Themes and sub-plots missed at first viewing
Posted: Wed Apr 20, 2011 4:52 am
The recent reviews in which the reviewers "missed it" have proven that BETM must be viewed several times to pick up the many layers of this rich show. Everyone gets the main plot of Billy overcoming all obstacles to persue his dream. Some, but not all, realize the theme of the united miners who are having their futures destroyed by their own government.
But there are many other themes that are mostly missed on the first viewing. These are what makes the genius of this great show even better than the film!
One of these is the theme that people should not judge others, or come to rash conclusions.
Billy is judged to be a "poof" because of his love of dance. This proves wrong when he rejects Michael's advances, but still keeps his friendship.
Another theme involves Michael. In the movie, we feel sorry for Michael. But the theme of the musical is that its ok to be gay and express yourself. We admire and respect Michael for his ability to accept himself, and thus the theme of acceptance.
OK, let's take a poll of the forum members who have seen the show multiple times. How many of us, at the first time that we saw BETM, picked up the theme of Mrs. Wilkinson treating her daughter so poorly in contrast to being so supportive and caring towards Billy? She berates Debby often and screams "shut up" when her daughter tries to get her attention. It is not uncommon that a parent has a favorite child. Sometimes mothers favor the boy, sometimes a parent will favor a talented child or maybe a child with a better personality. Either way, it is not right and this theme is easier to pick up after seeing the show several times.
Did you get the theme of the "rejected child" at the first showing? I didn't. There are other themes throughout the show which I hope others will add to this topic. Combined, they make BETM one of the best shows on stage anywhere in the world today. But they are only obtained from multiple viewings. Please add your comments.
But there are many other themes that are mostly missed on the first viewing. These are what makes the genius of this great show even better than the film!
One of these is the theme that people should not judge others, or come to rash conclusions.
Billy is judged to be a "poof" because of his love of dance. This proves wrong when he rejects Michael's advances, but still keeps his friendship.
Another theme involves Michael. In the movie, we feel sorry for Michael. But the theme of the musical is that its ok to be gay and express yourself. We admire and respect Michael for his ability to accept himself, and thus the theme of acceptance.
OK, let's take a poll of the forum members who have seen the show multiple times. How many of us, at the first time that we saw BETM, picked up the theme of Mrs. Wilkinson treating her daughter so poorly in contrast to being so supportive and caring towards Billy? She berates Debby often and screams "shut up" when her daughter tries to get her attention. It is not uncommon that a parent has a favorite child. Sometimes mothers favor the boy, sometimes a parent will favor a talented child or maybe a child with a better personality. Either way, it is not right and this theme is easier to pick up after seeing the show several times.
Did you get the theme of the "rejected child" at the first showing? I didn't. There are other themes throughout the show which I hope others will add to this topic. Combined, they make BETM one of the best shows on stage anywhere in the world today. But they are only obtained from multiple viewings. Please add your comments.