A TALE OF TWO CITIES THE MUSICAL PREVIEWS AUGUST

D.W. Griffith, A Tale of Two Cities & Jill Santoriello Part 1 of 2 in the series by Ira H. Gallen

It's rare to find anyone in the Theatre world who's aware that the father of American film was a failed playwright and struggling actor when he began directing moving pictures in 1908 in New York City at the age of 33.

It was D.W. Griffith's reading of Charles Dickens' A Tale of Two Cities that had only been published 16 years earlier that gave him the idea of incorporating techniques of storytelling used in literature to telling stories on screen for the first time. It's here he would introduce parallel action or the flash back into a moving picture.

It was on July 14th that the rehearsals started on composer-lyricist-librettist Jill Santoriello's musical interpretation of Charles Dickens' A Tale of Two Cities, as well as the release of Griffith's first film The Adventures of Dollie shown a few blocks away at a local nickelodeon a hundred years ago.

There's no better time to have a story of families and nations in turmoil then now, as it still seems to still be "the worst of times and the best of times," as a Star Ship Captain once said in Star Trek: In Search of Spock.

Only it's not the past or the future, it's right now with history repeating itself like a Twilight Zone episode as I watch Jill Santoriello -- like Rod Serling -- tell us that we're about to experience unconscionable conspiracies, life threatening schemes, countless betrayals, secret designs, complete political upheaval, pre-mediated murder, mob violence, survival against inhuman odds, unconditional love, indescribable love, heroic courage, breathless bravery and human sacrifices all over again.

So is the dedication of this self taught musician, who has spent over five years honing her craft, as well as that of her cast, crew and producers to tell a story of the French Revolution that will capture the imagination of the public.

It was Griffith's theatre influence that allowed him to see the importance of music to enhance a scene, and he introduced the public for the first time to great composers of the world we often take for granted -- Mozart, Shubert, Schumann, Beethoven and Tchaikovsky, among others.

Some of Jill's early influences in music were the first generation of composers to learn from Griffith and soon would create the great library of music during the Golden Age of Warner Brother movies, so Jill won me with the mention of Erich Wolfgang Korngold.

It's also rare to find anyone her age who's watched The Adventures of Robin Hood, The Charge of the Light Brigade and Captain Blood.

Next Part 2

Category:

Film & Animation

Tags:

• ATALEOFTWOCITIES

[WaysideFlower]

"Les Miserables" was NOT about the French Revolution. It was about a small student uprising in 1832, a number of years after the famous Revolution ended.

[SECRETMOVIES]

The show was outstanding. It will have a great run.

[andrear]

I liked this show...............and of course it closed too, to make way for the GENIUS that's on Broadway right now...NOT. This and Light and of the Piazza should still be running...so sad.

[babyrach21]

It might of closed but you can always remember these incredible voices and capture them in your mind. Specially Natalie's voice, think she has a great voice, everytime I hear her sing i get the chills, you can fell the passion! she is my sister in law and it just makes me feel proud to have her as part of my life! Specially ever since I heard her sing my favorite song "Somewhere over rainbow".............

[metuberous]

This show is phenomenal. The talent, the set, the music, the theme, all are sublime. Pity that it's closing for economic reasons. It is one of the best musicals I have ever sen.

[born4stage926]

Oh My Gosh! A Tale of Two Cities is the Best show that I have seen on Broadway so far. I have seen about 20 shows and this one definitely comes out on top! Everyone should go see it as soon as possible..I can guarantee you that you will not be disappointed. The cast is phenomenal and the story is so inspiring. You will find yourself laughing and crying and really just enjoying this classic Broadway experience! I have seen the show twice already and I intend on going many more times!

[byattlover]

this was in response to Wayside Flower, btw.

[byattlover]

they consider a revolution, the one in 1848, with the barricades. it's not THE Revolution with the Reign of Terror but it's still a revolution.

there have been many in France, since France is on it's 5th republic.

[iraRona]

NYTIMES should have there mouth washed out and D- if they were being graded as a term paper for journalism.

[iraRona]

I just saw the show and thought the New York Times was having a bad night PMSing. They should be ashamed ofthemselves - it was a great Night at the theatre.MAJOR talent on stage. James Barbour - award winning voice and performance. Natalie Toro - GREAT Voice and stand out talent. Brandi Burkhardt-I'm in Love, great voice. All had songs that showed that there some of the best performers on Broadway.