Random Number Generation

[Actriz2]

Posted: 8/25/15 at 4:42pm

I unfortunately missed the original production of Hedwig, and was hoping somebody could tell me where "Random Number Generation" fit into the show and what the context of the song is.

 

I really like the song and wish there was a recording of Lena Hall singing it.

[gypsy101]

Posted: 8/25/15 at 4:45pm

A quick glance at my iTunes and the original recording starring John Cameron Mitchell, Random Number Generation is the third track, right between Origin of Love and Sugar Daddy.

[Kad]

Posted: 8/25/15 at 4:46pm

I don't believe the song actually ever appeared in show as part of the script, but was included more or less as a bonus on the OBCR.

[TotallyEffed]

Posted: 8/25/15 at 10:38pm

It was never in the show.

[Blockhead24]

Posted: 8/25/15 at 10:50pm

Lena sang it before her last show and it was incredible! I wish there was a recording of it.

[BroadwayConcierge]

Posted: 8/25/15 at 10:53pm

Permission to ask a potentially stupid question? I wasn't old enough to experience Jane Street Hedwig, so I'd appreciate any insight you can lend.

 

It's my understanding that in the Jane Street incarnation, "The Long Grift" was sung by Skszp, instead of Yitzhak, as in the Broadway version. For me, Yitzhak singing the song made so much sense—it was essentially the climax for not only Yitzhak, but in some senses, for the show itself. How did it make sense for Skszp to sing it in the original production? Was it simply because Trask was in the show?  

Updated On: 8/25/15 at 10:53 PM

[temms]

Posted: 8/26/15 at 8:02am

Skszp definitely sang it at the Jane Street.  If I recall correctly, Hedwig was going to sing the song, but had gotten too emotional and couldn't continue.  Skszp vamped the opening chord for a long time while nothing happened, until eventually he started singing the song.  Hedwig eventually joined Yitzahk at his mic and the two of them sang the backups together.

[SDV]

Posted: 8/26/15 at 8:52am

I'm sure Jane will clarify, but I believe RNG was used as a sort of emergency out for Hedwig on Jane Street If the actor had to exit the stage to use the bathroom or if there was technical issue that had to be corrected, Hedwig would indulge Yitz and allow him to sing the song while the Hedwig actor would leave the stage and fix whatever needed fixing. I believe it was rarely sung.

[BroadwayConcierge]

Posted: 8/26/15 at 8:56am

temms said: "Skszp definitely sang it at the Jane Street.  If I recall correctly, Hedwig was going to sing the song, but had gotten too emotional and couldn't continue.  Skszp vamped the opening chord for a long time while nothing happened, until eventually he started singing the song.  Hedwig eventually joined Yitzahk at his mic and the two of them sang the backups together."

 

It's essentially the same premise on Broadway, with the prolonged opening, a heartbroken Hedwig stepping away, but with Yitzhak coming to the mic to ostensibly move it away, but singing the song himself. My question is, what was the significance of Skszp singing it?

Updated On: 8/26/15 at 08:56 AM

[Phyllis Rogers Stone]

Posted: 8/26/15 at 8:59am

Because Trask was in it.  That is the reason.

[BroadwayConcierge]

Posted: 8/26/15 at 9:02am

Phyllis Rogers Stone said: "Because Trask was in it.  That is the reason."

 

That's what I figured! Thanks

[temms]

Posted: 8/26/15 at 9:18am

Except that Trask left the show after a while and Skszp still sang the song.  I didn't feel like it was "let's let the composer sing" - it made sense that Hedwig keeps Yitzahk on such a tight leash that he wouldn't just simply start singing the big song about Tommy without permission.  There was something sort of anarchic about the otherwise anonymous Skszp doing it, and seeing Hedwig and Yitzahk as a team doing the backups was quite moving and intimate and I felt like it led into their ensuing exchange really well.

I haven't seen the revival as my memories of the piece at the Jane Street are perfect enough that I don't want to spoil them.  I saw everyone save for Cahoon and Sheedy (I regret missing the first, not so much the latter), and it remains in my top five (or so) favorite things I've ever seen.

[lenahallfan]

Posted: 8/27/15 at 2:44pm

there is a video of lena singing it on youtube from stars in the alley

[Movidude742]

Posted: 8/27/15 at 10:38pm

indeed there is.  I shot it

 

https://youtu.be/d1-Y_-ceYME

[FindingNamo]

Posted: 8/27/15 at 10:43pm

"I haven't seen the revival as my memories of the piece at the Jane Street are perfect enough that I don't want to spoil them."

I know everybody's brain is different but I'm glad mine isn't like that.  I know people who've seen the original production of a show and never see it again in any incarnation, no matter how acclaimed, because they don't want to "ruin" their memories.  I don't get it.  But I honor it.  And send love and light,

FN

[FindingNamo]

Posted: 8/27/15 at 10:46pm

PS Excellent video, moviedude!

[VotePeron]

Posted: 8/27/15 at 10:54pm

So, odds are good that this will be performed closing night? I'm going!

[haterobics]

Posted: 8/28/15 at 2:03am

I think it made sense to have Lena sing it on her final night, and just a normal performance for the show in general, so give her an extra bit of pre-show spotlight. But I can't imagine why it would make any sense to do it on the show's final night.

[ChairinMain]

Posted: 8/28/15 at 2:17pm

Basically it was included as a bonus for the fans and as a send-off to Lena. RNG remains a back-up number, intended to keep the show going if Hedwig has to leave. I think there's a few other numbers the band has in their pocket for these instances: I think both "Freaks" and "Nailed" are on that last. 

[SonofRobbieJ]

Posted: 8/28/15 at 2:42pm

I saw the show twice at the Westbeth with JCM where there was no Random Number Generation but there was a fierce German-language version of 'You Light Up My Life.'  I then saw the show twice at the Jane Street, once with JCM and then once with Cerveris.  The night I saw Cerveris, he exited the stage for a while and another number featuring Yitzak was used.  It must have been Random Number Generation and I like to think it covered a potty break.  

[SDV]

Posted: 8/28/15 at 2:50pm

You Light Up My Life was the end of show song before Trask wrote Midnight Radio, right?

[SonofRobbieJ]

Posted: 8/28/15 at 2:58pm

Ooooh, churl...this is going back 18 years.  But I *seem* to remember both You Light Up My Life AND Midnight Radio happening.  I could be way wrong on that.  I just don't remember YLUML being the last musical moment.  There was also some more pointed political barbs in the text regarding Hedwig's 'Germanity' and Yitzak's Jewishness.  And the whole thing was set in a TGIFridays.  

[darquegk]

Posted: 8/28/15 at 5:57pm

Wasn't "You Light Up My Life" the original slot where "Wicked Little Town (Reprise)" is now? The "transformation/catharsis" number.

[Kad]

Posted: 8/28/15 at 6:03pm

I had always heard that "Midnight Radio" was a very quick addition that Trask wasn't sure would even work.