Thanks for posting, I had no idea this was dropping!
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.
Interestingly, the album artwork is totally different than the marquee and other marketing material. And it seems much more fitting for the material. Unsuspecting tourists are probably walking into the theater thinking they're about to see "The Pajama Game".
The one thing I thought was it would've been interesting if Kelli's songs as the show went on had her sing in her lower register more.
If you watch the movie Lee's darkness towards the end is so quiet and low it's frightening. It would've been interesting to see the music reflect that difference.
What's the actual run time of this musical, those who saw it? Appears to be a one act show. I saw 2 different run times listed as 90 minutes and 1hr 45 min. Which one is it?
Interestingly, the album artwork is totally different than the marquee and other marketing material. And it seems much more fitting for the material. Unsuspecting tourists are probably walking into the theater thinking they're about to see "The Pajama Game"."
Funny that this was also the case with LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA's album art vs show art.
Ahhhh....I didn't realize this was a suprise to all - I just assumed I was out of the know!
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.
gibsons2 said: "What's the actual run time of this musical, those who saw it? Appears to be a one act show. I saw 2 different run times listed as 90 minutes and 1hr 45 min. Which one is it?
Thanks"
It ran 105 minutes with no intermission at Atlantic.
dramamama611 said: "Ahhhh....I didn't realize this was a suprise to all - I just assumed I was out of the know!"
We knew it had been recorded, but the sudden release was a big surprise.
iirc for MERRILY, the surprise was that they went into the studio without most of us knowing.
Either way, preferable to the SWEENEY strategy (which I have to assume was due to a record label that doesn't usually specialize in Broadway wanting to try something).
Listened to a few of the songs on my lunch break. I am really enjoying it so far! Really interesting and dynamic orchestrations Excited to listen to it in more detail.
I was deeply negative on the orchestrations at the Atlantic, but think they and the sound of the show sound much better here. Which is maybe just me hearing it again not completely blind.
The score is so-so but it feels like one of those musicals that'll live and die on the emotions the performers convey and from what I'm hearing, it's top-notch. They don't overdue it but they're powerful nonetheless. The fact it's no intermission and to play these kind of roles eight times a week? I can't even...
What a pleasant surprise this release was. So glad to have this recording. The orchestrations are fascinating and tight. Not enough can be said about Kelli O’Hara and Brian d’Arcy James, whom I hope finally gets his due come Tony time. “There Go I” and “First Breath” have to be added to the list of great Guettel ballads. “Forgiveness” just soars. I do think the two stars enhance the rest of the score, but the score is evocative and deeply felt throughout. I’m sure I’ll listen to this many more times.
My only qualm, and it’s small, is that I wish they recorded the show ending. I thought it ended so beautifully onstage, but I understand why it was altered for the recording.
This wasn’t completely my cup of tea (or wine, for that matter), but it sounds intricate, lush, and VERY dissonant. And of course, it’s always a great pleasure to hear Kelli and Brian sing most anything, they really have two of the best voices in musical theatre right now.
“First Breath” and “Forgiveness” are my personal faves on this album.
Looking forward to hearing reports from Studio 54 in a few weeks!
rattleNwoolypenguin said: ""There Go I" and "First Breath" are some of the best new musical theatre songs I've heard in a VERY long time."
I can agree with you on that! WOW! Kelli O’Hara is a musical theatre goddess! Those two songs are gonna be on my playlist from now on!
The idea is to work and to experiment. Some things will be creatively successful, some things will succeed at the box office, and some things will only - which is the biggest only - teach you things that see the future. And they're probably as valuable as any of your successes. -Harold Prince
I'm listening to it for the second time right now and it's good- definitely not as accessible as something like Bridges for example but still strong. Kelli is great as always. It reminds me of Sunday in the Park with George.