#1
Posted: 5/27/06 at 11:17am
Let's here it guys, musicals that needed a new composer.
Great Book and Lyrics, but bad Music
#2
Posted: 5/29/06 at 1:10pm
It's not a great show, but "Doonesbury" sort of falls into that category. The script is funny and Gary Trudeau showed some facility with lyrics. But Elizabeth Swados writes the kind of music you forget while you're hearing it...
"A coherent existance after so many years of muddle" - Desiree' Armfelt, A Little Night Music
"Life keeps happening everyday, Say Yes" - 70, Girls, 70
"Life is what you do while you're waiting to die" - Zorba
#3
Posted: 5/29/06 at 2:58pm
I loved the book and lyrics for Into the Woods, but thought that the music left a lot to be desired. It shouldn't have had another composer, because some of the material is good (i.e No One is Alone). But Sondheim could have written a better score in my opinion.
Keep your morals, I don't have time. Keep your lovers, I'm changing mine!
-The Likes of Us
#4
Posted: 5/29/06 at 3:23pm
Well, that's your opinion. I for one find Into the Woods to be one of the most accessable scores ever written by Mr. S.
I find Porter's Can Can in terms of about 50% of the music quite weak with his lyrics outreaching it, on the other hand the book was anything but strong so it doesn't totally fit in this category.
I find Porter's Can Can in terms of about 50% of the music quite weak with his lyrics outreaching it, on the other hand the book was anything but strong so it doesn't totally fit in this category.
#5
Posted: 5/29/06 at 3:27pm
The only reason Can-Can lasted as long as it did during it's original run, and had success was because of one simple reason..
GWEN VERDON.
The only part of the show that received complete raves. She gave a legendary performance.
The music. lyrics, and book were indeed weak.
GWEN VERDON.
The only part of the show that received complete raves. She gave a legendary performance.
The music. lyrics, and book were indeed weak.
#6
Posted: 5/29/06 at 4:02pm
i think 'she loves me' falls into that one.
"Girl, this cupcake is the jumpoff"- Adriane Lenox
#7
Posted: 5/29/06 at 5:02pm
I know there will be some violent disagreement on at least some of these, but IMO the music does not live up to the book/lyrics for all of the following:
Spamalot
The Producers
Avenue Q (with a few exceptions)
The Drowsy Chaperone
Spamalot
The Producers
Avenue Q (with a few exceptions)
The Drowsy Chaperone
"What was the name of that cheese that I like?"
"you can't run away forever...but there's nothing wrong with getting a good head start"
"well I hope and I pray, that maybe someday, you'll walk in the room with my heart"
#8
Posted: 5/29/06 at 5:17pm
"I know there will be some violent disagreement on at least some of these..." You were right. I disagree with your comments on Spamalot, The Producers, and Avenue Q. All three have very powerful scores considering that you don't go to those shows to hear fantastic music, you go for the comedy. I can't agree or disagree with you about The Drowsy Chaperone because I haven't seen it or heard the soundtrack yet, but from what I know about it from video clips, I have a feeling you might be right. Also, from the little I've seen of Tarzan, it looks like Phil Collins was not the right man to write disney songs.
"I think of avant-garde as downtown shows where you rub waffles and chocolate on yourself."- Hunter Bell
#9
Posted: 5/29/06 at 5:39pm
Spamalot has a terrible, awful, disgraceful score.
And for the fifteith ****ing time, it's called a CAST ALBUM, not a soundtrack!
And for the fifteith ****ing time, it's called a CAST ALBUM, not a soundtrack!
#10
Posted: 5/29/06 at 5:45pm
I might say Aida. I'd just like to see something besides rock/pop music to tell the love story. And yes, I am aware of the Opera.
#11
Posted: 5/29/06 at 5:51pm
I agree with 'The Producers.' At times I wasn't sure if I was laughing with the score or at it.
#12
Posted: 5/29/06 at 5:56pm
This is actually something really hard to think about. Because when I listen to a recording -- at first listen, it is mostly just a listen without paying much attention to it. Then I think back to whether it was somthing I actually enjoyed listening to or not -- and it's never really the lyrics that I go back to listen to... it's the music. So any show with bad music I wouldn't really know if it had good lyrics... Does this make sense?
