Word: worldsã
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...latch onto a single word—hallucinogenic, or even psychedelic. Yet, trying to capture Vu in one word does a disservice to her artistic complexity. As Vu’s thesis advisor, Visual and Environmental Studies (VES) department professor Andrew Beattie, says of the “miracle worlds?? she paints: “They’re not cute and she’s not cute—that’s the wrong word. When you use the words ‘whimsical’ and ‘quirky...
...Unfortunately, such sad songs are just about the only agreeable aspect of the show; to deem anything the “best” in this disappointingly mediocre production would be to issue a gross overstatement. Though it offers a wonderful musical experience, “Best of Both Worlds?? ultimately demonstrates the potential pitfalls of an emphasis on active spectatorship...
...Best of Both Worlds?? frames “The Winter’s Tale” in an R&B world in which Shakespeare’s rival monarchs are now kings of soul, or “chocolate royalty,” and music has the power to heal. One of the kings, Ezekiel (Gregg Baker), devastates his empire when he accuses wife Serena (Jeanette Bayardelle) of having an affair with his former best friend Maurice (Darius de Haas). Despair at Serena’s banishment eventually leads to redemption in the restorative second...
This magical moment also leads to the abrupt religious awakening “Best of Both Worlds?? seems to undergo. For an alleged gospel musical, the show hardly contains spiritual overtones until the very end—and by then, it is too late to force these ideas on the audience quite so intensely...
...Best of Both Worlds?? seems to inadvertently illustrate that there is a limit to active spectatorship in the theater. There is nothing wrong with the audience simply sitting in their seats and watching a show in front of them, especially when it best serves the material. Ultimately, the gospel music that cures the soul and Ezekiel’s family fails to cure this production’s many woes. Music’s healing power has reached its limit...