The All-Sondheim Thread- Page 11

[jacco]

Posted: 8/12/05 at 5:03am

Just read this long long long list of comments about my favourite composer. Just some ideas and questions:

1. I've become very curious about the production of Pacific Overtures. I know that it wasn't a hit, but how did all you Sondheim -lovers feel about it? It is about the only show I've never seen live (together with Anyone can Whistle). I'm so sorry I missed it, but the last time I was in New York (I'm from holland) the show hadn't opened (October), and I'm coming back next week and now it is closed.

2. Priest, I was very impressed with your essay on Finishing the Hat. The version of Betty Buckley on the London Concert is one of my favourite recordings of all times. Thay can play it at my funeral.

3. Bounce is the only Sondheim show I've never grown to love. All the others are often in my cd player, but this one just doesnt seem to work. Should I try harder, or is this just a weak score?

4. I love Neil Patrick Harris as Toby. But it was also great fun to see him in London 2 months ago doing Tick Tick boom and taking a piss at Sondheim's Sunday in the number Brunch.

5. The best show I have ever seen has been Company at the Donmar Warehouse. Small intimate theatre, wonderful cast (though not always strong in the singing department) and Adrian Lester made me cry. CRY CRY CRY. Unforgettable.

[Theatreboy49]

Posted: 8/12/05 at 5:54am

To answer 2 of thw questions. I personally love Pacific Overtures. I think that it is a very genius score. I think the onyl reason it never really did well was because of the subject matter. To answer your question about Bounce, I don't think it is a weak score but I dont think its as strong as many others. I think the best part of Bounce was the cast.

[jacco]

Posted: 8/12/05 at 6:44am

I love the score of Pacific Overtures a lot (I actually always felt like I was the only person in the entire world who was singing along to NEXT in morning traffic in my car.....), but I never really "see" a theatrical performance when I listen to that show. Have you seen the roundabout production? And dis it work? It seems like a "cold" show to me.

and Bounce.....well, I might give it a try again after thinking about it now.....

[Theatreboy49]

Posted: 8/12/05 at 7:31am

Yea, Bounce has a strong cast. And no I didnt see the roundabout production. I havent been to NY in many many years and when i went i was only their for a day and threw a hissy fit (i was 7) cuz we couldnt see caberet and my only choices were miss saigon or smokey joe's cafe.

[jacco]

Posted: 8/12/05 at 7:50am

Cabaret is terrible to miss! although if you are 7???? I don't know.

[StickToPriest]

Posted: 10/3/05 at 12:42am

"Have you seen the roundabout production? And dis it work?"

It worked beautifully.
One of the most thrilling productions I've ever seen.
I had goosebumps throughout.
Unfortunately, the audience didn't seem to agree with me.

[BSoBW2]

Posted: 10/3/05 at 12:48am

Alright, perhaps I should be shot for this, and perhaps I would like to be shot for this, but I saw Vanessa Williams in ITW and I actually like her LAST MIDNIGHT more than Bernadette's...and when I go into the theatre here at school for work or class - this big Bernadette poster (b/c she's performing here) stares at me...like I am commiting a crime.

But Peters' LAMENT is great...and of course, she outraps Vanessa. But, still...

P.S. other than the DVD of Bernie, does anyone have pictures of her as the wicth?

[flamingo]

Posted: 10/3/05 at 5:53am

Bernadette as the Witch:

http://www.bstelzer.com/bpp20.html

[kyle33nyc]

Posted: 10/3/05 at 9:56am

I'm glad that I'm not the only Sondheim fan who has a hard time getting in to Bounce. I keep trying, but it feels so flat.

[MargoChanning]

Posted: 11/21/05 at 12:58pm

OK, given that many of us are sick to death of all of the threads about the damn Rent movie, I thought I'd bump this thread back to the the top.

Talk about the new Sweeney production, the upcoming Ravinia production of Gypsy with Patti Lupone, what show of his you want revived next, whether you think he should write a show based on the movie "Groundhog Day" (which he said he was considering doing a few years ago), any interesting encounters with the man, whatever ...... just make it Sondheim-related please......

I'm currently reading "How Sondheim Found His Sound" which is a fascinating analysis of the many influences -- recordings, performances, other composers, films, books -- that can be heard in his work. From classical to musical theatre to pop to jazz to film scores, all manner of music has made an impact on him and his compositions . Swayne examines his extensive record collection (with tens of thousands of recordings), his early work, his school papers, as well as interviews the man has given to derive a picture of some of things that inspired him to create his legendary body of work. Definitely worth reading.


