In college one of my English professors, Professor Harp, shared with us that he and his wife sometimes discuss which Muppets would play which roles in Shakespeare plays. This has left a profound impression on me. First, because Hamlet would beincredible with Kermit and Miss Piggy, “Get thee to a nunnery!” And second, it has made me think about casting, tone, inflection, and presence in performance.
Recently I heard this awesome new project called Moby Dick – Big Read (see below for chap. 1) and it made me realize I always feel that people read the opening of Moby Dick too straight. When you listen to what is being said it’s actually a hilarious, brilliant and sad opening. I feel like nobody really captures that when they read it. I sometimes read it and think that Bertie Wooster would have made the perfect Ishmael.
Oh Bertie…
