Sondheim On Sondheim questions

[Overkill]

Posted: 10/18/10 at 2:35am

I'm a bit late to the game with this revue, but I just finally got around to buying the cast recording and I'm OBSESSED. But I have some questions.

I remember when the show first opened I saw a clip of Tom Wopat singing "Epiphany" from Sweeney Todd in the show. It's not on the recording, was it replaced by anything during previews or something? Or did they not record select songs from the show?

Other question, the opening song, "God", was written for the show, I presume. Did Sondheim write it?

[ClapYo'Hands]

Posted: 10/18/10 at 2:42am

Epiphany just wasn't included on the recording I think.

Also, yes, Sondheim did write God about himself.

[ljay889]

Posted: 10/18/10 at 2:42am

Yes, Sondheim wrote "God". It's a parody of himself. I love it.

Several songs were cut FOR the cast recording.

- Opening medley
- In Buddy's Eyes (Cook)
- Epiphany (Wopat)
- Act 1 finale
- Ah, But Underneath (Williams)
- Do I hear a Waltz? (Mackey)

I BELIEVE those all of the cuts for the recording.

[binau]

Posted: 10/18/10 at 2:42am

Wopat's "Epiphany" was still in the show but not included on the CD. (I think it was a good choice, one of the low moments).

But there were other songs e.g. Act 1 Finale of "Sunday" (IIRC) and Williams' "Ah, but Underneath" {most surprised about that one actually}, if you recall, were there but not included.

God was written for the show by Sondheim.

(Too slow to post, it seems!!!)

Updated On: 10/18/10 at 02:42 AM

[ljay889]

Posted: 10/18/10 at 2:48am

They also cut the short 50 second overture.

[binau]

Posted: 10/18/10 at 2:55am

I can't even remember an overture (hate forgetting things!)

Oh and of course they recorded songs that I'm sure were cut (Namely Talent. It was in the playbill but I swear it wasn't in the show).

[Overkill]

Posted: 10/18/10 at 2:56am

Okay, I just went back and watched the preview video. I figured the WHOLE show couldn't have been recorded. Still, a beautiful recording. I wish I could have seen the show.

The reason Wopat's "Epiphany" stood out not being recorded for me, is because back when the preview video was posted I watched it and thought it was a horrible performance. So, I expected to hear it, but never did.

I LOVE "God". Just didn't know if Sondheim would write that about himself. Ha How was the production received? I missed out on everything. lol

[ljay889]

Posted: 10/18/10 at 3:01am

Oh and of course they recorded songs that I'm sure were cut (Namely Talent. It was in the playbill but I swear it wasn't in the show).

Yup. Talent/When I Grow Up was cut by the second week of previews. So odd they recorded that, but not the opening or act 1 finale.
Updated On: 10/18/10 at 03:01 AM

[binau]

Posted: 10/18/10 at 3:08am

"I LOVE "God". Just didn't know if Sondheim would write that about himself."

Well as ljay said it is a parody (lyrics: Someone to overrate etc..) and he seems to be publicly humble so it is fitting.