The Hours - A chamber musical?

[RentBoy86]

Posted: 7/29/08 at 6:39pm

Do you think "The Hours" could work as a musical? I guess it would be close to impossible because of the story line and the way it all works, but it would beautiful.

[heathurrr]

Posted: 7/29/08 at 7:04pm

The Hours as in by Michael Cunningham?
Hm, it might. I can see the characters singing their hearts out. Now that I think of it, I can see picture all of Cunningham's books on stage. Maybe not all musicals, but definitely plays.

Updated On: 7/29/08 at 07:04 PM

[RentBoy86]

Posted: 7/29/08 at 7:06pm

I think with the underscoring, it helped me picture it as a musical. It would need to be a moody, darker musical, which is why I opted for the 'chamber musical' feel.

[tazber]

Posted: 7/29/08 at 7:22pm

Absolutely. I think it could work beautifully if handled well.

I would love to Guetell try this.

[Jazzysuite82]

Posted: 7/29/08 at 8:42pm

Yes it could...with the right composer. It'd be small and artsy so it wouldn't play a commercial house. I think it'd be nice in a small space like the Mitzi Newhouse. The question is who'd handle the score and book...You know what would be really interesting? If LaChiusa, Guettel and Sondheim collaborated and came up with some themes together and then each took a storyline and wrote based on those themes. YEAH I know that'd never work. Guettel's a good idea. I'd LOVE for Sondheim to knock another one out of the park. And after seeing Meryl do "Winner Takes It All", I'd love to see her take over her role from the film.

[buffyactsing]

Posted: 7/29/08 at 8:58pm

" If LaChiusa, Guettel and Sondheim collaborated and came up with some themes together and then each took a storyline and wrote based on those themes."

Yes, yes and Yes!

[broadwaybaby086]

Posted: 7/30/08 at 12:21am

One of my favorite books.

I'd like to see it either as a play with music, similar to the film, or as more of a song cycle, if that is even possible. I, too, would love to see Guettel attached to this hypothetical project.

[jpbran]

Posted: 7/30/08 at 12:48am

When I saw the thread title, I too immediately thought Piazza-esque. Guetell most definitely for something like this..

(Or Sondheim as others also said...)

[bundy5000]

Posted: 7/30/08 at 12:50am

I could definitely see a Marquee With "The Hours" on it. But It is a very delicate story. It is "FRAGILE handle with care"

[B3TA07]

Posted: 7/30/08 at 1:02am

Yes.

[BenSaysOiVey]

Posted: 7/30/08 at 1:52am

I have always thought it would make a fascinating musical in the style of PASSION. Sondheim is of course my top choice with Toni Collette as Laura, Donna Murphy as Clarissa, and maybe someone like Natasha Richardson as Virginia Woolf. Of course all of the ladies from the film have done Broadway and would be great in their roles, but I'd also love to see some of the great dramatic musical theater actresses tackle these fantastic women.
I adore both the book and the film, and Philip Glass' score is sort of a character in itself for me. Precious.
Updated On: 8/2/08 at 01:52 AM

[little_sally]

Posted: 7/30/08 at 10:43am

I don't know if it would work but it's definitely something I'd rush out to see. The Hours is my favorite movie and one of my favorite books.

[doodlenyc]

Posted: 7/30/08 at 11:35am

Kath and Kel starred in a musical version on "Kath and Kim"...

[doodlenyc]

Posted: 7/30/08 at 11:40am

...and speaking of composers, why not the oscar nominated Philip Glass since he is responsible for the perfectly haunting film score?

[Mildred Plotka]

Posted: 7/30/08 at 1:18pm

If LaChiusa or Guettel wrote it, sure, I'd attend.

Glass' film score makes me want to tear my hair out!

[cello_dude]

Posted: 7/30/08 at 4:47pm

I think this would work better as an opera perhaps. Im not too sure about Glass composing though, the story doesn't really lend itself to a minimalist score.

[Jazzysuite82]

Posted: 7/30/08 at 5:32pm

OMG could you imagine those lyrics?!! Wolfe-wolfe-wolfe-3-Wolfe. I'd cry. Really I would.

[jpbran]

Posted: 7/30/08 at 6:23pm

South Park has almost ruined Glass for me...