Song Duds in Hit Musicals- Page 2

[skingdom]

Posted: 8/30/03 at 12:12pm

YES YES YES!!!! Sarah Uriarte Berry!!! The only reason I am seeing Taboo is to see her. And she's gorgeous.

Did you know I would have that reaction?

[Amy Archer]

Posted: 8/30/03 at 12:52pm

I may get skinned alive for this, but "More I Cannot Wish You" from Guys & Dolls makes my teeth itch.

[TxTwoStep]

Posted: 8/30/03 at 12:59pm

"More I Cannot" is a tough song to act well, but has a beautiful melody. The "licorice tooth" lyrics are kinda baffling, but might be a key to that character's motivation (somehow). i have seen it played once by a woman and it worked the best that i've seen it...she was like a grandmother to Sarah telling her not to miss what she herself gave up for the Salvation Army goals. She was also a wonderful actress throughout.

SKIINGDOM i'm a Berry booster from way back. Had no idea you liked her...she's my ingenue of choice, great look, funny, can act, and so many colors in her voice.

[John4763]

Posted: 8/30/03 at 4:05pm

As much as I love Sweeney Todd, I really can't stand the "Shave-a da Face, Pull-a da Tooth" number

Also, I don't remember the name, but I hated the song in Rent that the female druggy sings while she comes down those stairs. Something about the fun things she's going to do tonight?

And of course, "Gimme the Ball Gimmee the Ball Gimmee the Balllllll yeah!!" is pretty bad from Chorus Line.

[bumpitwithatrumpet2]

Posted: 8/30/03 at 4:13pm

NATIVENEWYORKER!!!!!!!!!!!!! omg how could you say that?! MANLEY POPE ROCKS!

[bumpitwithatrumpet2]

Posted: 8/30/03 at 4:13pm

NATIVENEWYORKER!!!!!!!!!!!!! omg how could you say that?! MANLEY POPE ROCKS!

[CJR]

Posted: 8/30/03 at 4:24pm

Compared to Adam, Manley is a snoozer....

Cellophane makes watch the ensemble members and see what they're "talking" about with each other, or the expressions they are making in general, when it's performed by PJ Benjamin. He is SO over that show, it makes me want to turn around like the rest of the cast. Thus far, there have only been two actors to play Amos whom I have been able to watch and enjoy during Cellophane -- Rob Bartlett (currently Mushnick in LSoH) and Michael Tucci.

[ChristineDaae]

Posted: 8/30/03 at 7:33pm

"For Sarah" in Dance of the Vampires- then again DOTV wasn't really a hit musical...

[TEACHEROFTHEATER]

Posted: 8/31/03 at 1:26pm

Something was Missing from Annie is indeed a song to make you cringe..........but I actually love Bali Hai from South Pacific

[BroadwayGirl107]

Posted: 8/31/03 at 4:08pm

"Also, I don't remember the name, but I hated the song in Rent that the female druggy sings while she comes down those stairs. Something about the fun things she's going to do tonight?"

I think you may be referring to "Out Tonight"? I think the quality of that song depends on who's singing it. I can't listen to Daphne Ruben Vega sing it, but Caren Lyn Manuel makes it one of the most fun and memorable parts of the show. I also can't stand "contact" or "Today 4 U" from RENT.

Posted: 8/31/03 at 4:11pm

The Schmuel Song

Posted: 8/31/03 at 5:06pm

Another Pyramid
Like Father Like Son
WHo gives a Sh!t about Radames' father! lol.

Posted: 8/31/03 at 5:32pm

Who gives a **** about RADAMES! He is THE most generic, undeveloped character in that entire show.

[zannafan]

Posted: 8/31/03 at 8:57pm

Definitely the Schmuel song in L5Y and MOST DEFINITELY Climb Every Mountain from The Sound of Music. It is interesting that someone would hate the Zoser songs in Aida. I have two friends who totally agree that Another Pyramid and Like Father Like Son are not good songs. I happen to enjoy those songs, but totally respect the fact that someone else might not like them.

