Two very popular theatre troupes are performing onstage this weekend. The FSF Community Theatre Group has opted for a very large cast for their version of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Cinderella.” Meanwhile the DCT Players (Douglaston Community Theatre) are presenting just a bit more than half a dozen actors for their dramatic presentation of “To Grandmother’s House We Go.”
Opening night for both shows was a study in contrasts. At “Cinderella” there were dozens of parents and siblings in the audience enjoying their relatives in the footlights. Fathers pointed their camcorders as their little ones enjoyed 15 moments of fame. It was a warm and wonderful evening.
On the other hand, opening night for the DCT players allowed the audience to scrutinize every word and gesture presented by the major and supporting characters. Tears of anguish, hearty laughter. Every range of emotion to be seen, heard and shared by the audience. Intense!
So here’s the question. Is it better to offer musicals with large casts to attract large audiences? Or is there some inherent nobility in less known, small cast dramas that allow the cast to show deeper emotion and allow the audience to empathize as well?
You decide.
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