I think a comparison between OktoberZest and Monster Stomp glosses over critical details.
OktoberZest
- Thread starter Zachary
- Start date
VonDerrick said:
Because thoughtful consideration of consequences and risk avoidance are SEAS watchwords.
By the way, the Pachelbel's Canon segment has been removed. That's the one that always ended with a screechy note. Instead, the violinist plays Edelweiß right before the cast sings it.
The first scene has had some adjustments, but it now looks like that scene from "Amadeus" where Mozart plays a choreographed ballet with no music out of spite.
The first scene has had some adjustments, but it now looks like that scene from "Amadeus" where Mozart plays a choreographed ballet with no music out of spite.
Time for a v2 video update? Or, would that be v3?
If they are going to do it, they should just do the classic TIO. With a full band, not the canned music. The two good musicians now are underutilized. "Country Roads" may be used in current German festivities, but it is just confusing to American ears for this production.
Basically, a common BGW story - the cast is doing their best considering what they were given to work with. No fault of theirs. The talent is there. An example being that one performer did a fantastic job with "Finnegan's Wake" last year.
Basically, a common BGW story - the cast is doing their best considering what they were given to work with. No fault of theirs. The talent is there. An example being that one performer did a fantastic job with "Finnegan's Wake" last year.
I would love to hear a full band at Das Festhaus again. The difference between live instruments vs canned music is ridiculous. 
CastleOSullivan said:
We saw OktoberZest on Pass Member Day and then again yesterday (5/26). They HAVE greatly reduced the opening slap-dance sequence. Also, I'm pretty sure there was originally a costume change that no longer happens - all of the performers wear blue-and-yellow outfits for the entire show. The violinist DID play the Pachelbel's Canon segment yesterday, ending with a beautiful high note that was not at all screechy.
Flyer said:
I will try to check it out tomorrow. I wouldn't be surprised if a recording kicks in, but I am interested to find out.
In the performance I saw, the violinist hit the note in the end perfectly with no signs of struggling. They picked a very good violin player that's for sure.
The park now says "Flash photography or recordings devices of any sort are strictly prohibited. Yes, we are talking of a Bier hall.
Edit: Expect possibly your last video of the show soon. Let's just say they wouldn't do this if they were proud of the show. It could be something else, but that's where I am placing my money.
Edit: Expect possibly your last video of the show soon. Let's just say they wouldn't do this if they were proud of the show. It could be something else, but that's where I am placing my money.
CastleOSullivan said:
The same announcement is made before Celtic Fyre. Are you claiming they aren't proud of that show either? Prohibiting flash photography and recording devices is very common in all types of theatre.
That's a good point. They did the same spiel for "All For One" and there was a brief time when "Mix It Up" had that, but it didn't last long. I don't consider the "No recording devices of any sort" thing as a sign of the park's opinion on the quality of the show but something that theater does period.
EDIT: Just now CastleO'Sullivan has posted a video of the new revised opening to "OktoberZest". I'm so happy that the stupid break dance has been removed and the sequence is more energized and mercifully shorter than it was when it opened. Plus the still excellent violin player introduces the show rather than a recorded narrator which is a good change in my opinion.
EDIT: Just now CastleO'Sullivan has posted a video of the new revised opening to "OktoberZest". I'm so happy that the stupid break dance has been removed and the sequence is more energized and mercifully shorter than it was when it opened. Plus the still excellent violin player introduces the show rather than a recorded narrator which is a good change in my opinion.
All of this started after London Rocks. Celtic Fyre didn't start doing that until the second year of London Rocks. Busch Gardens Williamsburg is the only park in the entire SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment chain that prohibits filming. We know from court records that they have had trouble before with copyright and they aren't doing anything to change that image.
If the park is implying that their entertainment is so much better than any other large theme park chain (none of which prohibit filming), they are seriously kidding themselves. They arguably haven't had an instant hit since 2010. They need to cut this out. It's seriously out of control when they expect people to put away recording devices in a family dining area.
In this type of show in particular, people want videos of their kids doing the Chicken Dance and singing Country Roads. These rules technically prohibit that. Where will it end?
If the park is implying that their entertainment is so much better than any other large theme park chain (none of which prohibit filming), they are seriously kidding themselves. They arguably haven't had an instant hit since 2010. They need to cut this out. It's seriously out of control when they expect people to put away recording devices in a family dining area.
In this type of show in particular, people want videos of their kids doing the Chicken Dance and singing Country Roads. These rules technically prohibit that. Where will it end?
CastleOSullivan said:
Ah "London Rocks", you just find new ways to make me mad don't you? Even after the park killed you off.
^ "Make Busch Gardens Entertainment great again!" Seriously though, they are off their rockers in show development lately. Gone are the acid trip shows from of olde, instead we have no imagination.
I don't know, "All For One" with it's mixture of "The Old Country" style and modern approaches has plenty of imagination and ambition.
I wonder if the show makers of BGW are trying to combine old and new with their new shows, which is why I think "OktoberZest" turned out to be a hot mess (but a highly entertaining mess that I actually kind of like).
I wonder if the show makers of BGW are trying to combine old and new with their new shows, which is why I think "OktoberZest" turned out to be a hot mess (but a highly entertaining mess that I actually kind of like).