tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post3539396818801078180..comments2024-03-28T02:15:06.910-07:00Comments on Tossing It Out: What Do You Think of Musical Theater?Arlee Birdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11663942782929929334noreply@blogger.comBlogger36125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-37748919591747234902013-09-21T23:33:53.511-07:002013-09-21T23:33:53.511-07:00"People just don't break out in song.&quo...<i> "People just don't break out in song." But if they can think of it as just a play (which they might like) set to music, then it is easier to accept.</i><br /><br />It's kind of like the willing suspension of disbelief. In a musical people do break out in song and if there is context and the transition is smooth it's easier for me to accept. I love the way that it was done in Steve Martin's <i>Pennies from Heaven</i>. Totally absurd on the face of it, but in the context of the story the breaking out in song idea was brilliant. <i>Hair</i> is a mish-mash mess musically as far as I am concerned.<br /><br /><i>musicals such as South Pacific, Oklahoma, Carousel, etc. were written by people who, over a body of work, demonstrated their genius.</i><br /><br />As opposed to the guys who wrote <i>Hair</i>. Nothing worth mentioning came later other than for the composer of the music.<br /><br /><i>Operas were the "musicals" of their day. They reflect the music, vocal style, and libretto themes popular at the time. </i><br /><br />Operas as well as the classic musicals and those of Rice/Webber or other combinations are exquisitely composed, scored, and staged. They have lasting value. A lot of today's musicals are so topical that most of them will be dated and uninteresting to most in a couple decades. Like <i>Hair</i>.<br /><br />LeeArlee Birdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11663942782929929334noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-311003062609906432013-09-21T19:28:33.049-07:002013-09-21T19:28:33.049-07:00Hi Lee -
Many people who do not like musicals men...Hi Lee -<br /><br />Many people who do not like musicals mention: "People just don't break out in song." But if they can think of it as just a play (which they might like) set to music, then it is easier to accept.<br /><br />I love musicals. I also love football and violent movies, so that may even out the "man card" issue. I have attended probably over 100 in my lifetime, mostly high-end productions, but some high school musicals as well.<br /><br />I agree with those who have said that modern musicals can be high quality, but I do think that - as with all of current society - standards have fallen some. Older musicals such as South Pacific, Oklahoma, Carousel, etc. were written by people who, over a body of work, demonstrated their genius. A modern composer who has clearly done so is Sondheim. His musicals are excellent and have brought wider appeal to musicals in general.<br /><br />I've even see Hair onstage, though I hated it. I'd paid for seasons tickets that year and it was one of the productions, and did not want the tickets to go to waste. Not a fan, as you know from your BOTB blog.<br /><br />It is of the class of modern musicals that may be more fun to "experience" than they are to listen to the music. At least to me.<br /><br />Still others are just written to make someone money they see laying on the table. An example of that is "American Idiot, The Musical" by Green Day. Now, I actually really like Green Day, having attended at least three of their concerts. But the musical was just stupid. They tried to write a story to weave together the songs from the album... and it was a failure. Except that I'm sure Billy Joe Armstrong made a s**tload of money.<br /><br />Since musicals are just plays set to music, it stands to reason that the music will reflect what is popular in the era. Operas were the "musicals" of their day. They reflect the music, vocal style, and libretto themes popular at the time. And I love opera, too. We've often bought season tickets to the opera if the lineup looks good.<br /><br />Thanks for the blog bit!Sheboyganboy 6noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-29389301063717403042013-09-20T13:10:24.691-07:002013-09-20T13:10:24.691-07:00Ha, you are right. I meant to say the Four Seasons...Ha, you are right. I meant to say the Four Seasons!Kelly Robinsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01752857506190488860noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-31916264373069869282013-09-19T22:48:19.974-07:002013-09-19T22:48:19.974-07:00KT -- Musicals can be great fun.
