On the subject of voices sounding quite different from what you hear live in the theatre, I think that Mike Faist's voice in particular sounds not like himself at all. I've seen him a few times live in both concerts and shows, and all of Conner's singing/dialogue just sounds off on the album.
ProducersFan said: "Today's going to be a great day! "For Forever" sounds gorgeous - I can't stop listening! I'm bummed they left off the reprise of "Sincerely, Me". I guess I should have paid more attention to the track listing in iTunes, but I was surprised to see it omitted while listening through the whole album this morning. Is it due to the lyric at the beginning? Or just didn't fit the flow of the album? The way Connor's character is is portrayed is brilliant, and I love the driving beat in that song (and reprise).
"
Alex LaCacamoire was asked that question last night and he tweeted why the reprise wasn't there: "Didn't need it; It's a transitional moment that works better in the show than on a record"
These comments intrigue me. I've seen the show, heard the album, and think it's generally a superb preservation of what happens 8 times a week. If the album is a bit more strategically intimate -- yes, the vocals 'pop' more precisely -- it's the difference in live vs. studio controls. What I've noticed: it's a big sing for Platt. I know he pretty much goes on vocal rest on Tuesday and Friday nights, prior to the matinee double headers, but still, it's a lot to sing in his upper register, which he negotiates quite effortlessly. I wasn't so aware in the theater of those reaches, particularly in "If I Could Tell Her," such a lovely song. Though the show gives wonderful moments to everyone, this role is a killer. And Platt leaves everything on the stage in "Words Fail." On the recording, the segue back into "Waving Through..." is one of the most emotionally and musically thrilling things in the score, so powerfully sung, whatever the help provided by technology. Awed.
"I'm a comedian, but in my spare time, things bother me." Garry Shandling
I've been waiting for forever for "For Forever" to be released. It was the one song that really struck me more than any other and I knew right after (and while) I heard it performed that I wanted to listen to it again and again.
It is such a gorgeous representation of the most beautiful, imaginary day. Beautiful and heartbreaking.
I really feel Ben Platt IS Evan Hansen, or Evan Hansen is an exaggerated version of Ben Platt, when I see his body language... there's so much of Platt in Evan.
Tomorrow is not going to be a great day (working), but well it's a little less crappy now! ^_^
I really feel Ben Platt IS Evan Hansen, or Evan Hansen is an exaggerated version of Ben Platt, when I see his body language... there's so much of Platt in Evan.
Tomorrow is not going to be a great day (working), but well it's a little less crappy now! ^_^
I really feel Ben Platt IS Evan Hansen, or Evan Hansen is an exaggerated version of Ben Platt, when I see his body language... there's so much of Platt in Evan.
Tomorrow is not going to be a great day (working), but well it's a little less crappy now! ^_^
"
Isn't that literally what acting is-- never mind
"
Sorry? I mean when I see Ben Platt... like you know as himself. I see Evan. Like Ben as himself... it's just him... Er... Like when he is not acting? Evan is Platt, is probably more accurate.
ProducersFan said: "Today's going to be a great day! "For Forever" sounds gorgeous - I can't stop listening! I'm bummed they left off the reprise of "Sincerely, Me". I guess I should have paid more attention to the track listing in iTunes, but I was surprised to see it omitted while listening through the whole album this morning. Is it due to the lyric at the beginning? Or just didn't fit the flow of the album? The way Connor's character is is portrayed is brilliant, and I love the driving beat in that song (and reprise).
"
What is the lyric at the beginning that you're referring too?
This album is really noticeably impressive. I'm so in awe of the job the editors and mixers and everyone did.
I don't think of Ben as Evan or vice versa, having seen him in other things and as himself. I think to conflate the two shows a) what an amazing job he's doing in the role and how perfect he is but also b) lessens the impressiveness of his acting in this role. He's working so hard and creating such a deep and detailed character in such a masterful way that it seems like he's not even acting.
I really feel Ben Platt IS Evan Hansen, or Evan Hansen is an exaggerated version of Ben Platt, when I see his body language... there's so much of Platt in Evan.
Tomorrow is not going to be a great day (working), but well it's a little less crappy now! ^_^
"
Isn't that literally what acting is-- never mind
"
Sorry? I mean when I see Ben Platt... like you know as himself. I see Evan. Like Ben as himself... it's just him... Er... Like when he is not acting? Evan is Platt, is probably more accurate.
