FRANKLIN SHEPARD, INC. and other virtuoso solos
FRANKLIN SHEPARD, INC. and other virtuoso solos
#1FRANKLIN SHEPARD, INC. and other virtuoso solos
Posted: 5/21/17 at 7:27pm
So I've recently become a bit obsessed with the song "Franklin Shepard, Inc." even though I've never seen Merrily and know only a little bit about it. It's such a tour de force - not just because of its length (about five minutes as opposed to the usual three), but because it is a musical theatre song that is a true acting challenge with some very tough technical demands.
What other "epic" solos are similar to this in the musical theatre? You know, big acting showcases that usually involve a bit of a mental or emotional breakdown.
A few off the top of my head: "Betrayed" from The Producers, "Soliloquy" from "Carousel," "Rose's Turn" from Gypsy, "I'm Breaking Down" from Falsettos...as well as shorter ones too like "Confrontation" from Jekyll and Hyde (it is SO hard to make that song awesome instead of cheesy), "Epiphany" from Sweeney Todd...what else?
#2FRANKLIN SHEPARD, INC. and other virtuoso solos
Posted: 5/22/17 at 11:20am
"I Was a Shoo-In" from Subways are for Sleeping
"Men" from So Long, 174th Street
"Gesticulate" from Kismet
"Not On Your Nellie" from Darling of the Day
"Duet For One" from 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue
Marie: Don't be in such a hurry about that pretty little chippy in Frisco.
Tony: Eh, she's a no chip!
#3FRANKLIN SHEPARD, INC. and other virtuoso solos
Posted: 5/22/17 at 11:41am
Thanks! I haven't heard of any of those, I'll have to look those up!
#4FRANKLIN SHEPARD, INC. and other virtuoso solos
Posted: 5/22/17 at 11:45am
Two more:
"Glitter and Be Gay" from Candide
"Around the World" from Grey Gardens
Marie: Don't be in such a hurry about that pretty little chippy in Frisco.
Tony: Eh, she's a no chip!
#5FRANKLIN SHEPARD, INC. and other virtuoso solos
Posted: 5/22/17 at 1:22pm
Meditation from Shenandoah has always been a personal favorite. It's John Cullum in his prime!
https://youtu.be/PtiaYyIDsSM
-There's the muddle in the middle. There's the puddle where the poodle did the piddle."
#6FRANKLIN SHEPARD, INC. and other virtuoso solos
Posted: 5/22/17 at 1:28pm
"Lot's Wife" from Caroline or Change
"...everyone finally shut up, and the audience could enjoy the beginning of the Anatevka Pogram in peace."
stage-n-screen
Swing Joined: 3/2/17
#7FRANKLIN SHEPARD, INC. and other virtuoso solos
Posted: 5/22/17 at 1:49pm
"Not Getting Married" from Company, depending on whether you consider a panic attack the equivalent of a breakdown. More recently, "Words Fail" from Dear Evan Hansen (especially if you see it on stage), which is a truly intense emotional outpouring.
