Stand-by Joined: 12/9/14
Hey everyone! Going to be doing a cabaret this summer and we wanted the theme to be songs from shows that have confusing story lines.. Any ideas? Shows, songs, anything! I think our opener is going to be "Tangled" From Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown!
Thanks!
Chess
Broadway Star Joined: 7/12/07
Interesting idea!
My first thought was If/Then. Not completely a confusing plot line but more confusing in the sense that many do not know what is going on the first time they see it. Hope that is helpful!
Certainly originally "Les Miserables" had that problem. The Forbidden Broadway song about Les Miz is hilarious.
"Martin Guerre" is probably in that category.
I think most would put "Chess" is in that category.
"Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812"
I would put "Next To Normal" in the mix.
A couple of Cole Porter shows: "Anything Goes" and "The Nymph Errant" might fit.
"If/Then"
"Tommy" has some confusing scenes, depending how it is staged.
"By Jeeves" actually has a song where he is trying to remember the plot and all the double named characters.
Updated On: 2/19/15 at 03:45 PM
Depending on the person:
- If/Then
- Merrily We Roll Along
- The Last 5 Years
- Anyone Can Whistle
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/20/03
The Last 5 Years
Merrily We Roll Along
Just because you have to pay attention to what timeframe they are in
Triumph of Love (The Sad and Sordid Saga of Cecile)
Into the Woods (The Witch's exposition in the title song - or better yet to your theme, Your Fault)
Goodtime Charlie (History)
Ernest in Love (Mr. Bunbury)
City of Angels (It Needs Work, "it's just the narrative, it's like a sieve and cloudy as a cataract")
Two Gentlemen of Verona (Follow the Rainbow)
Oh, Brother (Tell Sweet Saroyana)
The Boys from Syracuse (I Had Twins)
Updated On: 2/20/15 at 03:59 PM
Flahooley (1951)
Boy meets girl and invents communist hating doll.
Asian princess seeks runaway genie.
Genie replicates the dolls destroying capitalism.
Factory workers revolt, burning the dolls. Something something happy ending!
Dude (The Highway Life) (1972)
Gerome Ragni's inimidated by the success of Hair so he writes a follow up musical about a hippy everyman played by multiple actors who is tempted by God and the Devil. Something something drugs and rock songs. Cult flop!
Leading Actor Joined: 5/16/12
Next to Normal does not have a confusing plot. It has a surprising post device that keeps you in the dark at first.
Next To Normal was very confusing with its internal timeline - even with the lyric change to try and smooth/cover it up.
I don't understand how Into the Woods is confusing due to the Witch's exposition. Everything is set up pretty clearly.
Shogun, the Musical. It had cliff's notes in the playbill.
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/20/03
The Mystery of Edwin Drood. They kept changing the ending.
Maybe this is just me....but I was very confused during South Pacific.
The recent Porgy and Bess revival. I went in not knowing anything other than a few songs. I couldn't tell what they were saying (on tour).
Featured Actor Joined: 11/19/13
Definitely The Last Five Years. I saw a stage version and then the movie, and STILL don't know what/why/how is happening/ed.
"I don't understand how Into the Woods is confusing due to the Witch's exposition. Everything is set up pretty clearly."
I tend to generally agree with you, Icecream, but perhaps you've also noticed the hundreds of questions the inciting incident of Into the Woods, described in the Witch's exposition in the title song, has engendered from bww posters asking for clarification.
I didn't find MARTIN GUERRE confusing so much as laughable. All those thinly disguised love songs between the two male friends and then the shivaree where the townspeople circle the marital chamber and basically chant "Phuk her, phuk her!"
I tried to be quiet, but I laughed through all three hours.
***
But I'll second the choice of FLAHOOLEY. Also, and though I haven't seen it, the plot summary of DO RE ME makes my head spin.
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As for the proposed review, I find the concept very odd. How is the audience supposed to know the songs come from confusing musicals when all they hear is a single song from each show?
Wouldn't it make more sense to do an evening of confusing songs? At least then the audience would have a shot at being in on the joke.
"I didn't find MARTIN GUERRE confusing so much as laughable."
I felt the same way about SHOGUN.
If/Then. I have never been more confused at a show.
Brigadoon. Of course, I was ten years old when I saw it.
I've always found the synopsis of 70, GIRLS, 70 in the CD booklet to be absolutely nonsensical. Perhaps the jumps between the stage show and the actor scenes are more evident seeing it.
It's also got a wonderful score, though intended to be performed by the elderly.
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