As a native Houstonian, I had the opportunity to see a few versions of J&H years before it toured. It was absolutely phenomenal. I must agree with Mister Matt and CATSNYrevival that the show was MUCH better before it landed on B'way. I was horrified when I saw the much-changed version. Not only were some of the best songs cut, but the entire production had morphed into this hideous, cheap, gothic "thriller". The lighting, staging, even costumes were altered (need I mention lousy sound effects were added???) God, I wanted to cry. BUT that production DID reintroduce the bit about Jekyll's father (which I had seen originally in '89??), and I thought that was at least good bc it demonstrated some of his motivations. *sigh* All in all, my theory is that the show initially attracted a much younger audience, and changes were made to appeal to that demographic (one that probably didn't have a lot of theatrical/cultural knowledge), so they added flash and cheese. Coupled with 'pop-appropriate' songs, the producers found a model that worked. To hear lost songs (including "Bring on the Men" & "Bitch") and the best cast, check out the '94 recording.
Don't get me wrong, I really enjoy Wildhorn's music. In fact, I think that some aspects of his style may accurately reflect growing trends on Broadway and have created new audiences. The melodies can be simple, but are very effective. I think what makes some of his songs sound SO "pop-py" is the minimal accompaniment (and repetition) that is similar to so many popular songs on the radio. It's not bad, just different.
I was too scared of wasting money to see Dracula (I felt totally betrayed after J&H), but I did see SP on B'way (after hearing the recording). While I couldn't say that it was a great overall production/show, I really enjoyed it (okay, I loved Douglas Sills' performance). The music was wonderful, but the book fell apart in places. And yet, again, they cut one of the best pieces! (So it would seem, Yonah, that sometimes it's the revisions that cause the trouble!)
Civil War was a wonderful idea, and has some good pieces, but just didn't work on the stage.
Linda is a goddess. Frank would never hold her back (or in his back pocket....)
No, Wildhorn's music is not really that bad. It's different, and his shows have some flaws (often because producers have too much input). It's easy for Broadway snobs (and, yes, I'm one, too) to put down his music because it's not as...sophisticated or musically complex as other shows, but it is completely unfair to write him off as a lousy composer.
"Quien canta sus males espanta." -Miguel Cervantes
(He who sings frightens away his ills)
