so i was cast in a production of thoroughly modern millie this summer, and just found out that for the first time we won't be using a full orchestra, we're using the OrchEXTRA music enhancement system.
has anyone had any experience with this? how is the quality of the music?
My HS was the master of orchEXTRA. We used it in Ragtime and BATB. It's actually really awesome. Of course nothing beats a live orchestra, but the quality is still great. Basically its a program on a computer that's attached to a keyboard. Whoever is operating the system controls the tempo with the keyboard.
The only catch is that the performers can't really mess up...ever. Not that they should with a live orchestra, but there's no conductor to help you find your place or get the musicians on track.
GOOD LUCK with OrchEXTRA. As Dramatothemax said, nothing beats a live orchestra. All I can say is to be careful to not get off tempo.. Millie has a lot of weird tempo changes and a lot of dancing... So things are going to be tricky! Good luck and tell us how it goes! =)
A few years ago, I saw a high school use OrchEXTRA in their production of Beauty and the Beast. Walking in the theatre, I was quite confused, but the sound was fantastic.