Susan K -- You e...KT -- Musicals can be great fun.<br /><br />Susan K -- You expressed well the way I see it.<br /><br />Kelly -- True that I don't keep up with a lot of the new musicals. I'm not sure about the musical shows based on old pop hits. I like the songs and I guess that recognition is what the production companies are counting on to get their audiences. By the way, you probably know this but just put it down wrong, <i>Jersey Boys</i> is about Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. I love their music as well as the Four Tops.<br /><br />Lee<br />Arlee Birdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11663942782929929334noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-10930711151042967572013-09-19T16:10:13.520-07:002013-09-19T16:10:13.520-07:00There are still plenty of feel-good musicals with ...There are still plenty of feel-good musicals with hummable music. You probably just don't keep up with them like you used to. Or maybe it's just the fact that they don't make them into movies anymore. (Let's face it, most people know the old Broadway stuff from the movies.) There are also current musicals that explore old music, like the current musical about Carole King, or Jersey Boys (about the Four Tops). Kelly Robinsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01752857506190488860noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-70713105617393397742013-09-17T12:26:49.902-07:002013-09-17T12:26:49.902-07:00Musical theater left the viewer with a better outl...Musical theater left the viewer with a better outlook on life, as it usually dealt with universal issues and the end result was happy.<br /><br />Now? It has become an art form where the viewer is expected to be insulted and challenged. Never come away humming a memorable song for those.Susan Kanehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09834094675218254410noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-53887509112929440632013-09-17T09:16:43.643-07:002013-09-17T09:16:43.643-07:00I love musicals! You get everything all at once a...I love musicals! You get everything all at once and its a great experience. Kathleen Jennettehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17527996189920596997noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-41416212166326328512013-09-17T07:34:58.331-07:002013-09-17T07:34:58.331-07:00Tammy -- It's a different kind of entertainmen...Tammy -- It's a different kind of entertainment.<br /><br />Julie -- Not how I'd respond to <i>Book of Mormon</i>. It has been all the rage in recent years.<br /><br />Sue H -- Wow! You are a fan. The cost of going to see musicals is the biggest drawback for me. For me the music trumps staging and effects. Spectacular visuals may astound and stick in the memory, but good songs can stay around longer.<br /><br />Joyce -- Since I grew up listening to the Four Seasons I'm sure those songs would be on my mind.<br /><br />Jen -- Okay, I'll admit that I also burst into song sometimes though it's usually when I'm alone.<br /><br />Yvonne -- Your picks are two of my favorites as well. It's hard to beat those musical scores.<br /><br />Lee<br />Arlee Birdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11663942782929929334noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-2579330062614516192013-09-17T06:52:47.984-07:002013-09-17T06:52:47.984-07:00I love "OKLAHOMA and CAROUSEL" I could w...I love "OKLAHOMA and CAROUSEL" I could watch these as many times as I watch Daniel.<br /><br />Great post Lee Music was the first love in my life and I still love it today.<br /><br />Yvonne.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-7068241274593530412013-09-17T06:45:28.100-07:002013-09-17T06:45:28.100-07:00I enjoy musical theater, both old and new producti...I enjoy musical theater, both old and new productions (although my idea of new is The Phantom of the Opera). There's something wonderful about a cast of people bursting out into song and not being seen as eccentric for doing so. I burst out into song all the time at home! I'd love it if life was accompanied by a soundtrack!Jenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06683486631901017529noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-39888211969475721472013-09-17T04:18:10.811-07:002013-09-17T04:18:10.811-07:00I am a fan of musical theater, and love the old st...I am a fan of musical theater, and love the old stuff, but some new too. Phantom of the Opera is my favorite, or at least one favorite. Jersey Boys is a new favorite-you cannot help but sing along during the show (and for a week after!) Joycehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16727615822243830106noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-29046258283449084622013-09-17T03:40:32.271-07:002013-09-17T03:40:32.271-07:00I've always loved 'live' performance i...I've always loved 'live' performance in whatever discipline, but you can't beat a good blockbuster musical!<br /><br />Thankfully, we are able to get to London's West End fairly often, even if we often do have to sit in the 'cheap seats' (gosh - the PRICE of tickets!! :-o) but we're also blessed with many large theatres nearer to home so we can take advantage of touring productions.