Lyle and I enjoy live entertainment and so during July or August we
try to make a point of going to Cardston in Southern Alberta for their summer
theatre program. The other night we saw Into
the Woods. The musical was not in traditional style but very cleverly
written and superbly performed. After the show, we were discussing the performance
with our friend Dorothy.
Of course, I had my own comments to make about the dialogue, but
then I listened to Lyle and Dorothy speaking about various aspects of the set
and the costuming. Lyle was impressed with some of the facial expressions of
the actors which I obviously could not see. Dorothy remarked that when the
giant was killed (if you know your fairy tales, you will also know that I have
not spoiled any surprise in the plot) and said that she nearly did not notice
when a pair of giant spectacles fell from the ceiling to the floor. Again, I
had no idea that this had happened at all.
Some people might wonder why someone with little or no sight would
go to a visual performance. Let me say that there is more to life than just the
visual aspects. Sure I would like to be able to see more of the details of what
are happening but just because I have only partial sight does not mean that I
should give up on the rest of what is available.
I do know that there are some theatres that offer describe prompts
of what is happening on stage. I know that Stratford Theatre in Ontario has
this feature and I have heard of several others that do likewise. Personally I
find audio descriptions a bit distracting but I am pleased that it can be
offered to people who find it beneficial.
Going to a show is more than the performance itself. There is the
whole social aspect of being part of the audience. I like choosing seats and
purchasing tickets. I like getting dressed up to go out for a special occasion.
I like the buzz of conversation before the curtain goes up. Yes, I do enjoy
live entertainment and musicals are our favourite genre. After the show, I like
to sit with friends over coffee, wine or an ice-cream cone and talk about our
evening spent together. Tonight we will see Sherlock
Holmes, the musical and then the following night it is back to the
traditional with The Music Man.
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