They're Playing Our Song - Is it revivable?- Page 2
They're Playing Our Song - Is it revivable?
singingbackup
Broadway Legend Joined: 11/3/06
#25re: They're Playing Our Song - Is it revivable?
Posted: 1/19/08 at 9:42am
I absolutely adore this show! I did it for a year and a half in Dinner Theater back in the day in Philadelphia. (Doing one of the egos is so much fun!)
Is it a bit dated? Sure. A simple "Setting: New York, 1974" or whatever they do in programs for these things should do it. I think the casting breakdown is Vernon (25-35) and Sonja should be about the same.
Casting? Lemme muse on that!
#26re: They're Playing Our Song - Is it revivable?
Posted: 1/19/08 at 10:06am
"What would ever possess anyone to suggest Rosie to croak the songs in this show? She may love Broadway and Broadway loves her but seriously...."
And you people wonder why pros come here for a laugh. I suggested it because I LOVE musical theater. I don't go to rip it apart. I go to be entertained, quite unlike several here that can't wait to give their over inflated ego driven opinion. The show is a musical comedy. Nathan not right? It's based on Marvin Hamlisch for God's sake. Nathan is a well respected musical comedy star, haven't you heard? Rosie is a beloved funny actress that can carry a tune. Maybe you should ask Cher, Celine Dion, Billy Joel, Linda Eder or even the late Rosemary Cloony who have recorded with her. The best voice in the world, of course not, ever hear Gwen Verdon sing? Not her strong suit but it didn't make her any less a star. Rosie received good reviews for "Fiddler" and she can handle it. Of course there are "experts" here who just last week ripped Patti Lupone's vocal cords right out of her throat, so much for opinions on singing here. Yeah, I suggested it and I make zero apologies for it. That's the most amazing thing about theater. It's an elective activity. Don't like the show, or cast, don't go. Can't get any simpler than that.
singingbackup
Broadway Legend Joined: 11/3/06
#27re: They're Playing Our Song - Is it revivable?
Posted: 1/19/08 at 12:00pm
Sonya Walsk:
Alice Ripley
Jennifer Cody
Sutton Foster
Kerry Butler
Mary Testa
Sherie Renee Scott
Vernon Gersh:
Raul Esparza
Hunter Foster
Norbert Leo Butz
roquat
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/25/05
#28re: They're Playing Our Song - Is it revivable?
Posted: 1/19/08 at 1:17pmThis show doesn't need to be revived, because every regional theatre in the world will be doing it in the coming few years, if the expected recession hits this country. This has become the new safe, small, inoffensive show of choice, the way I DO, I DO used to be.
I ask in all honesty/What would life be?/Without a song and a dance, what are we?/So I say "Thank you for the music/For giving it to me."
alterego
Broadway Legend Joined: 6/5/03
#29re: They're Playing Our Song - Is it revivable?
Posted: 1/19/08 at 8:37pm
Sonia and Vernon - why not Sarah Jessica Parker and Mathew Broderick?
singingbackup, I too did this show - for 14 months eight times a week. I'm not called "alterego" for nothing.
Updated On: 1/20/08 at 08:37 PM
#30re: They're Playing Our Song - Is it revivable?
Posted: 1/20/08 at 1:12am
"What do you mean, stuck in a 70s timewarp?"
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Sorry, I don't know how to do quotes on this board. So I faked it. Anyhoo. If we were allowed to post Youtube links on this board, I would post the TV commercial for the Broadway production (with replacements Anita Gillette and Tony Roberts). The alter egos sing the title song under disco lights while doing the hustle. Just search for They're Playing Our Song on Youtube.
Yes, you could change the staging, but that would not be enough to remove it from the time period. Nor would updating the book. The music itself is late 70's pop/disco. Even the most gifted arranger couldn't erase that sound. And then there are the lyrics. The characters obsess over finding themselves in song after song. So very 70's.
The entire piece is welded to it's time period. It can't be updated without destroying the integrity of the show. So keep it in the late 70's and have fun with it.
Casting Sonia is somewhat tricky. The part is written in Bea Arthur's vocal range. Who wants to listen to Sutton Foster singing the four or five notes at the very bottom of her range all night? There's a Youtube clip of Lorna Luft singing "I Still Believe in Love." She sings it well, but is so constricted by the low, tiny range that her voice doesn't have a chance to soar.
neddyfrank2
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/23/05
#31re: They're Playing Our Song - Is it revivable?
Posted: 1/20/08 at 1:25amIt would be fun to see Norbert and Sherie do it together.
alterego
Broadway Legend Joined: 6/5/03
#32re: They're Playing Our Song - Is it revivable?
Posted: 1/20/08 at 8:22amSonia's keys have been altered in various productions.
TheEnchantedHunter
Broadway Legend Joined: 6/27/05
#33re: They're Playing Our Song - Is it revivable?
Posted: 1/20/08 at 9:08am
It's already been revived and made into a movie:
MUSIC AND LYRICS
Lola "The Doctor Is Out" Delaney
In A Midwestern City
kissmeimirish
Stand-by Joined: 1/20/08
#34re: They're Playing Our Song - Is it revivable?
Posted: 1/20/08 at 9:26am
one of the funniest shows i've ever seen...i saw every cast and every combination of the original production. taye and idina anyone? and, yes, i was watching MUSIC AND LYRICS on tv a few weeks ago and couldn't help but think 'hmmm..haven't i seen this before?'
Updated On: 1/20/08 at 09:26 AM
#35re: They're Playing Our Song - Is it revivable?
Posted: 1/20/08 at 12:55pmI got the script out yesterday and gave it a read. It indicates that Vernon is 34 years old. The dialogue is also very clear that Sonia is attractive enough to make Vernon nervous the same way his enormous success makes her nervous, so I really think Rosie is right out the window for this one. Jen Cody and Hunter Foster would be a riot.
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