All That Chat - re: Zorba as "a play with music" (spoilers)

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re: Zorba as "a play with music" (spoilers)

Posted by:	larry13 11:36 am EDT 05/10/15
In reply to:	Zorba as "a play with music" (spoilers) - mikem 11:16 am EDT 05/10/15

Thank you, very interesting and thought provoking. Like you, I'd never seen the show before or read the book or seen the movie. I agree with much of what you say. I found Zorba the man to be a pompous blowhard much of the time; I found some of ZORBA the musical to similarly contain patronizing "this is how you should live your life" material, especially as expressed by the ubiquitous Leader. No offense to Mazzie(who sang very well, even if I thought she wasn't ideal casting)or Kander's propulsive melodies, but was it necessary to have her around SO much of the time, especially in the few scenes between the Widow and Niko? I understand that the cutting of the book, especially in the second act, may have harmed the story. It certainly was very difficult to accept the actions of the villagers--and Zorba's acceptance of them--if this was NOT the theme of the show. Even THE VISIT, with its watered down portrait of the town, in the musical, is much clearer an indictment of the citizens. Yes, ZORBA as presented by Encores was not primarily depressing or dark. I don't know if I would characterize the tone as cynical as much as mixed or confused.

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