Theater Review -- Color Guard Focus

[March77771]

I am doing a short review from a color guard focus, since that is what I do. The theater was not well attended but that was fine -- it was very comfortable and I watched all the corps. I am trying not to be unkind and it's not personal -- I just can't help myself on a few comments and again, I am sure no one really cares anyway so I'm just going to use my "free speech" option and tell the truth of what I felt -- come what may - maybe you agree, maybe not but I'm entitled to an opinion and here it is......again, it's very short as I assume everyone reading this saw all the shows and is mostly color guard based.......

ACADEMY:

The corp and the uniform (of the corp) was great and the sound they generated was extraordinary. Unfortunately, I had to watch the show by blocking out the color guard most of the time -- it was much better to not look at them because when I did, it hurt my eyes -- it was almost garish and offensive as far as the colors. Plus, the spinning and movement left a lot to be desired. I think the sadest thing was that with a decent guard, they would easily be in finals -- really, they need to consider that corps on the cusp line can't afford a guard that is subpar and in this case, I really think that is what brought it down. I didn't see any guard statements that helped the corp at all and it was taking away from a great percussion and brass and a creative drill.

TROOPERS:

Beautiful color guard who knew what they were doing and had no problem in performing it. Sure, it was "thin" at times but I loved how they finished their phrases and looked like they were in control of the show and the show was not controlling them. Going on after the Glassman, I felt they looked even better but alas, the verteran judge did not agree and had Glassman over them, which surprises me greatly this was a much more safe approach. Anyway -- I loved them and if you spin and dance yourself, you should agree they were very, very good. for what was given to them and their abilities to perform it.

GLASSMEN:

Oh dear..... First of all, it was dirty from count one -- I really, really tried to watch it and all I could think of was "maybe it's supposed to be dirty and that's the way it's written" -- it was just uncleanable. People were adding stuff in that wasn't there with their heads, legs and faces -- it was hard to find 3 or 4 people doing the same stuff -- but then I kept wondering if that was what it was supposed to be like that to present "chaos" -- it was like hand posiitions, feet, planes, spacing were not really necessary to hit exactly right and they could just approximate what it was supposed to be. I was not a fan of the tin foil flags either. I am sure some people liked the show but it just was a tough one to sit through.

SPIRIT:

The guard was not offensive..... but much of the work didn't fit and the voice overs were disturbing at times. They moved and spun much better than last year though - that helped them to get to finals without question -- it was definitely not bad but you quickly forgot what they did one or two corps later and they held it together just enough to be "OK" and not a travesty so that was a good thing but definitely needs a major overall in writing and training to get to the next level. Looked like they were trying very hard to sell the show and that is always nice to see.

BLUE STARS:

So good -- very interesting. Loved the props and the costumes. They actually made their stylish look work and it was, for the most part, very well performed and original -- not boring at all. I think they were scored too low but it was a great show -- they should be happy at their results and they spun well for what was given to them.

MADISON:

Just amazing. I was crying -- I loved them and so did all of the crowd (what little there was). What more can you say, it was cute, charming, dashing and well executed. Loved them. I can only say that I wish they were scored higher but the judges have to "live" with their decision - I hope they feel they made the right one because the guard was a huge part of that program's success. Great job and a crowd favorite.

BLUE KNIGHTS:

I love they way they spin. They had a comanding attention and were very, very strong technically -- and clean. Had to admire their abilities to keep that show going over time -- very strong performers and a ton of talent out there. Great style too -- looked like a great season and a show to be proud of .

BOSTON:

Parts of it were great (opening flag statement) and some of the "Boston style" catches in the weapons -- other parts, were just not my cup of tea -- not bad though, just not my taste. I think they were a few tenths too high but they belonged in the "area" where they were so it's like a matter of opinion. It was definitely decent though and had some good statements and the performers worked the concept as best as they could. Not bad.

BLUECOATS:

A ton of talent out there and they spun like demons -- the only problem is the music SUCKED -- I don't remember any of what they spun to after creep -- if that guard was in a better programed show, they would be top 5 --- I really admired their abilitiy to spin through that music -- I would have died of boredom and frustration and strain. It was a great athletic and physical guard and they were very much in shape and held it together well -- but I felt bad for the kids because they were stuck in a show that did not do them justice.

VANGUARD:

Just the best. What can you say. I wish I could have had them 1st just because I liked them the best -- though I admire the judge for holding them to 4th from back there -- they were THAT good - loved them from head to toe... so talented and amazing to watch. Worth the price of admission just for them. Very well done!

