FRANKLIN SHEPARD, INC. and other virtuoso solos

[The Distinctive Baritone]

FRANKLIN SHEPARD, INC. and other virtuoso solos#1

Posted: 5/21/17 at 7:27pm

So I've recently become a bit obsessed with the song "Franklin Shepard, Inc." even though I've never seen Merrily and know only a little bit about it. It's such a tour de force - not just because of its length (about five minutes as opposed to the usual three), but because it is a musical theatre song that is a true acting challenge with some very tough technical demands.

What other "epic" solos are similar to this in the musical theatre? You know, big acting showcases that usually involve a bit of a mental or emotional breakdown.

A few off the top of my head: "Betrayed" from The Producers, "Soliloquy" from "Carousel," "Rose's Turn" from Gypsy, "I'm Breaking Down" from Falsettos...as well as shorter ones too like "Confrontation" from Jekyll and Hyde (it is SO hard to make that song awesome instead of cheesy), "Epiphany" from Sweeney Todd...what else? 

Updated On: 5/21/17 at 07:27 PM

[WhizzerMarvin]

FRANKLIN SHEPARD, INC. and other virtuoso solos#2

Posted: 5/22/17 at 11:20am

"I Was a Shoo-In" from Subways are for Sleeping 

"Men" from So Long, 174th Street 

"Gesticulate" from Kismet

"Not On Your Nellie" from Darling of the Day

"Duet For One" from 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue 

Marie: Don't be in such a hurry about that pretty little chippy in Frisco. Tony: Eh, she's a no chip!

[The Distinctive Baritone]

FRANKLIN SHEPARD, INC. and other virtuoso solos#3

Posted: 5/22/17 at 11:41am

Thanks! I haven't heard of any of those, I'll have to look those up!

[WhizzerMarvin]

FRANKLIN SHEPARD, INC. and other virtuoso solos#4

Posted: 5/22/17 at 11:45am

Two more: 

"Glitter and Be Gay" from Candide

"Around the World" from Grey Gardens

 

Marie: Don't be in such a hurry about that pretty little chippy in Frisco. Tony: Eh, she's a no chip!

[musikman]

FRANKLIN SHEPARD, INC. and other virtuoso solos#5

Posted: 5/22/17 at 1:22pm

Meditation from Shenandoah has always been a personal favorite.  It's John Cullum in his prime!

https://youtu.be/PtiaYyIDsSM

-There's the muddle in the middle. There's the puddle where the poodle did the piddle."

[Kad]

FRANKLIN SHEPARD, INC. and other virtuoso solos#6

Posted: 5/22/17 at 1:28pm

"Lot's Wife" from Caroline or Change

"...everyone finally shut up, and the audience could enjoy the beginning of the Anatevka Pogram in peace."

[stage-n-screen]

FRANKLIN SHEPARD, INC. and other virtuoso solos#7

Posted: 5/22/17 at 1:49pm

"Not Getting Married" from Company, depending on whether you consider a panic attack the equivalent of a breakdown.  More recently, "Words Fail" from Dear Evan Hansen (especially if you see it on stage), which is a truly intense emotional outpouring.