The test for me is when I see an amateur production--it often gets to whether I think the script/score has merit on its own (assuming the production is reasonably competent and not dependent on a star). OOTI was one of my talented undergrad's favorite show and he directed it as a senior project. Perfectly fine in terms of staging, musicianship, and acting, but the story appalled me (and I love fairy tales), its cultural stuff made me a bit uneasy (not the light vs. dark skinned element--that is a reality of some cultures, I know), and I found the score had a couple of catchy songs (Mama Will Provide, We Dance), but the whole thing seemed one step from The Small House of Uncle Thomas, which at least was devised in the 1950s. I've thought of giving this revival a chance to change my mind, since the reviews and board response has been so enthusiastic, but I'm no longer sure.
And, no, I've never been a big fan of The Little Mermaid in any of its forms. The Love over Death thing just doesn't convince me. |