PHANTOM:

Beautiful and amazing - not my favorite but I had such a respect for their "character" that it was all good -- how could you not like it? I guess my only complaint was it was kind of odd to see them "aggressive" in the dress when they were so "pretty" a few counts before -- I didn't get that -- maybe a costume change would have helped for the harsher parts of the show -- but was it was great - everyone loved it and rightly so!

CROWN:

Too cool of a color guard to be trashed down to 6th place. I'm sorry, but unless that judge put together about 50 world class color guards, I would not dare. They were just amazing. Was it spotless, no but was it 6th? Wow -- just a shame -- but I think those kids were so fierce that they have 2 more times to tear down the house. What a great color guard -- no one can take that away from you. You were top 3 in my eyes.

CAVALIERS:

To be honest, it was ahead of it's time -- I thought it was so weird that I didn't like it but in 10 years, we might all say -- "wow, they were truly doing what we are doing now back then" -- well, they were definitely solid technically -- can't take that away from them -- just was uncomfortable through much of the show. If the guard was in a black uni and without all the garish makeup, I think it would have been better - then you could have seen how talented they were without gasping at how odd they looked -- anyway, it was great - just not for me.

CADETS:

If it were cleaner, they would win high color guard but I think they know they have another job to do and they have to sacrifice some of the cleanliness to cover the field with that drill -- it was great but very, very intense -- a lot to take in and you definitely need a few viewings to appreciate all that is going on. Congrats on the win -- will be interesting to see if it holds.

BLUE DEVILS:

I couldn't tell from the movie if the guard was really the cleanest (as the score reflected) but I did see several drops and unfinished phrases -- tough to say. I appreciate what they offer, it was good but again, the colors and the oddness of it was not for me. It just didn't quite work, though I loved the way the corp sounded. Of course, if you want to keep your DCI judging badge, why not have the Blue Devils and Scott Chandler in first no matter what the run is like and just but everyone else one tenth under down the line? That's the safe way to go and that's what they did -- I don't think they put much thought into it all from a color guard standpoint and I guess that's up to the finals judge to take care of that.

SIDE NOTE: I saw that Teal Sound's guard was in 27th place and 29th in performer -- so sad for those kids and goes with what I felt the situation was in Orlando!

[GlassmenBtone]

Interesting to here a knowledgeable cg persons review. I enjoyed it!

[MikeN]

Thanks for the review - we don't get many color guard-specific reviews on here.

Mike

[NakedEye]

[quote name=March77771' timestamp='1313159333' post='3065503

BOSTON:

Parts of it were great (opening flag statement) and some of the "Boston style" catches in the weapons -- other parts, were just not my cup of tea -- not bad though, just not my taste. I think they were a few tenths too high but they belonged in the "area" where they were so it's like a matter of opinion. It was definitely decent though and had some good statements and the performers worked the concept as best as they could. Not bad.

I thought they had a number of poor design choices, notably the triple turnaround solo toss at the end of the very delicate Bring Him Home piece - very jarring. My friend (who admittedly was in '89 Cadets) about jumped out of her seat at that one). Also the staging that put the entire corps at the edge of the field, with the guard, wearing blue, with white flags, entirely in the end zone. That would be a end zone that is BLUE with a huge, white INDIANAPOLIS written completely across it. It made what the guard was doing an unreadable mess. Now if this was just some random stadium along the way, that would be no big deal, but they knew this is where they would end the season and what it looks like, so that is a really odd oversight.

BLUECOATS:

A ton of talent out there and they spun like demons -- the only problem is the music SUCKED -- I don't remember any of what they spun to after creep -- if that guard was in a better programed show, they would be top 5 --- I really admired their abilitiy to spin through that music -- I would have died of boredom and frustration and strain. It was a great athletic and physical guard and they were very much in shape and held it together well -- but I felt bad for the kids because they were stuck in a show that did not do them justice.

[i]Man, those outfits/hair. Yes they could spin but yeeesh. [/i]

VANGUARD:

Just the best. What can you say. I wish I could have had them 1st just because I liked them the best -- though I admire the judge for holding them to 4th from back there -- they were THAT good - loved them from head to toe... so talented and amazing to watch. Worth the price of admission just for them. Very well done!

