Set Design and Limitations on Identity: Walter Lee in Nashville Rep’s A Raisin in the Sun

Lorraine Hansberry’s A Raisin in the Sun is an unprecedented classic surging into existence at a time when it might have seemed least likely. Due to a cast of all-black characters and hesitant investors, producer Philip Rose had to work for a year to earn enough money to produce the play, but it garnered huge…

Posted by denneysg on May 2, 2017 in Analysis Essay

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If You’re So Sympathetic: Vanderbilt University Theatre’s Gnit and Empathy

The lights go up on a Norwegian forest; near-comical cutouts of trees and a mountain range decorate the stage. A wooden turntable rests at a slight tilt; a stage for voluminous numbers of strangers, friends, and neighbors in colorful sweaters and floral corduroy overalls. Above the set dangles dozens of bare lightbulbs, twinkling a warm…

Posted by denneysg on March 27, 2017 in Analysis Essay

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A Gentleman’s Guide to Comedic Homicides; or, The Great Musical Paradox of Our Generation

It was a dark and chilly night in January. There was no rain, but the wind rustled my skirts as I stalked along the streets of downtown Nashville. A tall building loomed; a flashing red marquee and the impression of darkened, reflective windows—The Tennessee Performing Arts Center. We had arrived. I stepped inside, removed my…

Posted by denneysg on February 25, 2017 in Production Review, 2017, A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder, Broadway tour, hilarious, London, musical comedy

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Yamn Dankees: VOB’s 20th Mainstage Production

With about as much verve as the Washington Senators, Vanderbilt Off-Broadway (VOB) begins the spring semester with the Faustian baseball musical Damn Yankees. Many thought the show was an unusual pick for an organization like VOB, whose last mainstage productions included more contemporary pieces like Legally Blonde and The Addams Family. But director Hannah Lazarz’…

Posted by denneysg on February 17, 2017 in Blog posts, Production Review, 1956, Abbott, Alex Schecter, Baseball, Emily Carskadden, Evan Blum, Hannah Lazarz, heart, Jess Powers, Joe Hardy, Lindsey Mullen, Lindsey Swearingen, Mainstage, Megan Ward, Michael Maerlender, musical, puns, Sammy Lyons, Shoeless Joe, sports, team, Vanderbilt Off-Broadway, Washington Senators, Yamn dankees

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