On crying - one of the most unfortunate performances I ever saw was in a Boston suburb Into The Woods going on almost 20 years ago now. Somehow, "No One Is Alone" became this weepy cry fest for all four actors - something I've never seen before or since. It had to be one the most indulgent, uncomfortable scenes I've ever watched - with 4 very very good actors who absolutely knew better (I completely blame the director, who I fear truly lost control over much of the production, and who also crucially miscast several other pivotal roles).
Compare that to the original video of the Broadway production, where yes, we do see Kim Crosby wipe ONE TEAR off of Danielle Ferland's face. That was a touching moment. But when it gets to be much more than that, IMO it takes the emotional response away from the audience. In general, I feel that WE should be the ones to cry, not the actors. |
