Characterization in musicals

[BSoBW2]

Posted: 12/28/04 at 5:59pm

so, i was thinking:

A lot of people complain that a show has bad characterization (ie: Fiyero in Wicked seems to be the current one).

Let's turn this around and say, what song(s) in a show characterizes a character well?

I'll say 'so what' in Cabaret (Fraulein Schneider) - it goes through her background and, with a good actress, from the way it is performed and the score of the song, it really shows what she is like.

[BroadwayBound06]

Posted: 12/28/04 at 6:04pm

I've never seen Wicked but from past posts I thought the characterization wasn't bad, just how the character was written in general.

I think all of Burr's songs in The Wild Party (Lippa) were great character building songs.

[Gothampc]

Posted: 12/28/04 at 6:05pm

Adelaide's Lament in Guys & Dolls
Master of the House in Les Miserables
The entire score of A Chorus Line

[FranklinShepard-Inc.]

Posted: 12/28/04 at 7:50pm

Hmm, I'd name (just a few now):

"Goodtime Charley" => King Charles (in "Goodtime Charley")
"Use what you got" => JoJo (in "The Life")
"The Music still plays on" => Gordo's Mother (in "A new Brain")
"No More" => Paula (in "The Goodbye Girl")
"Out There" => Quasimodo (in "The Hunchback from Notre Dame")
"Never met a Man I didn't like" => Will Rogers (in "The Will Rogers Follies")
"Finishing the Hat" => George Seurat (in "Sunday in the Park with George")
"I'm still here" => Carlotta Champion (in "Follies")

....

And that is to name but a few...

Posted: 12/28/04 at 10:58pm

I don't believe I am authorized to threadjack here, but I must.

Franklin- The Hunchback of Notre Dame is incredible and I was happy to see it mentioned. 'Out There' is a great song.

[jonartdesigns]

Posted: 12/28/04 at 11:02pm

all i care about- chicago, but only when paired with the following scene

[KateMusic]

Posted: 12/28/04 at 11:21pm

The Ballad of Booth- Assassins
Heaven on their Minds- Jesus Christ Superstar
anything in The Last Five Years
I'd Give my Life for You- Miss Saigon