OK, c'mon, who is this? Namo -- is that you? papalovesmambo? TheatreDiva???
"The Spectacle has, indeed, an emotional attraction of its own, but, of all the parts, it is the least artistic, and connected least with the art of poetry. For the power of Tragedy, we may be sure, is felt even apart from representation and actors. Besides, the production of spectacular effects depends more on the art of the stage machinist than on that of the poet."
--Aristotle
Yes, a number of Broadway shows use, or are rumored to use, pre-recorded vocals during certain musical numbers. It's obviously not a subject that many in the industry like to talk about, as it directly contradicts the idea of "live" theater.
Even with some prerecorded tracks, it's still live theater because it's not like everything is lipsynched. Even if some of it is lipsynched, 95% or more isn't.
I know Phantom has some pre-recording. I also know that it was used in Wedding Singer and Fame Becomes Me.
Wedding Singer - during the "Flashdance" sequence. But that's obvious, due to the large amount of water coming down on Amy Spanger's character.
Fame Becomes Me - The last note in "All I Ask", because it's part of the joke that the note's pre-recorded, when he closes his mouth thinking it's over.
I was once in a show (not on Broadway) that had recorded sick tracks for all the major characters. That way even if your voice was not up to snuff due to illness, laryngitis, or heavy drinking the night before you could still perform. It was one of those arena touring children's shows, so it's not like anyone in the audience was upset over artistic integrity.
"If this is going to be a Christian nation that doesn't help the poor, either we have to pretend that Jesus was just as selfish as we are, or we've got to acknowledge that He commanded us to love the poor and serve the needy without condition and then admit that we just don't want to do it." -Stephen Colbert
Actually, Mamma Mia uses a lot of off stage singing. There is a difference between being in a booth off stage and singing rather then being totally pre recorded.
"If you try to shag my husband while I am still alive, I will shove the art of motorcycle maintenance up your rancid little Cu**. That's a good dear"
Tom Stoppard's Rock N Roll
You have no idea how long I've been meaning to ask that.
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."
Certain shows are tracked for certain numbers. Generally, big ensemble dance numbers where it's difficult to breathe and get support for long lines. I'm sure you can figure out which are/have been and which aren't/have not been.
and just because they're tracked does not mean the whole cast is just dropping out. Everyone, I assume, unless they're really messed up, always sings, just when they're gasping for air in a big number, the track fills in the "holes".
Speaking of this, during In The Heights - at the beginning of "Paciencia y Fe" and "Carnival del Barrio" - there's some noticeable volume changes when Abuela Claudia and Daniela begin these songs. Is the volume on the mics just cranked up or are there some prerecorded backing vocals that assist them?
I don't see why people have a problem with people singing off stage to reinforce big ensemble numbers. That's still live theater and is sometimes needed.
I've heard/read that there were some years where performances on the Tonys were lip synched. Is that true?
When I see the phrase "the ____ estate", I imagine a vast mansion in the country full of monocled men and high-collared women receiving letters about productions across the country and doing spit-takes at whatever they contain.
-Kad
I thought that was the case, and I seem to remember hearing that. So thanks!
When I see the phrase "the ____ estate", I imagine a vast mansion in the country full of monocled men and high-collared women receiving letters about productions across the country and doing spit-takes at whatever they contain.
-Kad