Music/Lyrics or Book first?

Print Thread

E-Mail Thread

Subscribe to Thread

Littleshopofcarrie

Profile

Broadway Star
joined:12/9/12

Music/Lyrics or Book first?
Posted: 7/2/13 at 05:30pm

I'm starting to develop ideas on writing a musical and am wondering if I show write the songs first or the book first? Also, any ideas on ideas for a musical would be greatly appreciated...

WOSQ

Broadway Legend
joined:7/18/03

Music/Lyrics or Book first?
Posted: 7/3/13 at 09:35am

Sondheim was asked which came first, the music or the lyrics. His reply? "The book."

The book tells the songwriter(s) where to put the songs and where they would likely fit. Even if it is only in outline form, they have to know what to musicalize.

Look at some shows that had songs, but no book and success is very rare. Even a smash like Mamma Mia has a so-so book that has plot points borrowed from existing plays and films. Rent "Buena Sera, Mrs. Campbell" sometime.

"If my life weren't funny, it would just be true. And that would be unacceptable." --Carrie Fisher

barryboomer

Profile

Swing
joined:4/11/11

Music/Lyrics or Book first?
Posted: 7/7/13 at 10:31am

http://www.dogshowthemusical.com/

In our Musical I gave the lyricist and author 35 melodies and she wrote 16 songs...lol
It's different all the time.
Barry barrydbutler channel on youtube.
bdbutler@centurylink.net

DMC_Patinkin

Profile

Understudy
joined:5/6/13

Music/Lyrics or Book first?
Posted: 7/31/13 at 07:37pm

I'm in the middle of writing my first musical and my 4th play. What I do is: I solidify my concept and create the full progression of events and write them down. Then I write lyrics and the book, then add music.

That's just how I do it. If you have any questions feel free to msg me :)

Let me be your star, now wouldn't that be lovely?

dramamama611

Broadway Legend
joined:12/4/07

Music/Lyrics or Book first?
Posted: 8/1/13 at 04:02pm

There are 'traditional' ways, but the only right way is what works for you. Are you tackling all of it? Do you have a team?

It makes the most sense to start with the book -- but always keeping an open mind as the other parts filter in.

If we're not having fun, then why are we doing it? These are DISCUSSION boards, not mutual admiration boards. Discussion only occurs when we are willing to hear what others are thinking, regardless of whether it is alignment to our own thoughts.