Queenie was sexually ambitious... a wild party appreciation thread!- Page 3

[broadwaygiant19122]

Posted: 2/7/06 at 4:46pm

interesting distinction.

[BSoBW3]

Posted: 2/7/06 at 4:50pm

The irony in what Jazzy said is that LaChiusa's is much more operatic.

[Roninjoey]

Posted: 2/7/06 at 5:41pm

Well there's a fine line between musicals that rely more on the music to directly tell the story (in terms of dialogue and plot motivation) and opera (operetta really). Recitative and such. Then you're in murky waters.

I think JazzySuite's distinction is a good one though, since the point of opera is the human voice, and even the words are meant for nothing more than to give the person something to sing. On the other hand musical theater is more adept at getting complicated emotions and ideas and poetry across.

Whether or not Lippa's Wild Party is great music is a matter of opinion, but I agree, you go to the theater to see a great story told through some combination of stage craft and music. My friend and I were talking about the song "Live Out Loud" from Lippa's adaptation of A Little Princess. It's a pleasant song on its own but it doesn't really make sense with the story, context, etc... nor do any of the words feel appropriate. It's jarring.