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Great Score, Shame About The Book — Page 2

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#26

re: Great Score, Shame About The Book

Posted: 6/17/08 at 6:06pm

I love Spring Awakening, but the book really isn't that great. The only scene that really stuck out for me was the one where Wendla's mother tells her she's pregnant, but I guess that could really depend on the actresses.
I know you. I know you. I know you.
#28

re: Great Score, Shame About The Book

Posted: 6/17/08 at 6:21pm

Seussical - I spent the entire time watching it wishing I was just listening to the CD instead.
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Current Saying: What do you mean it isn't enough being pretty? Have you seen my headshots?!?
#29

re: Great Score, Shame About The Book

Posted: 6/17/08 at 7:14pm

Well, considering Seussical is almost completely sung-through, there wouldn't have been much difference between seeing it and listening to the CD.
"I believe that art does not exist only to entertain, but also to challenge one to think, to provoke, even to disturb, to engage in a constant search for the truth." - Barbra Streisand
#30

re: Great Score, Shame About The Book

Posted: 6/17/08 at 7:29pm

I cannot believe Sunday in the Park with George, Into the Woods, and Carousel were mentioned on this list... bad books? NO! Not at all! They're practically classics.

To continue the discussion, I've always thought Rags had a problematic book but one of the most ravishing scores ever written.
#31

re: Great Score, Shame About The Book

Posted: 6/17/08 at 7:33pm

I agree with you, guettboy.

I went to a talk back with Stephen Schwartz and he said there was definitely unfinished business with Rags. He has been wanting to revisit it for some time and make the much-needed changes to the book, but has never had the opportunity.
"I believe that art does not exist only to entertain, but also to challenge one to think, to provoke, even to disturb, to engage in a constant search for the truth." - Barbra Streisand
#32

re: Great Score, Shame About The Book

Posted: 6/17/08 at 7:34pm

I also disagree with the person who listed Parade.

And as much as I love the show, I feel that Light in the Piazza could use some work on its book.
"I believe that art does not exist only to entertain, but also to challenge one to think, to provoke, even to disturb, to engage in a constant search for the truth." - Barbra Streisand
#33

re: Great Score, Shame About The Book

Posted: 6/17/08 at 7:36pm

The only thing I didn't like about the book of Piazza (and I thought the show was breathtaking) was Margaret's direct addresses to the audience. That was the only thing that took me out - other than that I'd say the show is pretty tight.
And Yes, bwayboy, Parade is also a musical that shouldn't have been listed here.
#35

re: Great Score, Shame About The Book

Posted: 6/17/08 at 7:40pm

I was okay with Margaret's addresses to the audience, although there were certain lines in a few of these monologues that I found awkward. I thought the second act as a whole was week. Specifically, the scenes where Fabrizio's father finds out about her age and when Margaret tries to convince him to reconsider. He reacted so fiercely and then I thought gave in to easy- the stakes just didn't seem high enough. And I know what Lucas was going for- the power of love- but it just didn't work for me. Don't get me wrong, I'm still in love with the show, it's just something I would change.
"I believe that art does not exist only to entertain, but also to challenge one to think, to provoke, even to disturb, to engage in a constant search for the truth." - Barbra Streisand
#36

re: Great Score, Shame About The Book

Posted: 6/17/08 at 7:43pm

I'm glad Chess was one of the first mentioned, because it was certainly the show that popped into my mind when I saw the thread.
#37

re: Great Score, Shame About The Book

Posted: 6/17/08 at 7:45pm

Re: The Rink

McNally already rewrote the book about 10 years ago. Not a lot of huge changes, but definitely improved.
#38

re: Great Score, Shame About The Book

Posted: 6/17/08 at 8:37pm

Well, they revised the book of Parade in the London production and I think they really fixed a lot of the flaws in the original book.
Butters, go buy World of Warcraft, install it on your computer, and join the online sensation before we all murder you. --Cartman: South Park ATTENTION FANS: I will be played by James Barbour in the upcoming musical, "BroadwayWorld: The Musical."
#39

re: Great Score, Shame About The Book

Posted: 6/17/08 at 9:59pm

In the Heights
The Frogs, after Nathan Lane got a hold of it
Dear World
Burn the witch
The witch is dead
Burn the witch
Just bring me back her head
#41

re: Great Score, Shame About The Book

Posted: 6/17/08 at 10:06pm

Gypsy

re: Great Score, Shame About The Book
"Light the candles! Get the ice out! Roll the rug up, it's today!"

Updated On: 6/17/08 at 10:06 PM

#42

re: Great Score, Shame About The Book

Posted: 6/17/08 at 10:19pm

Merrily We Roll Along
"Don't thank your parents, if you were raised in a nurturing environment you wouldnt be in show business"--Conan O'Brien at the 2006 Emmy Awards
#43

re: Great Score, Shame About The Book

Posted: 6/17/08 at 10:48pm

sondheimgeek, you are joking, no?
"I believe that art does not exist only to entertain, but also to challenge one to think, to provoke, even to disturb, to engage in a constant search for the truth." - Barbra Streisand
#44

re: Great Score, Shame About The Book

Posted: 6/17/08 at 11:05pm

Look, I love Parade, but I don't love the book. The characters are too stereotyped and the case is presented as too black and white. I know other people who would agree with me that Parade's book has problems.

It's good to hear that the London version fixed it.
Jimmy, what are you doing here in the middle of the night? It's almost 9 PM!

Updated On: 6/17/08 at 11:05 PM

#45

re: Great Score, Shame About The Book

Posted: 6/17/08 at 11:13pm

Well, considering Seussical is almost completely sung-through, there wouldn't have been much difference between seeing it and listening to the CD.

At least on the cd, I don't have to watch the mess on stage. So NYAH!
Current Avatar: Me.
Current Saying: What do you mean it isn't enough being pretty? Have you seen my headshots?!?
#46

re: Great Score, Shame About The Book

Posted: 6/17/08 at 11:35pm

I actually think Nathan improved The Frogs. And I see you're a self-proclaimed coffee-slinger/student. You must let us know when you collaborate with Sondheim. I'm sure you'll know exactly what to do.
#47

re: Great Score, Shame About The Book

Posted: 6/17/08 at 11:40pm

bwayboi4life, I am joking haha. Gypsy has one of the strongest books in the theatre. re: Great Score, Shame About The Book

"Light the candles! Get the ice out! Roll the rug up, it's today!"
#48

re: Great Score, Shame About The Book

Posted: 6/17/08 at 11:47pm

I'm going to have to second The Frogs. It could have been a really great show...had Nathan not mangled it with jokes about the Bush administration every five seconds.
Merrily we roll along, roll along...
#50

re: Great Score, Shame About The Book

Posted: 6/18/08 at 7:39am

My ONLY problem with PIAZZA, and it's a biggie, is Fabrizio's mother's address to the audience "I know I don't speak English, but I have to tell you what's going on" -- followed by her song in English.

SHAMEFUL.

Way to destroy what up to that moment was a stunning, near perfect musical.

I think it's that moment/scene/song that prevented the show from winning Best Musical.

I don't know if its inclusion was Lucas', Guettel's or Sher's decision, but it was DEADLY, and I hope that if the show is ever revived, they will CUT IT.

I don't know WHAT they were thinking.
"Winning a Tony this year is like winning Best Attendance in third grade: no one will care but the winner and their mom."
-Kad

"I have also met him in person, and I find him to be quite funny actually. Arrogant and often misinformed, but still funny."
-bjh2114 (on Michael Riedel)

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