PHANTOM:

Beautiful and amazing - not my favorite but I had such a respect for their "character" that it was all good -- how could you not like it? I guess my only complaint was it was kind of odd to see them "aggressive" in the dress when they were so "pretty" a few counts before -- I didn't get that -- maybe a costume change would have helped for the harsher parts of the show -- but was it was great - everyone loved it and rightly so!

[i]I am continually amazed at how CLEAN they are. The flag work is just so, so precise. I personally hope they stick with the all-girl guard. It just seems to suit them better. The guys always struck me as out of place with them for some reason. Perhaps it is because the corps uniforms are so dramatically butch that the elegance and femininity of the guard is needed as a counterpoint. The gracefulness of the ladies works so well with their programming, and almost all other guards are either mixed or male, so there are plenty of places for the guys to audition.[/i]

CROWN:

Too cool of a color guard to be trashed down to 6th place. I'm sorry, but unless that judge put together about 50 world class color guards, I would not dare. They were just amazing. Was it spotless, no but was it 6th? Wow -- just a shame -- but I think those kids were so fierce that they have 2 more times to tear down the house. What a great color guard -- no one can take that away from you. You were top 3 in my eyes.

[i]More odd design choices, but lots of effort/quality. Perhaps it was just who the camera chose to focus on, but a lot of it came across as "Herbert, also featuring the Carolina Crown drum corps." He is wonderful, but at times it was almost too much spotlight.[/i]

CAVALIERS:

To be honest, it was ahead of it's time -- I thought it was so weird that I didn't like it but in 10 years, we might all say -- "wow, they were truly doing what we are doing now back then" -- well, they were definitely solid technically -- can't take that away from them -- just was uncomfortable through much of the show. If the guard was in a black uni and without all the garish makeup, I think it would have been better - then you could have seen how talented they were without gasping at how odd they looked -- anyway, it was great - just not for me.

[i]I loved this. They sort of look like bugs on the stilts. Really fun and unusual. It's a lot going on, but the color choices are fantastic and love they stylized male figure of the uniforms. If only they could figure out how to do more work on the stilts. I assume they tried it with poor results. Maybe they'll get a handle on it in the future at some point. [/i]

CADETS:

If it were cleaner, they would win high color guard but I think they know they have another job to do and they have to sacrifice some of the cleanliness to cover the field with that drill -- it was great but very, very intense -- a lot to take in and you definitely need a few viewings to appreciate all that is going on. Congrats on the win -- will be interesting to see if it holds.

They have almost cleaned this. So much stronger than a few weeks ago. Looked like they hosed the big pole toss that was there a few days ago. I can't blame them - they were running like crazy right before it, then stopped and launched those 8' things with mixed results, then that was it. It didn't really add that much impact anyway. The Angel flag work in the ballad is some of the most lyrical writing for that type of thing I've seen in forever. Just a delight to watch.

BLUE DEVILS:

I couldn't tell from the movie if the guard was really the cleanest (as the score reflected) but I did see several drops and unfinished phrases -- tough to say. I appreciate what they offer, it was good but again, the colors and the oddness of it was not for me. It just didn't quite work, though I loved the way the corp sounded. Of course, if you want to keep your DCI judging badge, why not have the Blue Devils and Scott Chandler in first no matter what the run is like and just but everyone else one tenth under down the line? That's the safe way to go and that's what they did -- I don't think they put much thought into it all from a color guard standpoint and I guess that's up to the finals judge to take care of that.

They are super good, as always, but this doesn't seem to be one of their stronger efforts overall. Is there an explanation of the design of this somewhere? I know Scott Chandler has been doing fuchsia and stripes since 1990, but in this show it seemed particularly jarring. It looks very deliberate, and I'm not quite getting how it fits into an overall theme that relates to either the title or music, but I assume there is a detailed explanation floating around.

[POSITIVenrgy]

This was so interesting to read. Thank you. Most reviews seem to focus on brass. It would be so great if there were reviews written solely about percussion, or say, drill design, as well.

[musclebud]

Thanks for a great review. I have to agree with you on the costuming of Cavies guard. They reminded me a little of the creatures on the old Sea Monkeys packages. LOL

[Guardguy89]

Thnaks for the review - for some reason we (the guard people) never seem to write reviews.

I agreed with the vast majority of your review!

I think that the Blue Devils guard unifomrs are meant ot symbolize the '60's / '70's (the angular black and white "Mod" design on the front and the jarring pink on the back). It seemed like something Twiggy would have worn back then

I loved the 'cavies guard unis - so inspired by Cirque du Soleil - I thought the idea was brilliant and very masculine (although it could have gone horribly wrong).

