Company- Page 2

[MusicMan]

Posted: 6/23/04 at 12:43am

Being Alive should NEVER be used for an audition, not only because it is a cliche but because any singing actor worth their salt would realize the song needs to be performed in its entirety (an impracticality at auditions) to fully activate its dramatic arc ("Someone to hold you too close" through "Somebody hold me too close").

[Jon]

Posted: 6/23/04 at 7:46am

can ANY song reach its dramatic arc in a "16 bars ballad, 16 bars up-tempo" audition situation? The auditors just want to hear if you can sing!

[ShaimanMenkenFan]

Posted: 6/23/04 at 7:54am

I have to contradict PolisPol, I found the Spanish production of Company really enjoyable. But I prefer to listen the Original B'way Cast Recording, MRS. STRITCH RULES!

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 6/23/04 at 10:06am

Jon is absolutely right. For most auditions, you get 16 bars. There is no ballad that shows off a tenor's voice well and completes a dramatic arc in 16 bars. Just show off your voice and nail the callback.

[GovernorSlaton]

Posted: 6/23/04 at 11:17am

I'm not sure which recording I have because a friend burned it for me (it doesn't have the second Being Alive, but it is the original cast), but what is going on after Poor Baby? It's kind of like old movie clips or something. Can someone help? Thanks!

[iruvyou]

Posted: 6/23/04 at 11:55am

That's what I thought! It sounds like some kind of recoridng. I know that it's April and Robert who are talking. I also know that it's right before April is about to leave for Barcelona and Robert tells her not to go. I think there just being intimate or something. Also there is a song called "Marry me a little" (i think that's what it's called) that isn't on the copy i gave you

[broadwayguy2]

Posted: 6/23/04 at 11:56am

I hate 16 bar cuts because they are always tricky beacause you can never show off your voice to it's potential. You really only have an opportunity to show off one..maybe two.. aspects of your voice.

[StickToPriest]

Posted: 6/23/04 at 12:04pm

"Marry Me a Little" is a fantastic song. I, in fact, find it superior to "Being Alive". John Barrowman's rendetion of "Marry Me a Little" in 'Putting It Together' is superb.

As for the 'other' version of 'Being Alive', you're thinking of Larry Kert. Dean Jones, who originated the role of Bobby, struck a deal with Hal Prince that he would give it his all for the recording, opening night and a few performances after that, then quitely leave due to maritial problems of his own. Larry Kert assumed the role, and was the only replacement in history to get the Tony nomination. Halpprince decided to record Larry Kert's version of 'Being Alive', also. I find both versions equally enjoyable.

NOTE: Larry Kert also originated the role of Tony in 'West Side Story'

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 6/23/04 at 1:33pm

GovernorSlaton - I believe you are talking about Tick-Tock. From what I understand, it was a dance number depicting Bobby and one of the girls (April?) trying unsuccessfully to make out and Bobby is then confronted with the "L" word. At least, that is what I remember reading about the number. Anyone feel free to correct me if I'm wrong.

Updated On: 6/23/04 at 01:33 PM

[MargoChanning]

Posted: 6/23/04 at 3:08pm

That's right. "Tick-Tock" was primarily a dance number Michael Bennett created for his friend and muse Donna McKechnie (the only real dancer in the cast, whom Bennett insisted upon casting). In pragmatic terms, "Tick-Tock" was written to make Bennett happy, allowing him to stretch his choreographic muscles a little bit in a show that called for very little dancing ("Side By Side" being a modest exception), not to mention an opportunity to give the gifted McKechnie a moment to shine.

[MusicMan]

Posted: 6/23/04 at 11:40pm

"Just show off your voice and nail the callback."

Which is precisely why most actors won't.

The singing actor's job is to activate a song, not just hit the exit sign with sound. With a little research, the clever singing actor can find 16 bars that not only demonstates his/her vocal prowess but provides a dramatic arc as well.
It's musical THEATRE, not opera. Updated On: 6/24/04 at 11:40 PM