Stand-by Joined: 5/10/04
Hi, I just recently auditioned for this musical and have a call-back coming up. I really don't know much about this musical. Did anyone get a chance to see it on broadway? What was your opinion? Any information about the show would greatly appreciated? What were the set and costumes like? Dancing? Any memorable moments?
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/11/06
It depends on which version you're talking about. There was a Sondheim version with a book by Nathan Lane and a Sondheim version with a book by Burt Shevlove. (sp?) I've only seen the one that Nathan wrote and it was fantastic! A hilarious show with to many memorable moments!
I've never seen the show, but I love it because it's Stephen Sondheim and I will recommend you to buy the Broadway Cast Recording (2004) with Nathan Lane to listen and there are also pictures of the show in the booklet. There's also a studio cast recording (2002) also with Nathan Lane and there are a few pictures of the original production back in the 70s at Yale.
It's an adaptation of The Frogs by Aristophanes, the ancient Greek playwright. It's about Dionysos, the God of Theatre's journey to Hades. Most of the songs are in chorus for Burt Shevelove's version. The Nathan Lane's version added more songs in solo.
Stand-by Joined: 5/10/04
the Nathan Lane version.. the recent broadway production version
May I ask you a question? How do you get the book? It isn't even published yet. I guys bought the copyright?
Stand-by Joined: 5/10/04
i'm not really sure... my college is doing... they have pretty good connections, so i'm sure something was worked out
I saw the show in 2004 and loved it. Why wasn’t it a big hit like everyone expected? Nathan Lane! Susan Stroman! Roger Bart! How could it have “failed” .
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/11/06
I don't know. Also Daniel Davis! It was a great show! Brilliant cast, writing, score, and direction/choreography! I loved it!
Broadway Legend Joined: 8/10/06
I LOVE the OBCR of this show! I hope to play Xanthias someday, I envy you.
I believe the answer was a mix of Nathan Lane Ego trip and Susan Stro ruining it with her boringness
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/11/06
Has anyone else noticed Nathan hasn't had a big hit since The Producers? No doubt The Odd Couple made money but I mean critical success.
I would say Butley's doing respectable business
Stand-by Joined: 3/12/05
I saw this in previews and this was one of the worst things I have ever seen. Maybe they improved it....
you didn't like it? I've only read it, but really enjoyed it nonethless
I knew the trumpet player in the pit, so I got a copy of the score, it actually is a very good score, I was suprised. I saw it on b-way and loved it!
It was a huge let down. Daniel Davis and Roger Bart were the high lights of the show. The book fell flat, the songs were not at all memorable or that enjoyable and the show on a whole was ridiculous and boring.
Agree, Elphaba. The book is the worst thing of the show. And of course, Horton, Sondheim's score never been bad!
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/11/06
The book was great in my opinion. But everyone has different tastes...some people love Lestat...
It was enjoyable but by than Nathan Lane fatigue was starting to set in
Broadway Legend Joined: 3/20/04
Yeah, by the end of the run Nathan was counting the empty seats. A great score but an utterly unmemorable show.
...but the most witty one, and damn hard!
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/11/06
The show is memorable. But mybe that's just for me.
Well, to me, every Sondheim's show is memorable, except Bounce.
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/11/06
It's not THE Bounce Just Bounce. And I liked Bounce to. I HATE Follies. Not memorable to me.
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