Last fall I wrote a blog post about the fact that we all have different versions of Knoxville that we love. The city I describe on this blog may be quite different from the one you experience due to differences in our economic and personal situations, our background and interests and circumstances beyond our understanding. I pointed out that while I take in as much music as I can possibly afford, for example, I don’t make it to such events as operas, symphonies, plays and musicals, just to name a few. Others take in those things but miss or simply aren’t interested in events that I enjoy very much.
After writing that post, a wonderful couple introduced themselves to Urban Woman and myself and, having read what I’d written, took it upon themselves to stretch our horizons a bit. They’ve shared tickets to the Opera (Die Fledermous) and, most recently, West Side Story, which is a part of the Broadway at the Tennessee series. The series runs from fall through spring and productions this year included Rock of Ages and A Chorus Line this fall and West Side Story in January. Still to come are performances of Mary Poppins, American Idiot and The Addams Family.
All I can really say is that the production was a delight from beginning to end. Our tickets could not have been better: center, front row of the balcony. From that vantage, the Tennessee Theatre spreads its beauty in every direction. The curtain rose to reveal the first of several gorgeous sets which provided perfect backdrops for the various scenes. The set for the fight scene and for much of the outdoor interactions seemed authentic and proved itself to be extremely versatile and functional.
The music itself stars in the production. The score, by Bernstein and Sondheim absolutely soars. Urban Woman noted how surprised she was to find that she knew so many songs that she just hadn’t realized were part of the musical, such as “Something’s Coming,” “I Feel Pretty,” and “Somewhere.” The vocals could not have been better and the small orchestra complimented the vocals perfectly. We were struck with how impressive that is: local musicians step in with traveling performers and perform as if they have been together for years.
In the end, the most amazing realization to us was what an amazing thing it is to find this many people who can sing and act and dance and do all three at the same time, all the while remembering their lines and hitting their cues. I’m in awe of people of such talent and this production had dozens of them. The leads were perfectly cast and dynamic, but others really shined when given the chance.
Yet another excellent opportunity presents itself in the city. Please consider attending one of the remaining performances. The tickets are not cheap, ranging from $37 (obstructed view) up to $77, but if you can afford it, you will feel your money was well spent. I’m thinking Urban Girl might need to see Mary Poppins. Maybe I’ll see you there.