Les Liaisons Dangereuses...would it work as a musical?
Les Liaisons Dangereuses...would it work as a musical?
#0Les Liaisons Dangereuses...would it work as a musical?
Posted: 2/16/06 at 11:58am
It would be a tad dark for the traditional "love story" musical but I think it's such a great story with such a sad but beautiful ending.
The problem is I don't know who could compose it. In a perfect world, Sondheim would write the music but I doubt it would even happen. It would need to be very powerful but very witty. In other words...no Webber.
And it would need the right cast...but I think it would make a beautiful musical.
#1re: Les Liaisons Dangereuses...would it work as a musical?
Posted: 2/16/06 at 12:03pmLaChuisa or Guettel could do justice to it.
#2re: Les Liaisons Dangereuses...would it work as a musical?
Posted: 2/16/06 at 12:32pm
It is already an opera. Conrad Souza's "Les Liasons Dangereuses" premiered at the San Francisco Opera in 1994. Frederica Von Stade was the Marquise de Merteuil, Thomas Hampson was Valmont and just-on-the-brink-of-divadom Renee Fleming was Madame de Tourvel. It was telecast by Great Performances. It received a mixed critical reception but I for one loved it. Great story, great music, great singers... I watch my videotape of it often...
#3re: Les Liaisons Dangereuses...would it work as a musical?
Posted: 2/16/06 at 12:37pmAIDA's already an opera as well. But, I'm talking of this as a Broadway musical.
#4re: Les Liaisons Dangereuses...would it work as a musical?
Posted: 2/16/06 at 12:46pmThe Aida comparison doesn't really apply since Sir Elton's Aida was based (loosely) upon the existing Verdi opera of the same name. My point was that the source material has already been musicalized, and it worked. I was offering evidentiary support to your question. Yes, it could work as a musical.
#5re: Les Liaisons Dangereuses...would it work as a musical?
Posted: 2/16/06 at 12:49pmI'm just afraid the not-so-happy ending might not draw the crowds.
#6re: Les Liaisons Dangereuses...would it work as a musical?
Posted: 2/16/06 at 12:52pm
"I'm just afraid the not-so-happy ending might not draw the crowds."
Did't stop Phantom, Miss Saigon or Les Miz from being a hit.
Personally, I would love to see Boublil/Schoenberg tackle Dangerous Liaisons. It could be stunning.
#7re: Les Liaisons Dangereuses...would it work as a musical?
Posted: 2/16/06 at 12:57pm
Very true, Mister Matt.
PHANTOM slides through because technically Christine winds up with who she wants, although the Phantom doesn't suffer the same fate.
I just really think this could be an amazing musical.
#8re: Les Liaisons Dangereuses...would it work as a musical?
Posted: 2/16/06 at 1:11pmCheck out the Bruce Kimmel-produced "Broadway Bound" CD, I believe there is a number from a musical version of LLD called "The Game" or something like it.
elmore3003
Leading Actor Joined: 3/31/04
#9re: Les Liaisons Dangereuses...would it work as a musical?
Posted: 2/16/06 at 1:25pmI orchestrated Bruce Kimmel's "Broadway Bound," and there are two numbers from "The Game," by Megan Cavallari, Amy Powers & David Topchik, which has been done regionally. I think there was a production in 2003 or early 2004.
popcultureboy
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/23/03
#10re: Les Liaisons Dangereuses...would it work as a musical?
Posted: 2/16/06 at 1:27pmHad Phantom kept the original ending of its source novel and still been the global mega smash it is today, that would be very worthy of inclusion in Mister Matt's list.
#11re: Les Liaisons Dangereuses...would it work as a musical?
Posted: 2/16/06 at 1:32pm"The Game" starred Sara Ramirez who got glowing reviews.
"In Oz, the verb is douchifizzation." PRS
#12re: Les Liaisons Dangereuses...would it work as a musical?
Posted: 2/16/06 at 1:35pmhttp://www.playbill.com/news/article/81076.html
"In Oz, the verb is douchifizzation." PRS
#13re: Les Liaisons Dangereuses...would it work as a musical?
Posted: 2/16/06 at 2:07pmWell, from an audience perspective, the ending of Phantom would really be considered tragic because the slant of the show is the driving sympathy for the Phantom. Does anyone really care that Christine gets Raoul? No. Everyone is crying because the Phantom finally gives up in the end and lets her go. The fact that he gets away and she gets the boring guy with no personality is practically inconsequential. It is the Phantom's desire that is left ultimately unfulfilled that is the heart of the musical. Lloyd Webber, Hart and Prince did an excellent job of manipulating the audience in that respect.
grizzabella
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/11/05
#14re: Les Liaisons Dangereuses...would it work as a musical?
Posted: 2/16/06 at 9:40pmIn reference to the original question, I think LLD would be a fascinating musical. I believe the novel is written in an epistilary form and some of that might be incorporated into the story as well. While the story can work in virtually any era, it's original setting of French society would be visually stunning. I also like the idea of Guetel doing the score. He has the right touch for a project like this, I believe; understated, but aurally complex.
nodaybut2day2007
Featured Actor Joined: 5/29/05
#15re: Les Liaisons Dangereuses...would it work as a musical?
Posted: 2/16/06 at 9:45pmI love this show. I saw it performed last year by a Shakespeare company and it was FANTASTIC. I haven't been able to find anything as good since. I think with a good composer (i.e. LaChuisa or Guettel or the woman who did tale of two cities) it could be the next big b'way show.
#16re: Les Liaisons Dangereuses...would it work as a musical?
Posted: 2/16/06 at 10:14pmGuettel's got Princess Bride and an opera for the Met coming up. At his writing pace he wouldn't be able to get to it for 20 years.
Videos