text collides with motion collides with song collides with spectacle. And spectacle can be the human heart; it doesn't necessarily have to be a helicopter crashing.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote highlights the dynamic interplay of storytelling, movement, music, and emotion in a musical performance.
George C. Wolfe's quote emphasizes that a musical is a rich tapestry woven from various elements such as narrative, choreography, music, and visual spectacle. He suggests that the essence of spectacle is not confined to grand or dramatic displays, but can also stem from the emotional depth and resonance of the human experience, illustrating that creativity can manifest in numerous ways.
Themes
MusicalArtEmotionStorytellingSpectacle
In practice
Example use cases
In a theater discussion about the transformative power of musicals.
More from George C. Wolfe
All quotes →One of the things I learned very early on was that if you cast the show correctly, and if you've created the right energy in the room, the solution is also in the room. The solution doesn't necessarily come from someone, but if everybody is working in a very steadfast and rigorous way, then everything you're looking for is in the room.
George C. WolfeRead
The wonderful thing about theater is that it has so many people involved in the creation of it. The worst thing about theater is that it has so many people involved in the creation of it. That dynamic is thrilling and challenging every time you make a show.
George C. WolfeRead
I was raised to believe that other people's suffering was my responsibility.
George C. WolfeRead
I think I am the first person of color to direct a major white play on Broadway. In 1993? That's astounding to me. And horrifying to me.
George C. WolfeRead
One thing I tend to do is ask actors tons and tons of questions to try to get at what they're thinking but also to expose to them whatever box they've placed their characters in - to blow up that box so the journey can begin.
George C. WolfeRead
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