#13
Posted: 5/29/06 at 6:03pm
The thing about The Producers is that it's not supposed to have an outstanding score, but I think it does serve its' perpose- the songs are hummable, bouncy, and downright catchy.
It's true, though, that the score makes or breaks a musical. The Wild Party, anyone?
It's true, though, that the score makes or breaks a musical. The Wild Party, anyone?
"Writing should be easy, like a monkey driving a speedboat..." -[title of show]
"I'm tired of following my dreams. I'm just going to ask them where they're going and meet up with them later." -Mitch Hedberg
#14
Posted: 5/29/06 at 6:06pm
The notion that because the score to 'The Producers' is supposed to be funny and, therefore, doesn't have to be 'outstanding' is rather insulting to the large crop of composers who can write comedic scores with the same craft and quality that 'serious' scores have.
#15
Posted: 5/29/06 at 6:09pm
"I disagree with your comments on Spamalot, The Producers, and Avenue Q. All three have very powerful scores considering that you don't go to those shows to hear fantastic music, you go for the comedy."
I was waiting for someone to mention any of these before I gave input. What is considered "good" is a very subjective term that's specific per person. Just a matter of personal taste. I, for instance, find shows like Aida and Jekyll & Hyde too pop-heavy and dull listening. But, being a lover of old-fashioned traditional music from say the 20's or 50's, I take true delight in all three of the above-mentioned shows. Plus, you can't ignore that those three are highly regarded in the favored majority.
"The notion that because the score to 'The Producers' is supposed to be funny and, therefore, doesn't have to be 'outstanding' is rather insulting to the large crop of composers who can write comedic scores with the same craft and quality that 'serious' scores have. I agree with 'The Producers.' At times I wasn't sure if I was laughing with the score or at it."
Actually, probably my favorite score. Mel would encourage you to laugh. It's a throwback to generic old Golden Age tunes, like that from "Gypsy" or "Guys & Dolls". Are you suggesting that "If Momma Was Married" is catchier or more well-crafted than "Keep It Gay"? Honestly, I see no remarkable superiority in those scores to Mel's. And, I applaud him.
I was waiting for someone to mention any of these before I gave input. What is considered "good" is a very subjective term that's specific per person. Just a matter of personal taste. I, for instance, find shows like Aida and Jekyll & Hyde too pop-heavy and dull listening. But, being a lover of old-fashioned traditional music from say the 20's or 50's, I take true delight in all three of the above-mentioned shows. Plus, you can't ignore that those three are highly regarded in the favored majority.
"The notion that because the score to 'The Producers' is supposed to be funny and, therefore, doesn't have to be 'outstanding' is rather insulting to the large crop of composers who can write comedic scores with the same craft and quality that 'serious' scores have. I agree with 'The Producers.' At times I wasn't sure if I was laughing with the score or at it."
Actually, probably my favorite score. Mel would encourage you to laugh. It's a throwback to generic old Golden Age tunes, like that from "Gypsy" or "Guys & Dolls". Are you suggesting that "If Momma Was Married" is catchier or more well-crafted than "Keep It Gay"? Honestly, I see no remarkable superiority in those scores to Mel's. And, I applaud him.
...And so, there I was at the stage door for "Equus". The enthused avalanche of "Harry Potter" fans was literally pushing me into the barricades. As I was thrust face-first into Daniel Radcliffe's hat, I suddenly felt the thumb of a lanky gentleman behind me pressing firmly into my back. It was then that I realized that both of his hands had Playbills, and that both arms were outstretched in front of me...
Updated On: 5/29/06 at 06:09 PM
#16
Posted: 5/29/06 at 6:15pm
Although I love this show, the music in Spelling Bee just doesn't do it for me. The book is amazing and the lyrics are great too, but the music just isn't anything amazing. It is no where near bad, it just could be better (in my opinion).
#17
Posted: 5/29/06 at 6:16pm
Amen, rufussars. I actually thought The Producers' score was supposed to be a parody in itself.
"Writing should be easy, like a monkey driving a speedboat..." -[title of show]
"I'm tired of following my dreams. I'm just going to ask them where they're going and meet up with them later." -Mitch Hedberg
#18
Posted: 5/29/06 at 6:29pm
As indicators of quality, yeah, I think the Tonys signify very little.
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