Why Storytelling Will Always Outshine Spectacle
Let’s be real—big, flashy theatre productions are like a giant cake covered in gold-leaf frosting. Impressive? Sure. Delicious? Maybe. But if there’s nothing tasty underneath, you’re just eating expensive air. Theatre is the same way: all the moving sets, dazzling projections, and pyrotechnics in the world can’t make up for a story that falls flat.
Just because a production can send actors flying through the air like circus performers doesn’t mean it should. When spectacle overshadows the story, theatre loses its heart—and that’s the part that keeps audiences coming back.
Theatre’s Superpower: A Great Story
Theatre has a secret weapon that no blockbuster movie or theme park show can steal: the raw power of human imagination. A single chair on stage can transform into a throne, a ship, or a heartbreakingly empty seat at a family dinner—all because of the magic of storytelling.
Audiences don’t come to the theatre for a sensory overload. They come to laugh, cry, and feel something real. A simple stage with a gripping story and passionate performances will always outshine a production that’s drowning in unnecessary bells and whistles.
The Trap of Too Much Tech
There’s no doubt that modern theatre has some seriously cool tools to play with. But just because you can cover the stage in LED screens and fog machines doesn’t mean you should. Technology should support the story, not hijack it.
If people walk out of the theatre saying, “That rotating set was insane!” instead of, “Wow, that story really got me,” something has gone wrong. The best theatre uses spectacle to lift up the story, not to distract from it.
Less Can Be More (Seriously, Try It)
Some of the most unforgettable theatre moments have come from productions that ditched the fluff and focused on what truly matters. Take Our Town by Thornton Wilder—a play so minimalist it practically thumbs its nose at traditional set design. Yet, it remains one of the most emotionally impactful plays ever written.
Or look at The Encounter, a one-man show that transported audiences into another world using nothing but a microphone and sound design. No flying sets. No costume changes. Just pure storytelling magic.
When Spectacle Works—And When It Doesn’t
Now, don’t get us wrong—spectacle can be stunning when used with purpose. Productions like The Lion King and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child know exactly how to blend dazzling effects with emotional storytelling. But then there are those productions that seem to exist just to show off their tech. If the story gets buried under all the glitter and mechanics, the production might wow people for a night, but it won’t stick with them.
How We Did It: Jekyll & Hyde
A great example of storytelling over spectacle was our production of Jekyll & Hyde. Rather than relying on extravagant special effects to show the transformation between the two characters, we used something far more effective: lighting and good old-fashioned stage chemistry. With carefully designed lighting shifts, strategic blocking, and the sheer talent of our lead actor, Rhett Richens, the transformation between Jekyll and Hyde was seamless and, more importantly, believable. The audience wasn’t distracted by gimmicks; they were immersed in the emotional and psychological battle unfolding before them. It was proof that a well-crafted performance and intentional design choices can be just as—if not more—impactful than a big-budget spectacle.
The Big Takeaway: Story Comes First
Theatre doesn’t need to compete with Hollywood blockbusters. Its strength comes from its intimacy, its unpredictability, and its ability to make audiences feel something real.
Before adding another flashy effect, theatre creators should ask:
Does this serve the story?
Does it make the emotional moment stronger?
Would this scene be just as powerful—if not more so—without it?
A great story, well told, will always be more memorable than a flashy gimmick. Because at the end of the day, theatre isn’t about making audiences say, “That looked cool.” It’s about making them feel something deep in their bones.
West Valley Arts: Story First, Always
In the words of George Lucas, “A special effect without a story is a pretty boring thing.” And we couldn't agree more. At West Valley Arts, we believe in the magic of storytelling. Sure, we love a beautifully crafted production, but we’ll never let spectacle steal the spotlight from what really matters—the heart of the story.
Our goal of every production is to bring audiences powerful, thought-provoking stories that stick with them long after the curtain falls. Not because of high-tech wizardry, but because of the human connection at the center of it all. And that is what truly makes theatre magical.
Support the Arts: Donate Today
Theatre and the arts are facing unprecedented challenges. With cuts in federal and state funding and rising costs due to tariffs, we need your support now more than ever. The future of our vibrant cultural community depends on it.
At West Valley Arts, we believe in the transformative power of the arts to bring people together, spark conversations, and enrich lives. But we can’t do it without you. Your donation helps ensure that we can continue to create powerful, thought-provoking performances and support the artists who make them happen.
Every dollar counts and every contribution, big or small, directly impacts our ability to keep the arts alive and accessible to everyone. Together, we can make sure that the magic of theatre continues to thrive, no matter the obstacles.
Donate today at www.wvcarts.org/donate and help us keep the arts alive for future generations. Thank you for your support!