Adam Guettel

[BroadwayLover4]

Does anyone know what Adam Guettel is working on right now?

[HogansHero]

his tan

[JBC3]

not me
which disappoints me on a daily basis

[newintown]

Comfortable living off the interest from the $40M trust fund his grandfather set up for him, I imagine; if well-invested, it should yield at least $1.5M annually.

[Adam Guettel2]

I just finished a staged workshop of a new show, MILLIONS. Bob Martin on book and Bart Sher directing. I am writing the libretto and music for the opera, GRIFFIN, for the Houston Grand Opera. There are other things in progress, but those two are my focus right now. Thanks for wondering. I'm still here!

[Ado Annie D'Ysquith]

Just in case it really is you, I have to ask...would you be vehemently opposed to the transposing of Clara Johnson's songs for a mezzo? The role is particularly special to me as someone with similar emotional development issues.

[Adam Guettel2]

It really is I - at least I think it is:) Please feel free to transpose as you see fit. Just be sure to look after the piano registration if you are bringing things down more than a whole step. Things can get pretty murky which won't be supportive for you/Clara. 

[Ado Annie D'Ysquith]

Thanks for your timely reply, Mr. Guettel. I can now say that she is a role I CAN and would love to perform one day!

I'm a lyricist too, although I applied to BMI as a librettist this year. After two rejections as a lyricist, thought I'd try my luck differently this time. I would love to have a conversation about work sometime!

[Sally Durant Plummer]

Mr. Guettel, "Myths and Hymns", Floyd Collins", and my beloved "Light In the Piazza" are among my favorite cast albums to listen to. I certainly hope we get more of your gorgeous melodies and lyrics soon!

[Call_me_jorge]

Is millions an adaption of the film and book or a totally separate piece? 

[gypsy101]

i love when adam comments and we all get to tell him how much we love his work!

"the beauty is when you realize someone could be looking for a someone like you"

such a poignant lyric. that whole score is stunning.

[GavestonPS]

I don't think I have the words to properly describe how much I admire Mr. Guettel's work. But I don't want him to think he only has a few fans here, so I am adding my post to the list.

And how wonderful that we may hear two new Guettel scores in the near future!

[jtishere]

The Light in the Piazza was one of those scores - for me - that effected a paradigm shift in my mind of just what a musical could be and how a score could behave. I only regret that I didn't get to see the original production to witness its beauty firsthand.

[gypsy101]

if we could receive a revival of Piazza starring Kelli O'Hara in about 10-15 years that would be fantastic.

it's a score that i revisit several times a year and it still feels new each time, it truly is evergreen. i wish i had seen the original as well but i love the recording (though wish Kelli had been present for the taping).

[ljay889]

Victoria Clark played Margaret at around 44-45. Kelli is closer to the role than it seems! I truly hope it happens in the near future. 

I love when Adam Guettel pops in on this board. I am looking forward to his future projects. 

[Alex Kulak2]

Mr. Guettel, who took Adam Guettel1?

[jtishere]

If they ever announce a revival, I'll book my plane ticket right then and there.

[Adam Guettel2]

To Alex Kulak2, ha! Shouldn't I ask you the same question? To all who have responded, I'm so happy to know you are there. MILLIONS might come in for the fall of 2018 - if we can find a theatre, and if  HAMILTON isn't opening again:)

[musikman]

Just chiming in here as well to say how much I appreciate your work and the incredible music you have brought to the world.  As you can tell from my profile picture, Light in the Piazza holds a very special place in my heart.  The 10th anniversary concert last year - after having seen the original production 5 times - will remain one of my most cherished theatergoing memories for the rest of my life.  *crosses fingers for a revival with Kelli as Margaret. Can I also vouch for Sarah Uriarte Berry as Signora Nacarelli?* 

I am so thrilled to hear of your upcoming projects and cannot wait to hear your newest compositions.  They never fail to be unique, challenging, and wholly rewarding  

Thank you for being so kind in your responses.  

[Owen22]

A question, Mr.Guettel.  Why has there never been a London production of "Light in the Piazza"? Even Sher's "Women on the Verge" (an undeserved flop here) got a West End showing.

[broadwayboy223]

I also have a question Mr. Guettel im guessing it would never happen but is there a chance we will ever get to hear some of your Princess Bride score? I just know you wrote some beautiful music for it. I so love your work and Light in The Piazza is one of my favorite musicals. 

[JBC3]

While I will always drop everything to see Piazza for my ninth time, I need a Floyd Collins revival.

[evadiva]

Yes sir, you are very loved here.  

I absolutely LOVE your singing voice too - love it.  I'm sure the people in this thread agree.  Hero and Leander is to die for.  So gorgeous.  

Floyd Collins is a masterpiece. 

Your music fills my heart with joy.  YOU ROCK.  Thank you for writing music.

Everyone:  Piazza is, of course, glorious, but PLEASE make sure you check out Myths and Hymns and Floyd Collins if you haven't already.  

PS:

This post brought me out of BWW board retirement.  Sorry for the gushing- but it is 100% from the heart.

 

[GavestonPS]

jtishere said: "The Light in the Piazza was one of those scores - for me - that effected a paradigm shift in my mind of just what a musical could be and how a score could behave. I only regret that I didn't get to see the original production to witness its beauty firsthand.

 

"

This is probably a stupid question, but did you see the filmed performance on PBS (IIRC)? No doubt it pales in comparison to experiencing the show live, but I found it quite a revelation (to the eye as well as to the ear) even on TV.

[jv92]

Ado Annie D'Ysquith said: "Thanks for your timely reply, Mr. Guettel. I can now say that she is a role I CAN and would love to perform one day!

I'm a lyricist too, although I applied to BMI as a librettist this year. After two rejections as a lyricist, thought I'd try my luck differently this time. I would love to have a conversation about work sometime!

 

I can assure you, as someone who has spent too much time in the BMI Workshop worrying about what a clique of theatrically ultra conservative theatre writers think, that it isn't worth your time right now. Perhaps the Workshop will become more experimental and less obsessed with the cliched "I Want" and "meet cute" notions someday, but not for a while. Continue to write and hone your craft. Worry about technical craft-- perfect rhymes and perfect scansion and structures that tell the story the best way you can, but tell the stories YOU want to tell the way YOU want to tell them. As long as they don't baffle an audience in a confusing way. Surprise them and be weird-- but don't annoy them or bore them.  

And as someone who has spent precious hours talking to Adam and watching him work with and lovingly encourage theatre artists to explore and be the best they can be, I can attest to the dedication of his craft and love of writing shows. 

I may get in trouble for this-- in fact, I'm sure I will in regard to my slightly bitchy comments about the esteemed, but deeply outdated BMI Workshop. But Adam's forthrightness with you all, and my distaste for the BMI Workshop as of late, compelled me to tell you, Ado Annie, to keep writing and working and loving the theatre! 

All best, John Verderber (Feel free to PM me! Good luck!)