Randy Newman's FAUST

[Josh Freilich]

Posted: 12/16/08 at 4:12pm

According to the book "Strike Up The Band," Randy Newman, the composer, said it was probably one of the best things he had ever done. So, I think that the musical strongly deserves a second (or third) life. Apparently, Michael Greif, the director of it in La Jolla and Chicago, didn't stick with Newman's concept of making the Devil the central character, and made Faust the lead, so I guess that's where it fell flat. Who do you think should direct it, if this show has another life?

I'm guessing either Michael Mayer or Joe Mantello.

[somethingwicked]

Posted: 12/16/08 at 4:17pm

It won't have a future life.

Everyone has since moved on, including Randy Newman.

Updated On: 12/16/08 at 04:17 PM

[Josh Freilich]

Posted: 12/16/08 at 4:22pm

I like to be optimistic.
Everyone has moved on, true, but that's where we get NEW guys.

[BigFatBlonde]

Posted: 12/16/08 at 4:34pm

I saw it in La Jolla in the mid '90s.

It was WITHOUT A DOUBT one of the most truly AWFUL evenings of theatre I have ever endured.

I actually felt PHYSICAL PAIN while waiting for the intermission and my chance to escape.

I think Christopher Sieber was in it...

[Scarywarhol]

Posted: 12/16/08 at 4:57pm

The score is fantastic. I hope it at least becomes available for regional theaters at some point. You can get the concept album, which has Newman, Linda Ronstadt, Bonnie Raitt, Don Henley, James Taylor, and Elton John on it, on iTunes, but the actual CD comes with a bonus disc of demos, many of which aren't on the concept recording.

[DooWahDiddy]

Posted: 12/16/08 at 5:08pm

Actually, the demos are on iTunes now as well.

[Scarywarhol]

Posted: 12/16/08 at 6:10pm

Oh, cool. They originally weren't included for some reason.

[Josh Freilich]

Posted: 12/16/08 at 8:43pm

Yeah.
It's a great score.

If a stage version seems somewhat up in the air, how's about a CONCERT VERSION?