Stage Door Blog: Creative Technology

Assignment: Angel De Quinta's Stage Door Blog- 7 video excerpts showing technology used in a creative way

Man of La Mancha
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=LgzXwpePTTU

spotlight following performer across stage
back drop and rusty red/brown costume design for scene, similar complimentary hues
orchestra is simple as the main actor singing remains in focus, matches temp and tone as man picks up pace and enriches emotion.

Annie "New Deal for Christmas"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=sSTm321Is7o

The creative camera angling is a bit hectic along with the simultaneous background music, tap dancing and harmony of children and adult voices reflecting the overall tone and and emotional storyline of Annie.

Side By Side, Neil Patrick Harris, Tony Awards
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=kMwotYjG0Ak

Neil Patrick Harris, main focus, once again spotlight follows him across stage; city back drop
Interactive quality of singing with other performers on stage who also converse, making the performance more light hearted and easy going.

Speaks to the message of the song: side by side, as Harris is surrounded and the dancers remain in complete sync with one another.

Ladies Who Lunch, Patti LuPone
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UvXEQ4lZt8k&feature=player_embedded

I love the clear emotion broadcasted in not only the tone of voice but facial expression. Most of the performances highlight the performer while the lighting and orchestra slyly compliment the gradual changes of the performance, hinting to the audience the developing tone. The purple light, reactions and orchestra become more looming as LuPone drags out her voice in relfection of despair and drunken state. Orchestra builds intensity as she escalates the power of her voice.

Being Alive
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_JrRGcu-I5k&feature=player_embedded#t=40s

Singer is  center main stage, two other performers in almost a heckle like state trace back and forth across the stage as the orchestra is beautifully positioned behind and then behind the orchestra, a beautiful gothic architectural backdrop. The effect of conversation/interaction used to break apart the song makes the piece more heartfelt and endearing, adding a refreshment of realism.
Julie Andrews, Camelot
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XV24zNLkE8s&feature=player_embedded

In comparison, this performance is quite simple: black and white, fairly bland stage, the orchestra teases along with the tempo of the dancing to hold he attention of the audience.

Robert Goulet, Sir Lancelot
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xL52hEArSfM&feature=player_embedded

Just like Camelot, the technology is incredibly simple. Everything is filmed in black and white. The backdrop is far from today's modern developments but it paints the image of a castle, and this soldier whole heartily singing about his love for a woman, unable to imagine when he would be able to leave her. The orchestra compliments the stages of the song and the lyrics and costume are beautiful enough to entrance the viewer without modern day effects.