How Sondheim Found His Sound

Updated On: 11/21/05 at 12:58 PM

[Color and Light]

Posted: 11/21/05 at 1:17pm

Thanks for bumping the thread, Margo. It makes a nice change.

I am absolutely dying for a revival for "Sunday in the Park with George" - just because I am dying to see someone else's take on George. My biggest regret about being born in 1987 was that I wasn't even conceived when Robert Westenberg took over for the role after Mandy Patinkin left.

And I am currently working on a proposal to direct "Assassins" for my university's student-run theater group.

Updated On: 11/21/05 at 01:17 PM

[kissmycookie]

Posted: 11/21/05 at 1:17pm

Can we hope for the Doyle production of Company to equal what he did for Sweeney?

Still waiting for a Sunday in the Park With George revival...

[kissmycookie]

Posted: 11/21/05 at 1:21pm

And while it has been recently recorded, have they announced a release date for the Sweeney revival cast album?

[MargoChanning]

Posted: 11/21/05 at 1:23pm

I saw Raul Esparza do George at the Kennedy Center a few summers ago. He was solid. His Act II George was stronger than his Act I, but, given the abbreviated rehearsal times they had for the Festival (he was also playing Charley in their production of MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG), I'd be curious to see what he'd do with the role if he had a bit more time with it. I think he might have a great George in him.

[Plum]

Posted: 11/21/05 at 1:24pm

I'm currently in Day 6 of my Sunday in the Park With George ticket-buying saga. You'd think a box office would be open on a weekday afternoon, or heck, when an employee says it'll be open, but noooo. I swear if it wasn't Sunday they were showing I would have screamed and given up by now. But like the good little drone that I am, I'm going for it (again) tomorrow. Dammit.

[MargoChanning]

Posted: 11/21/05 at 1:27pm

Where's it going to be playing, Plum?

[LostLeander]

Posted: 11/21/05 at 1:31pm

I want a new Georges/George!

And NOT Cerveris, please.

I want a new male "Sondheim Spokesperson."

Well, we can't have a revival until late 2007, and that's when Audra's done with all of her endeavors, and we ALL know that Audra must play Dot/Marie.

It's going to happen, if I have to hold people at gunpoint.

Hell, I would go see Audra do In My Life. And I'm sure she'd be brilliant.

Anywho, MORE SONDHEIM!
LESS CERVERIS!

[MargoChanning]

Posted: 11/21/05 at 1:40pm

I was talking to a friend last night about the fact that it's been 6 YEARS since Audra has done a musical on Broadway (Marie Christine closed in early January 2000). Plays yes, musicals no -- at least not in NYC (Chicago and LA seems to get her all the time). It's rather extraordinary that such a talent who's in the midst of her prime and has seemingly every composer of this generation writing new material for her hasn't been back in a musical in so long (though her nonmusical work is terrific, to be sure).

She'll be doing a new LaChiusa work in concert in March at the Houston Grand Opera and the Weill Mahogonny with Lupone at some point. Anybody see her Dot at Ravinia a few years ago?

Updated On: 11/21/05 at 01:40 PM

[kissmycookie]

Posted: 11/21/05 at 1:42pm

And would she be interested in playing Dot in NY, should a Sunday revival happen here soon?

[SorryGrateful]

Posted: 11/21/05 at 1:42pm

My name is SorryGrateful and I'm a Sondheim whore. Where there is a production, I will go. Is anyone planning on going to see Company in Ohio? (I will be there, although I get chills once I pass the Ohio state line.)

[lildogs]

Posted: 11/21/05 at 1:48pm

My friend and I were just discussing a Sunday revival--I think Audra Ann is a great choice and why see see her win Tony #5? But I want a completely new Sunday, perhaps not in the Doyle vein, but a reimagining at the very least.

[SorryGrateful]

Posted: 11/21/05 at 1:52pm

You know, honestly, I really don't like SITPWG. I think that the title song and "It's Hot Up Here" are two of Sondheim's best compositions, but I've really never connected with the musical as I have with his other shows. Of course, if a revival was produced, I'd be seeing it from the best seats, though.

[MargoChanning]

Posted: 11/21/05 at 1:54pm

Yes, could we please take a raincheck on anymore Doyle "reimaginings" for a while? I really don't want to see Audra playing Dot while lugging around a tuba and a kazoo.

Updated On: 11/21/05 at 01:54 PM

[robbiej]

Posted: 11/21/05 at 1:55pm

Amen, sister.

[kissmycookie]

Posted: 11/21/05 at 1:56pm

How were the projections for the Kennedy production of SITPWG, Margo?