Crown - to me - had the best guard this year - the work, the tricks, the technique and the performers were beyondamazing - I have no idea why they were scored so low most of the season

And the only thing that bugs me about BD winning guard again is the "transition" work they do when going from one shape to the next, the fact that most of their more difficult work is done on place and the lack of variety in tosses (watch the flag line - it seems that it's always a 1 or 1 & 1/2 straight up and down toss - no angular tosses, no varying hand positions etc.... But - they do dance incredibly well and really sell their show!

Oh- and Phantom's sabre line was beyond great!!!!

Later,

Mike

[c.l.]

Thnaks for the review - for some reason we (the guard people) never seem to write reviews.

I agreed with the vast majority of your review!

I think that the Blue Devils guard unifomrs are meant ot symbolize the '60's / '70's (the angular black and white "Mod" design on the front and the jarring pink on the back). It seemed like something Twiggy would have worn back then

I loved the 'cavies guard unis - so inspired by Cirque du Soleil - I thought the idea was brilliant and very masculine (although it could have gone horribly wrong).

Crown - to me - had the best guard this year - the work, the tricks, the technique and the performers were beyondamazing - I have no idea why they were scored so low most of the season

And the only thing that bugs me about BD winning guard again is the "transition" work they do when going from one shape to the next, the fact that most of their more difficult work is done on place and the lack of variety in tosses (watch the flag line - it seems that it's always a 1 or 1 & 1/2 straight up and down toss - no angular tosses, no varying hand positions etc.... But - they do dance incredibly well and really sell their show!

Oh- and Phantom's sabre line was beyond great!!!!

Later,

Mike

One thing I notice w/ the BD guard is that they're really good at playing to their strengths, and feature weapons more prominently than flags. This is not to say that their flags aren't great and don't do difficult work, but I notice more dirt when they are featured than I do the weapons or dance.

[c.l.]

March, in a previous thread I didn't agree with you on Glassmen. Having seen a few vids of them now I can see now where you're coming from and some of the work didn't fit.

[emc2]

I am doing a short review from a color guard focus, since that is what I do. The theater was not well attended but that was fine -- it was very comfortable and I watched all the corps. I am trying not to be unkind and it's not personal -- I just can't help myself on a few comments and again, I am sure no one really cares anyway so I'm just going to use my "free speech" option and tell the truth of what I felt -- come what may - maybe you agree, maybe not but I'm entitled to an opinion and here it is......again, it's very short as I assume everyone reading this saw all the shows and is mostly color guard based.......

ACADEMY:

The corp and the uniform (of the corp) was great and the sound they generated was extraordinary. Unfortunately, I had to watch the show by blocking out the color guard most of the time -- it was much better to not look at them because when I did, it hurt my eyes -- it was almost garish and offensive as far as the colors. Plus, the spinning and movement left a lot to be desired. I think the sadest thing was that with a decent guard, they would easily be in finals -- really, they need to consider that corps on the cusp line can't afford a guard that is subpar and in this case, I really think that is what brought it down. I didn't see any guard statements that helped the corp at all and it was taking away from a great percussion and brass and a creative drill.

TROOPERS:

Beautiful color guard who knew what they were doing and had no problem in performing it. Sure, it was "thin" at times but I loved how they finished their phrases and looked like they were in control of the show and the show was not controlling them. Going on after the Glassman, I felt they looked even better but alas, the verteran judge did not agree and had Glassman over them, which surprises me greatly this was a much more safe approach. Anyway -- I loved them and if you spin and dance yourself, you should agree they were very, very good. for what was given to them and their abilities to perform it.

GLASSMEN:

Oh dear..... First of all, it was dirty from count one -- I really, really tried to watch it and all I could think of was "maybe it's supposed to be dirty and that's the way it's written" -- it was just uncleanable. People were adding stuff in that wasn't there with their heads, legs and faces -- it was hard to find 3 or 4 people doing the same stuff -- but then I kept wondering if that was what it was supposed to be like that to present "chaos" -- it was like hand posiitions, feet, planes, spacing were not really necessary to hit exactly right and they could just approximate what it was supposed to be. I was not a fan of the tin foil flags either. I am sure some people liked the show but it just was a tough one to sit through.

