Meaning: The quote by Ron Moody, an English actor known for his role as Fagin in the musical film "Oliver!", touches on the differences in approach between comedic or variety performers and straight actors. Moody's perspective sheds light on the contrasting attitudes towards performance and rehearsals within the entertainment industry.

Moody begins by expressing his view that, as a variety artist, the key to success lies in eliciting "belly laughs" from the audience. This statement encapsulates the essence of comedic or variety performance, emphasizing the importance of generating genuine and hearty laughter as a measure of the show's effectiveness. In the world of comedy and variety entertainment, the audience's response is a crucial gauge of the success of a performance. Comedians and variety artists often thrive on the immediate feedback and laughter of the audience, seeking to create a lively and engaging atmosphere that resonates with the viewers.

Contrastingly, Moody contrasts this approach with that of the straight actor, who he suggests believes that the performance is fixed in rehearsal. This perspective highlights the traditional approach to acting in more serious or dramatic roles, where the emphasis is often placed on meticulous preparation and rehearsing to refine the performance. Straight actors typically adhere to a more structured and disciplined approach to their craft, focusing on delivering a polished and consistent performance based on thorough preparation and rehearsal. This dichotomy illustrates the differing priorities and methods employed by comedic/variety performers and straight actors in their respective pursuits within the entertainment industry.

Furthermore, Moody's quote alludes to the divergent philosophies regarding the nature of performance and the role of rehearsal in honing one's craft. Comedic and variety artists often rely on spontaneity, improvisation, and the immediate interaction with the audience to fuel their performances. The dynamic and unpredictable nature of comedic entertainment necessitates a flexible and adaptive approach, where the ability to elicit laughter and engage the audience in real-time is paramount. In contrast, straight actors typically place a strong emphasis on the rehearsal process as a means to meticulously refine and perfect their performance, aiming to deliver a consistent and controlled portrayal of their characters.

The underlying message conveyed by Moody's quote underscores the fundamental differences in mindset and approach between comedic/variety performers and straight actors. While both seek to captivate and entertain audiences, their methods, priorities, and perspectives on performance and rehearsal diverge significantly. This juxtaposition serves to illuminate the rich diversity and complexity within the performing arts, showcasing the varied approaches and philosophies embraced by artists across different genres and disciplines.

In conclusion, Ron Moody's quote encapsulates the contrasting attitudes towards performance and rehearsals within the entertainment industry, shedding light on the divergent approaches adopted by comedic/variety performers and straight actors. Moody's perspective offers a thought-provoking insight into the fundamental differences in mindset and approach that characterize these distinct realms of performance, highlighting the dynamic interplay between spontaneity and preparation, improvisation, and meticulous refinement. Ultimately, his words serve as a testament to the rich diversity and complexity within the performing arts, showcasing the myriad approaches and philosophies embraced by artists across different genres and disciplines.