From: aqh@cbnewsi.cb.att.com (anh.q.hoang)
Newsgroups: soc.culture.vietnamese
Subject: [misc] Broadway/Ca?i Lu*o*ng
Date: 9 Oct 92 16:52:02 GMT
Organization: AT&T



Hi Dien and all ---

Dien asked an interesting question about the comparison
between Broadway and Cai? Lu*o*ng.

The following is just my input and my opinion.  I would welcome
any other input anyone else contributes so I can learn more
on this topic.

I would agree that Ca?i Lu*o*ng and Broadway encompass very different 
style of entertainment and music.

However, I don't think that "Cai? Lu*o*ng" is necessarily inferior.

Unfortunately, I can't recall too clearly the experience of seeing 
a "cai? lu*o*ng" on stage.  I did see some in VN but it was so long ago
(~14 yrs ago) and I was too young then (~10). However, from what I can remember,
w/ "ca?i lu*o*ng ho^` qua?ng" or "ha't bo^.i", the costumes and accessories
can be pretty lavish, and the scenaries/settings can be quite elaborate.
Although I'm sure the 'props & costumes' were different than those used on
Broadway shows (to be expected since the timeframes/settings/themes portrayed
were different), but they may still have been as realistic and fancy ...
It also depends on the Broadway show, for example I felt that the costumes/props
in 'Les Mis', 'Chorus Line', 'Grand Hotel', 'Secret Garden', etc ... was not 
very impressive, where as Phanton was to me.  (To be fair, this is obviously
also relatively speaking; I also loved the music from 'Les Mis' alot). 

With respect to special effects and sound quality, it's likely that 
Broadway shows can offer much more due to the benefits of modern technology.

Regarding the music & lyrics, I again agree that it's quite different.
But perhaps it's mostly personal preference?  I happen to like Broadway
type of Music a lot, although I haven't seen that many productions.
For me, ca?i lu*o*ng was an acquired taste.  But once I became more
familiar w/it, I also enjoy it as well, although the first still "flows"
much more easily for me, admittedly.  Similarly, Opera may be an acquired
taste for many.  I think social factors also play a significant role
(your own frequency of exposure to and familiarity with each type of 
entertainment may influence your own preference). 

I believe that to be a great modern singer requires much talent and training.
I also believe the same goes for a ca?i lu*o*ng singer.  This makes me
think of a funny story.  A while back, one girl I know sang a little
ca?i lu*o*ng (from Lan va` -Die^.p) at a get-together.  She also acted
it out so the music/story/emotion came together to make it really
'truye^`n ca?m'.  I admired her so much so I went home and tried to
practice singing some ca?i lu*o*ng excerpts on my own, using a tape
that I had.  It took me a great long time and I can only barely (w/poor
quality, I'm sure!) sing a few excerpts which I had rehearsed
so laboriously, where as many of us can probably pick up the music and lyrics
of a modern song after hearing it just a couple of times.   
 
In terms of the acting, again, I have seen too few productions to
justly compare.  My person view from my limited experience is that
the acting in the Broadway Musicals seems more natural than what I've seen
w/ca?i lu*o*ng.  Although, I do seem to recall that ca?i lu*o*ng can get
very emotional, especially w/talented singers/actresses like Thanh Nga,
for example.

Another point, tickets to Broadway shows are quite expensive, and thus
probably results in a more restrictive audience (those who can afford it),
where as tickets to ca?i lu*o*ng productions in VN, as far as I can remember,
were not all that expensive, thus affordability opened up the entertainment 
to a much wider audience.  Also, for that much more money, it is probably
justly for the audience to expect more from a Broadway Show and the Production
Staff would have more to work w/.

And lastly, for me, because Ca?i Lu*o*ng does offer me a taste of 
Vietnamese music & culture, this unique art of entertainment also 
stimulates an automatic interest and fondness from me, not to mention
a challenge for me :-) 

Anyway, just a few random thoughts on the topic...  I don't know that there
is a clear answer of 'what is better'.  To me, it is fascinating to observe  
learn, and appreciate the beauty of different cultures ... 

Enjoy your weekend.

Quy`nh Anh 
hound.att.com!aqh
Newsgroups: soc.culture.vietnamese