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Encore!

Mon, 24 June 2002, 02:48 pm
Babar's Sister11 posts in thread

This has been argued countless times before but sod it, I'm still asking.

Who decides whether or not to have a "Curtain Call" or "Encore" as some would say?
I've had countless answers such as :

-->The conductor (usually also the MD) decides

-->The Stage Manager decides

-->The guy/gal pulling the curtains back and forth decides

-->The cast decide

: these decisions, of course, are based on how rowdy/quiet the audience has/have been.
Any more answers or arguments against the 'choices' mentioned? I can't make up my mind....

Re: Encore!

Mon, 24 June 2002, 06:46 pm
Babar's Sister wrote:
>
>
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> -->The guy/gal pulling the curtains back and forth decides

A good question.
CURTAIN CALL: Encore, additional song or songs. Usually the first encore is automatic and pre-arranged.

EXTENDED CURTAIN CALL: another song/dance after the above, I will assume you are talking about this curtain call/encore/etc.

One thing I will comment on is the professionalism of extended curtain calls...

I was reading the Limelight Theatre's (Wanneroo) rulebook-thingo-manifesto-guidelines-and-regulations (what is the official title?), and, interestingly, the very first rule in the book is:

i. All curtain calls must be rehearsed.

And I do agree. Playlovers' 'Superstar' had a curtain call, but no rehearsed extended curtain call, and when it came to a rather-large-rather-noisy applause and ovation on the final night, the cast had nothing to give. And since they had nothing, they did nothing. And nothing was done.

Nearly all other musicals I have experienced would have a rehearsed curtain call that is executed with or without a grateful audience.

From lack-of-memory, 'Les Mis' @ the Regal last year had one such curtain call, but an unrehearsed 'extended-extended' curtain call was added on the final night because of audience' applause... someone correct me if I am mistaken.

I believe it is up to the SM, in proper comunication with EVERYONE else to direct an extended curtain call, as in the instance above. However, I prefer the 'curtain call without reason', which I see so often!

Alan!

Thread (11 posts)

Encore!Babar's Sister24 June 2002
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