Thoughts about FIRST WIVES CLUB Musical Composing Team

[FOAnatic]

Posted: 7/4/05 at 1:38am

Now. I'm not complaining about it...because I'm so overwhelmingly glad to see a project, that I have always been hoping would happen, come to fruition. But I am very interested as to hear why Holland-Dozier-Holland was hired to compose the score.

This in no way discredits their talent. They've written some great chart-topping pop songs for some great groups. But, why compose this musical? The article announcing the production spoke about them composing original tunes for the musical and also including some of the songs that they're famous for. Now, this is an amazing novel/movie and I don't see where these pop songs fit in. The only song I would feasibly see included is "You Don't Own Me" because it's the finale to the movie and it wouldn't be right if the song didn't make the transition to the movie.

But the pop songs...why? Elton John has composed musicals...did he include his pop songs? No. I mean...I don't think it would be right to see Aida break out in "Crocodile Rock" and I just don't know why these pop songs are being put into The FWC Musical. I would rather see an all new score written for this show.

But I guess it's to early to tell anything. Does anyone have any feelings about this?

[FOAnatic]

Posted: 7/4/05 at 1:45am

Well, after reading the article from the show's website, I am a little encouraged.

"Holland-Dozier-Holland are thrilled to be back together and are anxious to write original music for the show. They have also permitted us to include some of the greatest hits from their legendary catalogue, but we will only choose songs that contain an innate, specific meaning to the advancement of the show’s story line."

As long as they're taking these songs into consideration and only choosing ones that fit perfectly with the story line, I trust the producers know what they're doing.

[FOAnatic]

Posted: 7/4/05 at 3:13pm

bump

Just to get people's opinions.

[Ann_Margrock]

Posted: 7/4/05 at 3:28pm

Holland-Dozier-Holland were famous for writing those "you-love-me-then-did-me-wrong-and-now-you've-left-me-all-alone" type love songs that fit so well with this show [especialy the ones thay penned for the Supremes]:

"Where Did Our Love Go"
"Reflections"
"You Keep Me Hangin' On"
"Love Is Here And Now You're Gone"

...to name but a few

[TheEnchantedHunter]

Posted: 7/4/05 at 6:00pm

And have absolutely nothing to do with theater, musicals, characterization, or the craft of songwriting.


Crazy Mary
Newark, NJ
Updated On: 4/13/07 at 06:00 PM

[Effie1]

Posted: 7/5/05 at 12:02pm

These guys are some of the greatest song writers in the history of American music.

I'd hardly call Motown 'pop'. I think that's a pretty generic term for one of the most important musical movements of the past century.

As far as them penning songs for the show - I think it's going to be sensational! Can't wait to hear what these guys have up their sleeves after years of separation.