<br /><br />It depends, though, whether you're going for the music or the spectacle - they don't always go hand in hand. 'Lord of the Rings' at the Theatre Royal, Covent Garden was SPECTACULAR in its staging - less so in it's music (apart from <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zbF88CUeyYQ" rel="nofollow">this</a> )<br /><br />Now we are reduced to just a few long-running shows like Les Mis, Phantom and Wicked because producers are less likely to take chances on long runs for new shows.<br /><br />Last show we saw in London was 'Once' - initially I was unsure, but it is a wonderfully uplifting show with fantastic music - played by the actors themselves! Go see it, if you can!<br /><br />But people-pressure can have it's rewards to bring back musicals - and after joining in the clamour of voices and bombarding emails to theatre impressario Cameron MacKintosh, I'm thrilled to say 'Miss Saigon' is coming back to the West End! It broke box office records when tickets went on sale last week (£4.4Million on the first day!) - and we have three of them!!! :-) I have to admit it is my favourite musical, so many beautiful songs - we followed it round the country (I think we saw it 11 times) - even a student-production we saw last year was gobsmackingly awesome!<br /><br />So yes - long live the musical, I say! (sorry if I'm just a tad over-enthusiastic! ;-p)SueHhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11394307650434614637noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-34704707484456647702013-09-17T01:44:44.669-07:002013-09-17T01:44:44.669-07:00I also love musical theater! I've enjoyed play...I also love musical theater! I've enjoyed plays ranging from The King and I to The Producers! I even liked The Book of Mormon, but it's not for everyone. <br /><br />JulieEmpty Nest Insiderhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10074223969046687064noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-54431478774401496682013-09-16T22:44:14.239-07:002013-09-16T22:44:14.239-07:00i LOVE musical theater!!!! can't wait to see m...i LOVE musical theater!!!! can't wait to see more and more!Tammy Theriaulthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13128574900510175415noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-6287751792229035392013-09-16T20:47:37.103-07:002013-09-16T20:47:37.103-07:00Faraway -- I'm not sure why Jersey Boys would ...Faraway -- I'm not sure why <i>Jersey Boys</i> would require use of bad language. If the music is good I could get past it. Like I get past the language in well scripted films like the real estate one that I can't remember by the playrite I can't remember. <br /><br />Michelle--You've named off some good ones.<br /><br />Southpaw -- Love the old version of <i>42nd Street</i> from the 30's. I'm sure the newer one is also good if it follows suit.<br /><br />Susan GK -- I'd rather see a high school group keep it clean with a classic musical.<br /><br />StMc -- All I can think of would have something to do with gangs and musicals. If that's the case then I'd have to plead willing suspension of disbelief for my part. Did I get the answer? Otherwise I can see nothing to fault with the music. The story line is basically <i>Romeo and Juliet</i> so I don't have a problem there either--a rather innovative twist I thought.<br /><br />Lee<br />Arlee Birdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11663942782929929334noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-48474872131668422862013-09-16T20:08:31.114-07:002013-09-16T20:08:31.114-07:00BOIDMAN ~
>>... What did you not like about...BOIDMAN ~<br /><br /><i>>>... What did you not like about this musical? ['West Side Story']</i><br /><br />I'll give you one chance to rethink asking me that question. But if you ask it a second time, I WILL post my honest answer. (My Grandfather always said: Never ask a question unless you're SURE you want to hear the answer.)<br /><br />~ D-FensDogg<br />'Loyal American Underground'Stephen T. McCarthyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00249125637725791567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-35892322534517942552013-09-16T18:16:22.742-07:002013-09-16T18:16:22.742-07:00I haven't seen any musicals except for the one...I haven't seen any musicals except for the ones my high school puts on. They stick with the classics with no political overtones.Susan Gourley/Kelleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02669793865290876168noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-70605529265298987092013-09-16T16:40:02.468-07:002013-09-16T16:40:02.468-07:00Musicals are fun! As a tapper my fav has got to be...Musicals are fun! As a tapper my fav has got to be 42 Street!H. R. Sinclairhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06715450637785127208noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-30876884534912968802013-09-16T13:45:05.402-07:002013-09-16T13:45:05.402-07:00I can't remember when last I saw a GOOD staged...I can't remember when last I saw a GOOD staged musical. <br /><br />I'm talking about the likes of West Side Story, Oliver, Fiddler On The Roof, The Sound Of Music, Porgy and Bess, Cats, Joseph and The