MERRILY at Roundabout directed by Lapine?
MERRILY at Roundabout directed by Lapine?
#1MERRILY at Roundabout directed by Lapine?
Posted: 2/20/08 at 4:22pm
Was this posted already?
God, I hope it happens. Thankfully it won't be the Doyle instrument version.
http://www.playbill.com/news/article/115221.html
#2re: MERRILY at Roundabout directed by Lapine?
Posted: 2/20/08 at 4:32pm
What are you talking about?
John Doyle's version was amazing! I would much prefer his version coming to Broadway than a James Lapine version, no disrespect to Lapine.
#2re: MERRILY at Roundabout directed by Lapine?
Posted: 2/20/08 at 4:36pmI did not hear good things about the Doyle version. Plus I think many of tired of this same concept/trick being used for Sondheim revivals. The SUNDAY revival really is a breath of fresh air. I enjoyed both Doyle revivals on Broadway, but I don't think I can stomach this concept yet again...especially with MERRILY.
ashley0139
Broadway Legend Joined: 1/3/05
#3re: MERRILY at Roundabout directed by Lapine?
Posted: 2/20/08 at 4:43pmI also truly enjoy Doyle's stagings, but would much rather see a Lapine version of this show. I have been dying to see Merrily onstage for a long time.
WestVillage
Broadway Star Joined: 7/20/05
#4re: MERRILY at Roundabout directed by Lapine?
Posted: 2/20/08 at 4:51pm
I'd love to see a Broadway revival of Merrily, but wouldn't it be a hoot if they brought back the original Broadway cast, who are now the right age to play these characters? As lauded as Doyle's production was, I don't want to hear that glorious score played by actor/musicians who are not good enough musicians to play in Broadway pit. That actor/musician concept also, for me, completely takes me out of the show and really does a disservice to character development, because the actors are too busy concentrating on playing the right notes.
#5re: MERRILY at Roundabout directed by Lapine?
Posted: 2/20/08 at 5:02pm
I'm not a fan of Doyle's direction, regardless of his use of the actors/musicians concept, I just can't really connect to the characters when he is at the helm of the piece. If there is something Lapine can do is make you feel for the characters you are seeing on the stage (this is also why I prefer his direction of SUNDAY over the one currently seen in the revival).
Did anyone see the Lapine-directed production of MERRILY in CA?
I wonder who they're gonna get for the main roles. I like Malcolm Gets in the Off-Broadway cast recording and would love to see him back on Broadway...
#6re: MERRILY at Roundabout directed by Lapine?
Posted: 2/20/08 at 5:42pm
"I don't want to hear that glorious score played by actor/musicians who are not good enough musicians to play in Broadway pit."
Ummmmmm... they are playing the show. What makes them not good enough??? It's not like it's some easy piano version, they played Sondheim's score.
#7re: MERRILY at Roundabout directed by Lapine?
Posted: 2/20/08 at 5:56pmdid anyone else see the Kennedy Center version during the Sondheim Summer?!?!?
WestVillage
Broadway Star Joined: 7/20/05
#8re: MERRILY at Roundabout directed by Lapine?
Posted: 2/20/08 at 6:00pmNone of the music in any of Doyle's actor/musican shows ever sounded as good as when a Broadway orchestra played the score. The actor/musicians are decent musicians, yes, but would they ever get hired to play in the pit? I highly doubt it. I heard plenty of clunker notes both at Sweeney and Company. It's like when auditions are announced, any actor who has ever played in their high school band thinks they are good enough to play in the show (and honestly, that's what it sounds like to me). Besides, just because they're playing the score doesn't mean they're playing it well.
#9re: MERRILY at Roundabout directed by Lapine?
Posted: 2/20/08 at 6:14pmI would much rather have Lapine direct it than Doyle.
morosco
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/10/04
#10re: MERRILY at Roundabout directed by Lapine?
Posted: 2/20/08 at 6:17pmI would love for Lapine to direct Lupone.
#11re: MERRILY at Roundabout directed by Lapine?
Posted: 2/20/08 at 6:20pm
". The actor/musicians are decent musicians, yes, but would they ever get hired to play in the pit? "
Not to nitpick, but John Arbo (Sweeney Todd) and Fred Rose (Company) have both played in orchestra pits.
#12re: MERRILY at Roundabout directed by Lapine?
Posted: 2/20/08 at 6:59pm
Wow, I honestly was not aware that so many people were getting tired of the actor/musician concept!
I actually love the idea, not saying that every single show should use it. But when John Doyle does use it, I think it's works effectively well.
But, shwatever I guess, as cool as Lapine is, I would still prefer the Doyle directed version.
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