Is "Much More" overdone?

[emilyxstokes]

Posted: 9/16/15 at 8:05pm

I'm looking at "Much More" from the Fantasticks for college auditions and I was wondering if it was too overdone? Thank you! 

[cknick]

Posted: 9/16/15 at 11:10pm

I think so, but if you have a special connection to it and feel you have something unique to say, then you should do it!  

[PalJoey]

Posted: 9/16/15 at 11:32pm

[nicnyc]

Posted: 9/17/15 at 2:01am

Yes, I also believe it is overdone.  If you can find something you feel you do equally as well or even better, you should go with that.  If it's truly your best piece, you should go ahead and do it.  Presenting yourself in the best possible light is more important than how many times the director has heard the song.

[temms]

Posted: 9/17/15 at 9:39am

I accompany auditions for a large chunk of my living, and the whole obsession with songs that are overdone is a waste of energy. 99% of the time, songs that are overdone are good songs that serve performers well.  "Much More" is a great song.  If you connect to it and do it well, do that song and don't worry about what other people will sing. A good auditor is watching you, and if you're living in the song it doesn't matter how many other people do it before or after.

 

I used to think it was great to bring in unusual material because it would show that you have a deep knowledge of the repertoire and would spice up the day, but I've found that it almost does you a disservice to do a song that the audition team doesn't know. Then they're trying to absorb the song while at the same time gleaning info about you as a performer. Better to do a song that they know and can focus on how you are unique. Everyone loves hearing songs they know come on the radio. Same with auditions.

 

The only potential drawback to "Much More" is that the piano part is a little involved, but you would think in this day and age anybody playing auditions would be comfortable with "The Fantasticks." You would think...

Updated On: 9/17/15 at 09:39 AM

[AEA AGMA SM]

Posted: 9/17/15 at 2:02pm

temms said: "I used to think it was great to bring in unusual material because it would show that you have a deep knowledge of the repertoire and would spice up the day, but I've found that it almost does you a disservice to do a song that the audition team doesn't know. Then they're trying to absorb the song while at the same time gleaning info about you as a performer. Better to do a song that they know and can focus on how you are unique. Everyone loves hearing songs they know come on the radio. Same with auditions."

 

This is so true. I've been on the other side of the table and have had countless experiences with people bringing in these obscure pieces that they are so proud of only for us to cut them off almost immediately and ask to hear one something else. Have those pieces down cold and ready to go. You're going to look more foolish not being able to bust out "On My Own," "Gimme Gimme," "Corner of the Sky" etc. You may not want them as your first choice, but make sure you have them ready.

[Mike Costa]

Posted: 9/17/15 at 2:11pm

Beautifully written Temms and AEA. The  widespread idea of using material that is obscure and not archetypical is completely amateurish and needs to be halted. The actors are not there to entertain but show what they bring to the piece.