I'm currently directing a revue with Teenagers... I need an opening number... with alot of parts (I.E. no big solos)
We all think "Another Opening Of Another Show" is overdone... anyone got any ideas on a good opening number
Broadway Legend Joined: 9/29/04
"Comedy Tonight" from A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM
I did this as the opening of a cabaret we did in my freshman year of high school. We had small groups of students and each small group sang a different verse with their own choreography, and then everyone sang together at the end. It's a great opening number.
Updated On: 4/3/05 at 10:52 PM
Um....maybe "Before the Parade Passes By" from DOLLY or "Our Time" or "Old Friends" from MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG.
"The Telephone Hour" from BIRDIE is always fun.
Broadway Legend Joined: 6/10/04
you could always do the best opening number ever: ragtime. but it probably would not set up a cabaret appropriately.
I did the Telephone Hour with my summer acting class and that was alot of fun. That would be a good choice.
On My Way from Violet
or Our Time from Merrily...
Broadway Legend Joined: 6/10/04
Broadway Legend Joined: 8/25/04
Hmm "Willkommen, Bienvenue, Welcome" Has that got enough dancing in it?
"Nobody Listens to the Opening Number" from THE GREAT AMERICAN BACKSTAGE MUSICAL
"Marathon" from JACQUES BREL IS ALIVE AND WELL
"It's Today" from MAME
Broadway Legend Joined: 9/12/04
"We Are What We Are" - LA CAGE AUX FOLLES, after changing a couple of words maybe...
"Something's Coming" - WEST SIDE STORY. Not the opening number in the WSS but so what.
"Gratuitous Nudity" from Naked Boys Singing
Don't hate me...but lately I LOVE listening to "No one mourns the wicked" from Wicked..i just love the
"Good NEWS she's DEAD the witch of the west is dead..." and "unnaturally GREEN!" that chord is awesome and then of course the "wicked!"s at the end...wow...great...
The opening from CABARET is simply called "Wilkommen"
It's a great opener for any revue.
Broadway Legend Joined: 3/29/05
How about "Magic To Do" from Pippin?
Lots of singing parts, and you could split up the Leading Player's lines amongst the cast if you wanted to. Plus, the lyrics are great for an opening (it's the whole point of the song!)
I have a soft spot for telephone hour in my heart. Its also a great way to give the boys something to do - who are often out numbered by the girls.
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/21/04
I second MAGIC TO DO from PIPPIN. It's a great opening number for a musical review. I can't think of one that's better.
I think, Magic to Do from PIPPIN, is clearly your best choice. It is an "actual" opening number as you requested and have many "solo spots," as you also requested. It is also a great song to open any show with. It is ideal to be used by teenagers. I am rather surprised no one else has mentioned Magic To Do from PIPPIN yet.
Edited for PEACH-- I am sorry, I just reread and saw that you too recommmended Magic To Do. :)
WISH, two people did meniton it. :)
Broadway Legend Joined: 2/25/05
Featured Actor Joined: 8/24/04
" "The Telephone Hour" from BIRDIE is always fun. "
I third or fourth that.
Broadway Legend Joined: 6/10/04
Theres No Business Like Show Business-1999 Revival Version
All That Jazz-i know its mostly done by a female but its a great opening number nonetheless
I had some friends who opened their cabaret act with "Nothing Can Stop Me Now" from "Roar of the Greasepaint..." only they changed the "ME" to "US" in the title. It's an upbeat number that builds, has a real show biz sound to it and can easily pertain to one's determination to entertain a crowd.
Leading Actor Joined: 9/27/03
Check out the opening number from Ragtime. Many parts and very diverse for a school population.
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