SPIRIT:

The guard was not offensive..... but much of the work didn't fit and the voice overs were disturbing at times. They moved and spun much better than last year though - that helped them to get to finals without question -- it was definitely not bad but you quickly forgot what they did one or two corps later and they held it together just enough to be "OK" and not a travesty so that was a good thing but definitely needs a major overall in writing and training to get to the next level. Looked like they were trying very hard to sell the show and that is always nice to see.

BLUE STARS:

So good -- very interesting. Loved the props and the costumes. They actually made their stylish look work and it was, for the most part, very well performed and original -- not boring at all. I think they were scored too low but it was a great show -- they should be happy at their results and they spun well for what was given to them.

MADISON:

Just amazing. I was crying -- I loved them and so did all of the crowd (what little there was). What more can you say, it was cute, charming, dashing and well executed. Loved them. I can only say that I wish they were scored higher but the judges have to "live" with their decision - I hope they feel they made the right one because the guard was a huge part of that program's success. Great job and a crowd favorite.

BLUE KNIGHTS:

I love they way they spin. They had a comanding attention and were very, very strong technically -- and clean. Had to admire their abilities to keep that show going over time -- very strong performers and a ton of talent out there. Great style too -- looked like a great season and a show to be proud of .

BOSTON:

Parts of it were great (opening flag statement) and some of the "Boston style" catches in the weapons -- other parts, were just not my cup of tea -- not bad though, just not my taste. I think they were a few tenths too high but they belonged in the "area" where they were so it's like a matter of opinion. It was definitely decent though and had some good statements and the performers worked the concept as best as they could. Not bad.

BLUECOATS:

A ton of talent out there and they spun like demons -- the only problem is the music SUCKED -- I don't remember any of what they spun to after creep -- if that guard was in a better programed show, they would be top 5 --- I really admired their abilitiy to spin through that music -- I would have died of boredom and frustration and strain. It was a great athletic and physical guard and they were very much in shape and held it together well -- but I felt bad for the kids because they were stuck in a show that did not do them justice.

VANGUARD:

Just the best. What can you say. I wish I could have had them 1st just because I liked them the best -- though I admire the judge for holding them to 4th from back there -- they were THAT good - loved them from head to toe... so talented and amazing to watch. Worth the price of admission just for them. Very well done!

PHANTOM:

Beautiful and amazing - not my favorite but I had such a respect for their "character" that it was all good -- how could you not like it? I guess my only complaint was it was kind of odd to see them "aggressive" in the dress when they were so "pretty" a few counts before -- I didn't get that -- maybe a costume change would have helped for the harsher parts of the show -- but was it was great - everyone loved it and rightly so!

CROWN:

Too cool of a color guard to be trashed down to 6th place. I'm sorry, but unless that judge put together about 50 world class color guards, I would not dare. They were just amazing. Was it spotless, no but was it 6th? Wow -- just a shame -- but I think those kids were so fierce that they have 2 more times to tear down the house. What a great color guard -- no one can take that away from you. You were top 3 in my eyes.

CAVALIERS:

To be honest, it was ahead of it's time -- I thought it was so weird that I didn't like it but in 10 years, we might all say -- "wow, they were truly doing what we are doing now back then" -- well, they were definitely solid technically -- can't take that away from them -- just was uncomfortable through much of the show. If the guard was in a black uni and without all the garish makeup, I think it would have been better - then you could have seen how talented they were without gasping at how odd they looked -- anyway, it was great - just not for me.

CADETS:

If it were cleaner, they would win high color guard but I think they know they have another job to do and they have to sacrifice some of the cleanliness to cover the field with that drill -- it was great but very, very intense -- a lot to take in and you definitely need a few viewings to appreciate all that is going on. Congrats on the win -- will be interesting to see if it holds.

BLUE DEVILS:

I couldn't tell from the movie if the guard was really the cleanest (as the score reflected) but I did see several drops and unfinished phrases -- tough to say. I appreciate what they offer, it was good but again, the colors and the oddness of it was not for me. It just didn't quite work, though I loved the way the corp sounded. Of course, if you want to keep your DCI judging badge, why not have the Blue Devils and Scott Chandler in first no matter what the run is like and just but everyone else one tenth under down the line? That's the safe way to go and that's what they did -- I don't think they put much thought into it all from a color guard standpoint and I guess that's up to the finals judge to take care of that.

SIDE NOTE: I saw that Teal Sound's guard was in 27th place and 29th in performer -- so sad for those kids and goes with what I felt the situation was in Orlando!

Yes JM has done a great job with BD guard the past 30 years. But you have to give boston guard under-rated great guard stuff.