Everything Immersive > No Proscenium > Trailheads (7/6/22)
Trailheads (7/6/22)
by Chris Wollman
A weekly feature pointing you towards the current experiences that have people talking.
For people who always book time with the family therapist after a family vacation...
Next to Normal [BARCELONA]**
Del Campo Global, Layers of Reality, and Barcelona Grec Festival coproduce what is being billed as "the first Broadway title to be presented in a disruptive 100% immersive format” as this powerfully raw Pulitzer Prize winner is reimagined for the modern age. Performed in English, whittled down to a lean sixty minutes, and stripped of any set pieces or props, the audience will be able to stand with the performers in the eye of this theatrical storm surrounded by projections splashed across the walls and floor. Original composer Tom Kitt oversaw the composition of new orchestrations to accompany Broadway icon Alice Ripley as she reprises her Tony winning role of a grieving mother coming to terms with mental illness.
Why we think you’ll love it: The production team appears to be pulling out all the stops to make this a cutting edge event, including enlisting stage veteran Adam Pascal to prerecord the pivotal role of the psychiatrist, manifesting the character entirely by digital projection.
For people ready to stand up against the Mr. McGregors of the world...
Peter Rabbit Garden Adventure [OXFORDSHIRE]**
Take a trip to the countryside in this charming outdoor jaunt for the whole family as you help a certain mischievous rabbit out of yet another tight spot of his own making. A younger incarnation of the author herself, Beatrix Potter, needs your help rescuing her furry protagonist from the clutches of his agricultural nemesis, leading you throughout the grounds of Blenheim Palace to a series of stations where you’ll meet her entire memorable menagerie of characters brought ingeniously to life. Beyond the central narrative event, organizers have set up an arts and crafts area with themed activities for the younger set, as well as a shop offering you the chance to take Peter and his stories home with you.
Why we think you’ll love it: Showcasing an impressive display of puppetry from the minds behind the equine marvels from the legendary stage production of War Horse, this event lovingly presents a timeless literary hero in an entirely new way.
For people who have that one set of immersive clothes they’re OK getting blood on...
Sweeney Todd: An Immersive Experience [ORLANDO]**
Attend the tale of Broadway's most notorious serial killer/stylist in Fleet Street itself during this imaginative new staging of Sondheim’s masterpiece produced by New Generation Theatrical. 1800’s London surrounds you as you watch the classic revenge musical performed in a realistic alleyway set featuring many of the iconic locations from the show, adding a level of naturalism to the proceedings that only heightens the grisly events on display. Also on offer is an optional preshow meal where Mrs. Lovett herself serves you warm meat pies with your choice of filling… but I wouldn’t take her word for it. Fans of musical theatre and the macabre alike are sure to have a bloody good time.
Why we think you’ll love it: How many musicals have you been to that have a designated “splash zone?"
**These listings were suggested by community members Lia Wollman, Edward Mylechreest, and Melissa Bouton, respectively. Thanks, friends! Have an upcoming/ongoing immersive experience that has you buzzing? Point it out to us through pitches@noproscenium.com with the subject line "Trailheads" and we might include it in the next issue!