Just saw this at the Skirball last year, it's an amazing show!
-elli-
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"They say that life is 'Tit for Tat' and thats the way I live, so I deserve a lot of 'TAT' for what I've got to give!!!"
I love almost everythign Menken does. I mean i can sing Werid Romance all the way through. And though it pains me to say I've never quite gotten into this show. I put it on and as others say it's lovely background music but it never has quite grabbed me...(And I've given it LOTSA tries)
I do rather like "Never Again". But I've only heard Ruthie Henshall's version from her "Pilgrim" album.
Anyone care to share Judy Kuhn's version?
I don't WANT to live in what they call "a certain way." In the first place I'd be no good at it and besides that I don't want to be identified with any one class of people. I want to live every whichway, among all kinds---and know them---and understand them---and love them---THAT's what I want! - Philip Barry (Holiday)
I've always thought this was among Menken's most mature writing. Very expansive and very melodic. Quite a big sing. You need some tenors for this show. Rice's lyrics are mostly clever, though they don't always lay comfortably on the music (like "sheer perfection"). He also retreads his concept of leadership/fame (like Evita and JC Superstar). It would be great to hear the entire score or see a full production. I think its pretty cool. Updated On: 3/6/09 at 10:43 AM
I have head some of the music on the forbiden site. Overall, I did like the music, especailly "Never Again." I am curious to know, how Biblical or true to the book is it?
I've always thought this was among Menken's most mature writing. Very expansive and very melodic. Quite a big sing.
I agree. The only way I could hear these songs as "background" is if they were done poorly. It is a thrilling and superbly crafted score.
I think if you are not too into the biblical, it can make it hard to embrace, like an unconscious prejudice working. I don't mean "religious," so don't go kicking me in the head; it's just that I've found some subtle resistance from people who kinda say, well it's no Jesus Christ Superstar, which, of course, it's not meant to be.
Musically, though, it's a score that keeps on giving.
I remember being easily distracted during the show (some of that might have been the New Amsterdam which was amazing and I had NEVER seen) but I really love the CD.
Now what would you say if today I started over?
Without a thing but this taped together four leaf clover
And I'll pretend like everything is already alright
And I'll run toward the sun till the castle's out of sight
The score's ballads are definitely its strong point IMO. The other numbers are very grand and bombastic. I don't recall any up-tempo numbers that weren't deadly serious.
I do love Judy Kuhn singing Never Again and (as I mentioned earlier) Sheer Perfection is an absolute stunner.
I was in a regional production of King David. A workshop, really. As it stands it's too long and the plot is often hard to follow. Allen Menken said in an interview about a year ago that he and Tim Rice were going to rework it last fall. There is some really stunning music but it's about 25 minutes too long.
The cd they put out is a highlights cd. It went out of print VERY fast so they are VERY hard to find. I have a copy but I waited for MONTHS for one to turn up. There is also a pirate recording of the whole performance. Poor quality but it gives you a sense of the entire show. I don't have a copy of that. I hope it has a new life. The piece deserves it.
Well I didn't want to get into it, but he's a Satanist.
Every full moon he sacrifices 4 puppies to the Dark Lord and smears their blood on his paino.
This should help you understand the score for Wicked a little bit more.
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Is Stephen Schwartz a Practicing Christian