Amazing Technicoloured Dreamcoat, My Fair Lady, Phantom Of The Opera...etc. <br />I have nothing against the modern types though, and have watched quite a few of them.Michelle Wallacehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02750092836481599870noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-32505141603664068062013-09-16T13:10:36.003-07:002013-09-16T13:10:36.003-07:00I love musicals, although they are not all equal. ...I love musicals, although they are not all equal. I particularly like live theater. Last musical I saw on the stage was 'Jersey Boys' (the story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons) in Vegas several years ago. It was excellent. You probably wouldn't like it (lots of language). Last musical on the screen; Hair, of course (which I have also seen live - you probably wouldn't have liked that either.)farawayeyeshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17578277501054242356noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-53682735978138120192013-09-16T12:19:43.770-07:002013-09-16T12:19:43.770-07:00Larry -- You are welcome to take up as much space ...Larry -- You are welcome to take up as much space as you want on my blog. Guest post? Sure, if you've got something you want to share. There is something special about live music, but I can certainly appreciate movie musicals. They can do things that are difficult to pull off on stage.<br /><br />esb- When you consider a lot of garbage that's been in the theater of late, "Trash Theater" is an accurate moniker. And when theater gets a bad name they harm moniker.<br /><br />Andrew -- I used to give my kids a regular diet of musicals when they were growing up. I don't know if they still watch them, but we had a good time watching them. Or at least I did and I hope they did too.<br /><br />Lee<br /><br />Arlee Birdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11663942782929929334noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-75134149796563198392013-09-16T11:22:29.817-07:002013-09-16T11:22:29.817-07:00We've been watching musicals with our kids lat...We've been watching musicals with our kids lately, including Jesus Christ Superstar. My kids have especially loved The Sound of Music and Singing in the Rain. They did not much care for Oklahoma!Andrew Leonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13964775673414653644noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-74513571658781017892013-09-16T10:42:35.951-07:002013-09-16T10:42:35.951-07:00I must drive by our local theatre quite often and ...I must drive by our local theatre quite often and I don't recaLL it ever emitting music. The lazy inconsiderate people who work there are poor in their aim at the trash dumpster in back in the alley and fiLL it past the brim when another emptier dumpster is just a few feet farther north. So their spiLLage drifts north up the aLLey towards our place. So it is more of a Trash Theatre when it comes to emissions.esbbostonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09946279220170973147noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-40135539573480378802013-09-16T10:18:33.130-07:002013-09-16T10:18:33.130-07:00Lee-
I love musicals, old and new, although have ...Lee-<br /><br />I love musicals, old and new, although have steered away from some newer ones for the same reasons as you.<br /><br />I do not enjoy watching films of musicals, however-would rather see a high school production of <i>West Side Story</i> than watch the film, even though I like the film....I just like to hear music live more.<br /><br />A little trivia for you...Joseph Papp hired Todd Rundgren to write the book for a musical called <i>Up Against It</i> that played for a couple of month run at New York's Public Theater (off-Broadway). I was lucky enough to see it. The story was originally meant to be a Beatles film, and that showed (a little silly) but Todd did a great job with the music and lyrics. A song that frequentl makes my top list, <i>Parallel Lines</i>, was a recurring theme in this musical.<br /><br />I hear his next "orchestra" show (with Metropole) will be this musical.<br /><br />But I digress....and this is YOUR blog, not mine!<br /><br />LarryDiscConnectedhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07013919800637508392noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-9466934583457171312013-09-16T10:16:09.003-07:002013-09-16T10:16:09.003-07:00StMc -- I'll disagree about West Side Story. ...StMc -- I'll disagree about <i>West Side Story</i>. I think Bernstein's scoring and songs is quite good. What did you not like about this musical? I'm surprised that you would disapprove of that musical yet consider yourself of that hippie musical <i>Hair</i>.<br /><br />Jaimie - I think the stories need to be somewhat light and not content heavy to allow for the songs and the dance numbers. Usually the audience is there for the entertainment value and not so much the story.<br /><br />Robin --It's fun to be a part of a production especially if you get be on stage and feel the audience adulation. Applause can be addictive.<br /><br />Lee<br />Arlee Birdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11663942782929929334noreply@blogger.com