Posted by Kristin
Upon learning that The Lion King musical production was coming to the city, I immediately prodded my boyfriend, Adam, to buy us tickets to see it for my birthday. That was June. I politely reminded him in September. December came, and there was that ticket-stuffed birthday card on top of my other presents!
We made our way to the SHN Orpheum Theatre Wednesday night for this must-see musical. Upon entering the lobby, it hit me that I haven’t been to a musical theater performance in years— in fact, not since Wicked came to San Francisco in 2008—I only go to classical concerts and intimate recitals. For example, I most recently attended the debut concert of my two friends’ classical guitar and voice duo, One Great City, presented by the Delphi Trio Emerging Artist Program at the First Unitarian Universalist Church. As I passed through the Orpheum Theatre lobby, my mind began to buzz comparing my surroundings with the performance experiences I am used to.
We took our seats and I took in my unfamiliar environment:
At intermission, or “half-time” as I facetiously call it, I started to relate these mental notes to Adam. He said I was acting like a “Music Snob” and listed the similarities between the musical experiences.
Adam, with his bright, positive philosophies, made me realize I was being too closed-minded. I guess experiencing each art form makes experiencing the next one even more enjoyable. It’s not always about being critical, but thinking critically with an open mind. I hope I am not a Music Snob and from this day forward, I declare that I will absorb the aesthetics of one art form and apply it to others in a thought-provoking way.
Photo by: Disney
We made our way to the SHN Orpheum Theatre Wednesday night for this must-see musical. Upon entering the lobby, it hit me that I haven’t been to a musical theater performance in years— in fact, not since Wicked came to San Francisco in 2008—I only go to classical concerts and intimate recitals. For example, I most recently attended the debut concert of my two friends’ classical guitar and voice duo, One Great City, presented by the Delphi Trio Emerging Artist Program at the First Unitarian Universalist Church. As I passed through the Orpheum Theatre lobby, my mind began to buzz comparing my surroundings with the performance experiences I am used to.
We took our seats and I took in my unfamiliar environment:
- What a rowdy and interactive audience. They will clap for (and through) anything.
- I’ve never seen so many children in a venue. (Duh, Kristin, it is a Disney production.)
- I can’t remember the last time I went to a concert where voices and instruments were amplified, and my classically-trained ears picked up a lot of things I wish weren’t amplified.
- The sets and costumes were amazing, but distracted me from hearing the talent.
- Musical theater can provide a fun and accessible combination of musical, visual, and performing arts.
At intermission, or “half-time” as I facetiously call it, I started to relate these mental notes to Adam. He said I was acting like a “Music Snob” and listed the similarities between the musical experiences.
- Everyone gets annoyed when the lady in front of you has big hair, especially when she moves around in her seat.
- No one likes a grumpy usher, but is relieved when said grumpy usher scolds the teenagers taking pictures in the hall.
- An interactive or appreciative audience can add to the experience. Plus, the performers feed off of the energy.
- There is some form of performing arts for everyone and this is probably more accessible than a 20th century minimalism concert.
- There is probably a kid among the audience and this is his first exposure to live performance. He could be inspired to start playing an instrument or sing.
Adam, with his bright, positive philosophies, made me realize I was being too closed-minded. I guess experiencing each art form makes experiencing the next one even more enjoyable. It’s not always about being critical, but thinking critically with an open mind. I hope I am not a Music Snob and from this day forward, I declare that I will absorb the aesthetics of one art form and apply it to others in a thought-provoking way.
Photo by: Disney
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