"
Ohhhh ok now I get you. I actually don't agree at all but I get you.
Just want to thank everyone here who has been raving about this show for the past two years. I don't get to NYC often, but I downloaded the OCR within an hour of it becoming available Friday morning.
anyone else wish Anybody Have a Map was like 2 minutes longer and included some of the other characters looking for a map? such a good melody and it ends so abruptly and too soon (though maybe that shortness works better onstage)
"Contentment, it seems, simply happens. It appears accompanied by no bravos and no tears."
GreasedLightning said: "ProducersFan said: "Today's going to be a great day! "For Forever" sounds gorgeous - I can't stop listening! I'm bummed they left off the reprise of "Sincerely, Me". I guess I should have paid more attention to the track listing in iTunes, but I was surprised to see it omitted while listening through the whole album this morning. Is it due to the lyric at the beginning? Or just didn't fit the flow of the album? The way Connor's character is is portrayed is brilliant, and I love the driving beat in that song (and reprise).
"
What is the lyric at the beginning that you're referring too?
"
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Sucking dick for meth
I know it's not horribly offensive - it's quite funny in the context of the show.
After many repeat listens, I completely understand the decision to leave it off. It's so short and would disrupt the flow. Doesn't mean I don't still want it included though, haha!
"If you start from a place of joy and charm, you can get away with a lot in the second act. It may be that that's my life. I'm not sure."
~Roger Bart
gypsy101 said: "anyone else wish Anybody Have a Map was like 2 minutes longer and included some of the other characters looking for a map? such a good melody and it ends so abruptly and too soon (though maybe that shortness works better onstage)"
On stage the song is longer because there's more dialogue and the abrupt ending is cut off by a school bell ringing. There's also an entire opening media montage and sequence with Evan rambling that they didn't record.
CATSNYrevival said: "On stage the song is longer because there's more dialogue and the abrupt ending is cut off by a school bell ringing. There's also an entire opening media montage and sequence with Evan rambling that they didn't record."
I figured it was something like that, I just want Evan and Zoe to also be looking for a map, then have a key change with everyone looking for a map.
"Contentment, it seems, simply happens. It appears accompanied by no bravos and no tears."
I want a dialogue-less version of You Will Be Found, possibly with an added prose to make it full length. It's a phenomenal song, I wish Cynthia would include a cover of it in her upcoming (?) album.
My only real complaint with this score is the very heavy rock treatment of Good For You. I don't see Rachel's character as a rocker country chick. She pulls it off just fine, but there are other ways to make a song theatrical and the character angry than what they did. It doesn't go with the moment.
Caption: Every so often there was a rare moment of perfect balance when I soared above him.
Help help! I'm seeing the show for the first time next month and am desperate to listen to the album. I know the plot is intentionally shrouded in secrecy. To those who have seen the show -- will listening to the songs ruin the plot for me?
fade2blackstreet said: "Help help! I'm seeing the show for the first time next month"
If you're only a month out... I'd wait. The recording will definitely spoil a lot of the plot, and if you don't know anything, I think you'll really enjoy experiencing the show as it unfolds. (I saw it at Second Stage unspoiled and it was an incredible experience.) I know it will be a torturous month... but you can listen to your heart's content after you see the show. :) Stay strong!
FWIW, I'd probably give different advice to someone who didn't actually have current plans to see it or wasn't going to see it for a very long time.
In general, I like to go into a show cold, and recommend that.
The only exception for me is Hamilton. I tell people to listen to Act 1 of that first. Seeing it live is such a surprise anyway, because of the staging.
If you are only waiting a month, I would also recommend you wait! I'd only heard one song beforehand (Waving Through a Window) and knew very little about the plot, and it was a fantastic experience. I think it'd be much better to wait on this one.
I've been listening to this pretty much non-stop since the digital release. Not seeing the show until April and I've avoided reading a full synopsis of the story so I won't hit any big spoilers, but I am very curious about one thing, which would (I assume) be a minor spoiler: What is the song cue for "For Forever"? I'm obsessed with Platt's performance of it but I can't tell from the recording where it comes from. Is it Evan's fantasy of a friendship, or is he singing it to someone?
Just remembering you've had an "and"
When you're back to "or"
Makes the "or" mean more than it did before