Law student (even though that sounds far too profane ...), fan of broadway musicals for a long time already, owning a collection of showtune cd's which is respectably large already (between 300-400 shows)but it is still growing. Also I am a forthcoming songwriter. Composers I like best: Strouse, Sondheim, Coleman, Herman, Kander/Ebb - or as I like to call them "the big five" (though they are six with Fred Ebb) and only 4 of them alive. I do NOT like too much: Rent for its very uninspired, unmelodic music along with sometimes really awkward lyrics. Considering the latest generation of Broadway songwriters I prefer Flaherty/Ahrens for writing melodic, yet clever songs and staying away from overly repetitive and ostinato-based tunes. Lately I have grown to like most of JR Brown's songs as well. I'm not too much into LaChiusa though I own all of his recordings. But as I mentioned I only dislike the music of Rent, still respecting the book of it which makes sense. Anything else is to be asked from me ;-)
Rebecca aiming for Spring 2012 Jun 12
2011, 03:10:00 PM
I hope the show stays where it belongs. On the dustbin of history.
They are planning West End and Broadway transfers for many many years already. Let them stick to planning that for another twenty years.
The Best Is Yet to Come: Cy Coleman Songs May 23
2011, 04:20:12 PM
Though in most parts I tend to agree with Mr. Kimmel, it's news to me that The Life won Tony Awards for best musical, best score and best book against Titanic. My memory contains a slightly different Tony Awards ceremony
What it did win however was a number of Drama Desks, and both featured actor and actress.
CONGRATULATIONS SCOTTSBORO BOYS!!! May 3
2011, 10:32:05 AM
Scottsboro Boys might actually win at least for score, especially facing the fact this might be the "good bye tony" for Kander & Ebb. And surely they'd deserve it.
BoM is fine, but the score is so much less sophisticated than Scottsboro Boys. So I'll keep my fingers crossed.
With this show winning a number of awards it would really be signal that shows like that still can in a way cope with items like Spider Man.
"Hey look at me, look who's the winner, did I do good for a beginner? When they said "go", I know right away what should be done finished the race and in second place was...."
And it would certainly be more fun! After all they did Superman in 1965.
re: Minsky's? Sep 26
2008, 04:14:37 PM
Nope, Strouse and Adams did for instance collaborate on "Marty" in 2004 and as far as I know they're in couple of projects together. It's just that Strouse wanted to do the Minsky's score as something totally new, he even left out the film's title song which is not part of the score. And he's collaborating on that show with Susan Birkenhead since the late 90s.
But, just one thing: Marty wasn't exactly a flop, it had fabulous box office sales, they just could get the transfer to NYC managed. So eventually they gave up on it.
re: Best Orchestrations!!! Jun 14
2008, 05:31:36 PM
There's only one who would deserve it and that's Tunick, no doubt. The score would be rather weak without his magical touch. And thanks to Tunick, it's overall nice to repeatedly listen to.
Passing Strange winning would be a big fat joke. But who knows...
And I loved it as well, but Chris Fitzgerald is doing magic by himself. He'd absolutely deserve to win.
re: Why all the 'In the Heights' Love? Jun 14
2008, 05:13:42 PM
Well, what Emmcee says means it makes a good topic for a show. Yet, I don't really connect to the score of ITH and even less to the one of Passing Strange which has so ridiculously bland lyrics (the ones of ITH are a little better). Similary about the music. So unless the books are really strong... Then on the other hand, it's no strong season.
Anyone been at the concert performance of "Pamela's First Musical"?
re: Upcoming 08/09 Broadway Season May 31
2008, 02:48:22 PM
Let's hope and pray for "The Visit" after the very favorable reviews for the Signature Theatre production, that would be something!
re: Mel Brooks Shuts Down Film Company; Focuses on Broadway May 31
2008, 02:42:31 PM
Though I'm one of those who liked YF on stage, I'd so much prefer him to do an original musical and turn away from Blazing Saddles, possibly even something that is not a comedy. I have a feeling he could not only handle it but do some great stuff because he would have to do something where he doesn't do that stuff he's so used to do so he'd be more careful.
And I agree with all who think YF will get more than most think now. It's just when YF got its mixed reviews everyone by then expected it to be the major hit. But since then most shows have gone the path of mixed (or worse) reviews as well.
That said, I think the only show one can basically count out is Cry-Baby. But besides that, all have their merits, none having
