"I haven't seen the show. I think the score is pleasant but I'm finding it hard to 'get' it. Which moments do you guys think are dramatic, or have subtext...or make you say "Wow, I'm impressed with how they used the music/lyrics there to do X", and (most importantly) what is it about the score that achieves that?"
qolbinau, kudos for your approach - or rather what appears to be a genuine question in asking why there are those of us who like this music.
For me, the music as a whole transports me to another era, a time a long while ago and one in the southern US where the story takes place - and also portrays a kind of "Americana". There are a lot of textures of many of the kinds of music that are known as "American music". Bluegrass, Country, Southern Rock and yes, even Pop. The fact there are strong elements of what some deem an evil music form for musical theatre isn't important to me. Actually, maybe it does matter. The pop-ness makes it a littler more palpable for current audiences that like popular music. I see nothing wrong with that. The entire score moves me to where the creative team wanted it to. The music is catchy, heartfelt, has an apparent link to the geography and time period - and is simply enjoyable to listen to. Apparently, not enough people "got it" to sustain the show though (despite any other problems that may have existed).
The first few minutes of the show are an example of drama created by the music. It sets the time and mood and optimism of the two main characters. "When I Drive" extends that optimism, but this time involving Clyde and his brother Buck - and develops the closeness between the brothers. The song is kind of a fun piece to boot. "Raise a little hell" where Clyde kills the prison guard is extremely dramatic, and the music adds to that effect in a big way. Sure, a murder acted out on stage is pretty compelling by itself, but the music intensified every momemt as well as made the anger, desperation, and even the audiences compassion for Clyde completely realistic. I think that scene is where you come to like Clyde (and Bonnie) and root for them. Whereas prior to that time, it is a bit awkward to be rooting for them. The beginning of the show does do a part to help you like them from the get go though. Whether that premise is rediculous or not, the music helps accomplish what I am sure is intentional.
The poppy ballads do what pop ballads do: they tell a story in an emotional way. I'm not sure why some find fault with this. "You Can Do Better Than Him" is a beautiful song that some might say is a throw in as there is no real development of Officer Hinton's character. The song makes me want there to be more involvement of that character. This is one critism of the show I have. Had there been more turmoil and confusion on Bonnie's part to pick Clyde over the cop, it would have added interest. The writer and director can take the blame on that one.
I got to see the show and really liked it.......enough that I purchased the CD. I love the CD. It has all the music without any of the slowness of the non-musical parts of the show. The music is consistently enjoyable, well developed and even tastier than I remembered.
To me, this CD is entertaining whether on in the background or cranked up with me doing nothing but listening to it - beginning to end.
Updated On: 5/8/12 at 09:33 PM
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