[skingdom]

Posted: 8/31/03 at 10:38pm

Manly Pope stood there like a rock. It seemed like he was just waiting for screaming fans to tell him he was hot. He stank.

And the only thing I liked about DOTV was the song "For Sarah".

[ChristineDaae]

Posted: 9/1/03 at 2:23pm

"And the only thing I liked about DOTV was the song "For Sarah"."

ahh "For Sarah" always put me to sleep! My favorite DOTV song was probably "Original Sin".

[Dollypop]

Posted: 9/1/03 at 5:21pm

"Little Lamb" from GYPSY. Ever want to see a spot in a show die?

[BillyLawlor]

Posted: 9/1/03 at 5:39pm

I actually like "Little Lamb". I HATE "The Schmuel Song", "Climb Every Mountain", and "Mr. Cellophane", although I did enjoy Rob Bartlett's rendition when I saw him in it. It's just- the song itself is boring, and the movie version of that song makes me snore. How about "Talk To Me" from Bye, Bye Birdie? Oye vey.

Posted: 9/1/03 at 7:30pm

I wouldn't exactly call this a dude, but I would admit that "It Couldn't Please Me More" (The Pineapple Song) from CABARET sticks out like a pineapple in a bunch of bananas.

BB

Oh yes, any song from RENT I'd say is a dud. Sorry, folks, but I really, really, really dislike that contivance.

Posted: 9/1/03 at 7:44pm

You're telling me "No Day But Today" and "Seasons of Love" are duds? They've had a great impact on a lot of lives

Posted: 9/1/03 at 7:53pm

"And I am telling you...," yes.

Obvious many folks like the show, there's no accounting for taste. I saw RENT downtown in its original incarnation and disliked every single moment of it. I walked out not knowing or remembering even one portion of any one song.

So to me, they are all duds.

BB Updated On: 9/1/03 at 07:53 PM

[BroadwayGirl107]

Posted: 9/1/03 at 8:13pm

Wow, Broadway Bulldog, that's harsh. I thnk there were a lot of lame moments in RENT, especially the ones I named, but "No Day But Today" and that entire life support scene is one of the most touching moments I've seen. It such a powerful message and an emotional melody.

[nyctopone]

Posted: 9/1/03 at 8:38pm

"The Highest Judge of All" from Carousel. If I'm not mistaken, its cut from almost every recent revival.

[theatreguy]

Posted: 9/1/03 at 9:42pm

I've never been a big fan of LITTLE LAMB either; though I do think it's necessary so the audience can see what Louise is feeling. If only the atcual song used for that spot were better. The only time I haven't wanted to shoot myself during that song was when I saw Kate Shindle played Louise. She was fantastic.

[rlbgbc]

Posted: 9/3/03 at 9:11am

Song duds in classic musicals...hmmmm....

"Western People Funny" - THE KING AND ME: cute number, but clearly positioned (and composed) as a cute 2nd Act opener

"Who Do You Love, I Hope?" -- AGYG -- cute number, but WTF? WHat does it have to do with ANYTHING?

"This Nearly Was Mine" -- SOUTH PACIFIC -- IMHO, adds an unnecessary 4 minutes to an already long show.

"What Did I Ever See In Him?" -- BYE BYE BIRDIE: filler material.

And so many more.


AND...as for the opinions expressed about LITTLE LAMB: "You must be mad!" (said in my best Mia Farrow "Death On The Nile" accent). That song is so necessary to the show, to the character, and to the impact of the piece. Granted, not the most catchy tune or lyrics in the world, but its devastating in its simplicity. Maybe the problem is that most amateur productions don't pay enough attention to that number...you've just come off the riotous nonsense that is "Goldstone", and the show screeches to a halt for this girl to sing a sad song. Deliberate? You bet. Easily digested by the masses? I think not.