The Eternal Showbiz Dilemma: Keeping the Magic Alive
As an actor, the opportunity to perform in a long-running musical theater production might sound like a dream come true. After all, the job security, the thrill of playing the same beloved character night after night, and the chance to truly master your craft – what’s not to love? However, the reality of maintaining that sense of excitement and freshness over the course of years, sometimes even a decade or more, can be a daunting challenge.
I recently had the chance to sit down with James McKnight, the CEO of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Really Useful Group, to get an insider’s perspective on how veteran performers manage to keep their performances engaging and authentic, even as the repetition of a long run sets in. McKnight, who has spent his career navigating the unique demands of the musical theater industry, shared invaluable insights that shed light on this eternal showbiz dilemma.
The Allure and the Agony of Longevity
As McKnight explained, the appeal of a long-running show is twofold. “On one hand, you have the stability and security that comes with a steady gig, especially in an industry as notoriously fickle as ours. And on the other, you have the opportunity to truly immerse yourself in a role, to explore its nuances and layers in a way that just isn’t possible with a short run.”
However, he’s quick to acknowledge the potential pitfalls. “The risk, of course, is that the performance can start to feel rote, like you’re just going through the motions. And that’s the last thing you want, because musical theater is all about capturing the audience’s imagination and drawing them into the story. If the performer isn’t feeling it, the audience won’t either.”
The Perils of Repetition: Keeping it Fresh
So, how do veteran performers avoid the dreaded boredom and burnout that can come with doing the same show, sometimes twice a day, for years on end? McKnight points to a few key strategies:
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Embrace the Ritual: “For many of our long-running shows, like ‘The Phantom of the Opera’ or ‘Cats,’ there’s a certain ritual to the performance that helps the actors stay grounded. They have their pre-show routines, their favorite spots backstage, their little personal touches that make each show feel special, even if the overall arc remains the same.”
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Seek Out New Challenges: “Performers are always looking for ways to keep things fresh, whether it’s experimenting with new inflections, exploring different motivations for their character’s actions, or even adding subtle physical flourishes. It’s about constantly challenging themselves to find new layers and nuances in the material.”
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Cultivate a Collaborative Spirit: “The most successful long-running productions foster an environment of mutual respect and creative collaboration. Actors, directors, and the production team work together to identify areas for growth and development, keeping the show alive and vibrant.”
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Nurture the Ensemble: “In musical theater, the ensemble is the beating heart of the show. When the ensemble is energized and engaged, it has a contagious effect on the principal performers. It’s about maintaining that sense of ensemble, even as individual cast members come and go.”
The Importance of Empathy
But McKnight stresses that it’s not just the performers who play a crucial role in sustaining a long-running show. “The audience has to be part of the equation, too. They need to understand and empathize with the challenges that these actors face, and be willing to meet them halfway.”
He cites the example of the Jafar actor in the Aladdin musical, who played the same role for years. “Imagine the dedication and discipline it takes to bring that character to life, night after night, without letting the performance become stale. The audience has to appreciate that, and meet the actor’s efforts with the same level of enthusiasm and engagement.”
Navigating the Revolving Door
And then, of course, there’s the constant turnover of cast members that comes with a long-running show. “It’s a delicate balance,” McKnight explains. “You want to maintain a certain level of consistency, to give the audience the experience they expect. But you also need to keep the show evolving, to bring in new energy and fresh perspectives.”
The solution, he says, lies in a combination of meticulous casting and a commitment to ongoing training and development. “We put a lot of thought into finding the right performers, not just for their technical skills, but for their ability to embody the essence of the character. And we’re always investing in workshops, masterclasses, and other opportunities for the cast to hone their craft and explore new angles.”
Honoring the Legacy, Embracing the Future
At the end of the day, the key to navigating the challenges of a long-running musical theater production, according to McKnight, is a delicate balance between honoring the legacy of the show and embracing the future.
“These are timeless stories that have captured the imaginations of audiences for generations,” he says. “Our job is to respect that legacy, to maintain the integrity of the material and the characters that people have come to love. But at the same time, we have to be willing to evolve, to adapt, to keep the show feeling relevant and alive.”
It’s a balancing act that requires a deep understanding of the art form, a keen eye for talent, and a unwavering commitment to excellence. And as McKnight points out, it’s a challenge that the team at the Musical Theater Center is always striving to meet.
“At the end of the day, it’s all about creating that magical connection between the performers and the audience,” he says. “And that’s what keeps us coming back, night after night, year after year – the thrill of being a part of that shared experience, of keeping the music and the drama alive.”
The Enduring Allure of Musical Theater
Indeed, the enduring allure of musical theater lies in its ability to captivate and transport us, to make us laugh, cry, and everything in between. And for the performers who dedicate themselves to these long-running productions, the challenge is to keep that magic alive, night after night, year after year.
As McKnight so eloquently puts it, “It’s not just a job, it’s a calling. And for those who have the passion, the discipline, and the sheer determination to master the craft, the rewards are truly unparalleled.”
So, the next time you find yourself swept up in the soaring melodies and the breathtaking spectacle of a long-running musical theater production, take a moment to appreciate the incredible dedication and artistry that goes into keeping that magic alive. It’s a true testament to the power of the performing arts, and a reminder of why we keep coming back for more.
