RE: #KD40 - On Stage
Alright, so KD40: On Stage debuts in two weeks, and I am curious as to what we can expect to see. This show is no doubt the "main show" of the 2014 season (sort of Kings Dominion's London Rocks), and it will be filling the shoes of On Broadway, which in my opinion was a very well done show. The park has posted next to nothing about this show since announcing it. However, if this show is produced somewhat like On Broadway, then things will be good.
As somebody who doesn't like Broadway stuff in the least, the fact that I liked On Broadway says something. Kings Dominion's former entertainment company, MoonMaxx, did a very good job selecting quality performers, who played their parts very well. The costumes were also very well done, and the entire production itself was well produced. Heck, the idea in general of a Broadway show beats the pop/rock music shows that have played in the past. Only two things were
really lacking in On Broadway: a.) choreography, which I think helps solidify a show, and b.) sets; On Broadway had such a minimalist set, with nothing more than colored, lit up sheets in the background as a permanent set. There were props, like ladders, pianos, dice, chairs, but it was still empty. One scene took place in a restaurant, and an enormous three-dimensional restaurant backdrop-set lowered into place. I wonder why that wasn't utilized more often.
I hope KD40: On Stage improves on those faults, while sticking with what made its predecessor a good show. Something I noticed this year, is that the performers around the park are even more talented than last years. No hate against last year's cast, but shows like Pop Fusion, Street Beats, Got Country, etc. did have some
spottier performers. Unlike last year, this year I haven't really seen somebody who I thought I can sing better than (which isn't saying much, since I can't even whistle on-key, but still). Just take my word for it,
these guys are good. On Broadway had the strongest cast in the park; I hope the same goes for this show. If that's the case, I expect amazing things as far as cast goes.
Looking at RWS & Associates' Facebook page, it looks like their theme park shows (including those at Cedar Fair parks) do have a much fuller set than what we've seen before. So yay. I'm sure the spectrum of the set is up to the theme park's budget, but hopefully we will see some improvement in sets.
As far as choreography goes, I can't remember if Kings Dominion was casting dancers back when they had audition information on their website. If anybody can recall, this could tell us if this show will involve dancing. The other shows do not involve an extreme amount of dancing.
Anyway, looking at the show's description...
Kings Dominion said:
We are turning back the clock and bringing 40 years of memories to life on stage. From the 1970s to today, this high energy show celebrates not only the greatest hits that have defined the last 40 years but also takes you on a journey through the rich history that has made Kings Dominion Virginia’s destination for family fun!
...I wonder if this show will include some songs from the park's original shows. Youtube user KDFanPre91 made a series of videos which use the soundtrack from some of the park's original shows in the background. I wonder if that is the kind of music this show will have. Click the spoiler tab to see.
Whelp, that's all I've got. I guess we'll find out for sure in two weeks.
And here's to hoping that the hashtag is the worst part of the show.