The Magic Show-DVD

[BobbyBubby]

Posted: 1/14/06 at 12:26pm

Is this worth getting? I just got the OBC and adore the score, but I heard the best songs from the show aren't on the DVD. Any thoughts/info?
Updated On: 1/14/06 at 12:26 PM

[best12bars]

Posted: 1/14/06 at 12:43pm

I haven't seen the DVD, and would love to know the answer to this too! I've been tempted to buy it about a million times... but something is holding me back.

Bobby---I think you meant the best songs AREN'T on the DVD, right?

[BobbyBubby]

Posted: 1/14/06 at 12:46pm

Woops my bad. Yes I've heard a lot of the numbers for the ladies of the show are either cut, or replaced. I read that Schwartz wasn't happy with those songs so rewrote them for the filming.

I've heard my favorite songs: "Lion Tamer", "Solid Silver Platform Shoes", and "Two's Company" (one of the best showtunes ever, in my opinion), aren't on the dvd.

[best12bars]

Posted: 1/14/06 at 12:52pm

Is "West End Avenue?" That's my favorite of all, and I don't know if it's on the DVD, or who sings it if it is.

[BobbyBubby]

Posted: 1/14/06 at 1:01pm

I have a feeling it isn't.

Anyone know?

[BobbyBubby]

Posted: 1/14/06 at 1:03pm

And is it just me or do "West End Avenue" and "Meadowlark" sound like the same melody?

[best12bars]

Posted: 1/14/06 at 1:11pm

It's not so much the melody to me as the accompaniment pattern (or stylistic pattern repeated). They're similar.

But West End Avenue has the funky change-up rhythm in it... very unconventional. And a lot of singers and accompanists really struggle with it. Not a good one to bring into an audition, unless you're sure the accompanist knows it already. It could be a lovely train wreck.

Updated On: 1/14/06 at 01:11 PM

[BobbyBubby]

Posted: 1/14/06 at 1:14pm

I love Alice Ripley but I can't stand her version. It's such a tricky song.

[best12bars]

Posted: 1/14/06 at 1:21pm

Well, she does the whole song at "full throttle."

I actually like that version because the orchestrations are so damn good.

...and very much like "Meadowlark" as well.

[dotvmike]

Posted: 1/14/06 at 1:21pm

Its funny because I got the DVD and thought the music on the DVD was better than what was on the CD. I didn't listen to the CD before getting the DVD so I might like the music from the DVD more because that was MY first encounter with the show (if that makes sense) So I recomend the DVD because it includes the two songs "We Need a Magician" and "Hows About a Round for the Bad Guys" (not sure if those are the actual song titles

[BobbyBubby]

Posted: 1/14/06 at 1:25pm

Ripley just seems to be pushing a tad too hard.

So, dotvmike, are Lion Tamer, West End Ave, Solid Silver Platform Shoes, or Two's Company on the DVD?

[dotvmike]

Posted: 1/14/06 at 1:31pm

Lion Tamer is the only one, I don't remeber any of the other ones being on the DVD...I say if you have the money...just check it out...but don't kill yourself getting it if it doesn't have your favorite songs from the CD which it sounds like is the case.

[BobbyBubby]

Posted: 1/14/06 at 1:38pm

Thanks!

[best12bars]

Posted: 1/14/06 at 1:39pm

No "West End Avenue" = No purchase for me.

Thanks for the info!

[jasonf]

Posted: 1/14/06 at 5:53pm

It IS an interesting movie -- if you like magic. The songs are different -- but they're not bad (as I recall, it's been a while since I've watched it. Hm, maybe I should take it out again...)

[sondheimboy2]

Posted: 1/14/06 at 7:29pm

I've always wanted to pair up "West End Avenue" and "Another Hundred People" and call it the "Urban Angst Medley"...