"The Big Bang" -Duo Interpretation (2011)

Summary

The Big Bang is a satirical and comedic Broadway-style musical that humorously chronicles the history of civilization. Through exaggerated and absurd scenes, the show covers significant historical events, from the creation of the world to the Industrial Revolution. With characters like Adam and Eve, Queen Neti of Egypt, and Columbus, the script blends historical moments with modern humor, offering a chaotic, fast-paced, and entertaining presentation. The show, designed as a backer’s audition, features witty dialogue, comedic performances, and lively musical numbers aimed at engaging potential investors.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Big Bang is a Broadway musical created by Jed Foyer and Boyd Graham, with an ambitious budget of $83 million, aiming to cover the entire history of civilization.
• 😀 The presentation is a backer's audition to secure investors for the show, which is planned to have 12 hours of entertainment in four 3-hour installments.
• 😀 The show starts with a humorous and theatrical depiction of the creation of humanity, featuring characters Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden.
• 😀 Adam and Eve's story is filled with comedic moments, including Eve's temptation by a talking snake and the resulting curse on humanity.
• 😀 The musical transitions through historical periods, with a scene set in ancient Egypt, where Queen Neti is portrayed as a powerful, independent diva.
• 😀 The script also includes a comedic interaction between Christopher Columbus and Queen Isabella in Spain, where Columbus pitches his idea that the Earth is round.
• 😀 A segment features Pocahontas and Minihaha, two Native American women, discussing their experiences and frustrations while looking for husbands in the early 1800s.
• 😀 The narrative then jumps to the Industrial Revolution, highlighting the rapid changes and challenges of that time period, with references to locomotives and technology.
• 😀 The performance includes a satirical number about industrial and societal issues, using humor to touch on topics like consumerism and globalization.
• 😀 The presentation ends with a callback to the idea of the Big Bang, reinforcing the theme of history and progress with a final comedic interaction involving a Granny Smith apple.

Q & A

What is the premise of 'The Big Bang' as presented in the script?

The script presents 'The Big Bang' as a Broadway musical that covers the entire history of civilization, from the dawn of time to the present day, with an extravagant budget of $83 million. The presentation is designed as an audition to attract investors for the show.

How do the characters of Adam and Eve reflect a comedic twist on the biblical story?

In the script, Adam and Eve are portrayed in a humorous, modern way. Adam is made from dust, and Eve is created from his rib, but their dialogue is full of comedic elements, including playful banter about paradise and the infamous apple, turning the biblical story into a light-hearted scene.

What role does the snake play in the scene with Adam and Eve?

The snake in the scene acts as a tempter, encouraging Eve to take a bite of the apple. The snake's lines are exaggerated and humorous, playing on the concept of temptation in a comical way.

What is the significance of Queen Neti's character in the Egyptian scene?

Queen Neti is portrayed as a powerful, independent ruler who does not rely on a man to define her. She humorously mocks King Tut, showcasing a modern, sassy take on a historical figure, with a clear sense of confidence and authority.

What historical period does the script shift to when Columbus appears, and how is his character presented?

The script shifts to 1491 Spain during the time of Christopher Columbus. Columbus is humorously depicted as a man with a bold theory about the Earth being round. His interactions with Queen Isabella are comical, as he presents his idea in an awkward, slightly out-of-place manner.

How is Pocahontas' character developed in the scene set in the 1800s?

In the 1800s scene, Pocahontas is shown as a modern woman who is out hunting for a husband. The dialogue between her and her friend mini haha is filled with humorous exchanges about their romantic lives and the difficulties they face, providing a light-hearted take on historical figures.

What comedic elements are introduced in the Industrial Revolution scene?

In the Industrial Revolution scene, the stage is filled with steam, and there are references to modern issues like neonazis, paparazzi, and oil spills. The characters perform a lively, satirical song filled with absurd references to social and economic issues, turning the historical period into a humorous and exaggerated portrayal.

What is the purpose of the final scene with Mr. and Mrs. Lipbal?

The final scene with Mr. and Mrs. Lipbal serves to wrap up the presentation of the musical. It humorously references the earlier part of the script and ties everything together by having the characters interact with the show's investors, reminding them of the story's origins with 'one big bang.'

How does the script use humor to tackle serious historical themes?

The script employs humor by exaggerating historical figures and events, creating comedic twists on well-known stories. For example, the portrayal of Adam and Eve is light-hearted, while Queen Neti mocks traditional gender roles. Even serious events like Columbus' discovery of America are presented in an awkward and funny way, making the history both entertaining and accessible.

What is the significance of the musical's large budget and ambitious scale?

The $83 million budget and large scale of the musical are part of the humor, as the creators acknowledge the extravagant cost of the show while making fun of the idea of such a huge investment in a Broadway production. This is emphasized in the script as the musical attempts to showcase the 'entire history of civilization,' emphasizing its over-the-top nature.