WAR PAINT - The Original Broadway Cast Recording- Page 6

[RippedMan]

Posted: 5/30/17 at 1:16am

But even your question and explanation are great. Why should lyrics be dumb and instantly understandable. I had a friend who saw the show and was like "What? That was so stupid. A whole song about the color pink?!" And, and I hate using this phrase because it's do demeaning, but I was like "I don't think you understood the song." It's a really cleaver song that takes a few listens to get. Nothing wrong with that. I don't think everything needs to be radio ready. 

[newintown]

Posted: 5/30/17 at 10:11am

"Are there footnotes to explain what in the hell Elizabeth is talking about, "rabbits from the test?"  Does Michael Korie assume people know what the rabbit test was?"

I don't see why the rabbit test should be considered an arcane or terribly archaic phrase. it was still common enough in usage that it was the title of a popular Billy Crystal film in 1978.

I agree with Ripped Man that good lyrics needn't pander to the most ignorant of audience members. However, it does seem true that some of the most popular musicals of the past 20 years feature lyrics so generic and meaningless, listening to them at all is merely optional. Perhaps this has encouraged many people to just fall out of the habit of listening to the words.

[StylishCynic]

Posted: 5/30/17 at 2:06pm

I saw the Chicago production 3 times, and, while it had its pits, I found the production to be overall enchanting. I'm beside myself listening to this recording. The show has been hobbled.

"A Woman's Face" is a far superior opening. I truly don't understand why it was cut other than to give both ladies a solo entrance. "Best Face Forward" is tragic, to say the least. The show opens with a lackluster, forgettable number. They honestly could have kept both by putting BFF directly after AWF with the "You!... yes, you!" 

I'm equally distraught that "My Secret Weapon" replaces "Hope in a Jar." Hope was truly the most hummable song in the entire show. It moves the plot along better than Secret Weapon does, imo. I will say that My Secret Weapon has grown on my upon further listening, but I also think that both songs could have been kept by playing My Secret Weapon until 2:30 in the song (when the idea to market the same cream with 2 jars come up) and then switch to Hope in a Jar.

"Oh That's Rich" was one of my favorite moments in Chicago, but I felt this number needs to build more. It could easily peak into a large, group number (with Congress and reporters joining in). Instead this number fizzles and cuts off just as the crescendo gets good.

Necessity and War Paint are equally forgettable. I don't feel too passionate about either choice in the show.

Finally, "Forever Beautiful" was impeccable in Chicago. It was peak LuPone. I understand that the plot was modified since the writers discovered that Rubinstein didn't need to sell her paintings for money, but the lyric changes to this are ABYSMAL. Changing "My life in art / my lasting monuments / [undecipherable through accent] / a Jew likes permanence" to " WHO GIVES A DAMN / no children visit me" is laughably bad.

       

Updated On: 5/30/17 at 02:06 PM

[dshnookie]

Posted: 6/1/17 at 11:59am

Since the physical release isn't due until mid-July (assuming they even include the lyrics in the liner notes), I'm asking for help in deciphering a few of the lyrics.

 

1. If I'd Been A Man

(A) 2:00 Though I made my name, became the tops at my game - is 'tops' correct? sounds odd to me that it isn't just the singular "top"

(B) 3:33 Not a chump, a contender (is 'chump' correct?)

(C) 3:57 Why are they the (XX) and I'm the also-ran?

(D) 4:51 Would I (XX) if I had been a man?

 

2. Face to Face

(A) 1:16 Though if we could only pool our knowledge, make (XX) and hold the fort in place

(B) 1:48 Does she ever stare through empty (XX air?), awake and lonely?

 

3. Now You Know

(A) 1:23 You think you've made the grade, You think you've earned the (XX)

(B) 2:30 And oh what gates of hell they put her through. So, now (XX - God help us all? XX). The way that life can twist the knife in you. 

 

4. Beauty in the World

(A) 0:50 Eyes that glittered like a gem, the lovers (XX) bewitched with them

(B) 3:20 ...and thrive. (XX) of yesterday. Lets the chips fall where they may

 

I don't know where to begin with "Back on Top" or "Forever Beautiful" :)

Appreciate any help. Thanks!!

Updated On: 6/1/17 at 11:59 AM

[carolinaguy]

Posted: 6/1/17 at 12:13pm

"Face to Face"

A: "make an armistice"

B: "air" is correct

 

"Beauty in the World"

A: "the lovers we bewitched with them"



 

Updated On: 6/1/17 at 12:13 PM

[ljay889]

Posted: 6/1/17 at 1:03pm

I had trouble with those Face to Face lyrics as well!

[newintown]

Posted: 6/1/17 at 1:05pm

"If I Were A Man"
A - "tops" is correct; used interchangeably with "top" in 20th century slang.
B - "chump" is correct.
C - ?
D - "Would I win if I had been a man?"

"Now You Know"
A - "You think you've earned the win"
B - "So now we know - God help us all, we know - the way that life can twist the knife..."

[IdinaBellFoster]

Posted: 6/1/17 at 1:09pm

I preferred the lyric "Obsolescence comes at such a frightful pace", but "make an armistice and hold the fort in place" makes more sense with what proceeds it.

[BuddyStarr]

Posted: 6/1/17 at 1:17pm

dshnookie said: "Since the physical release isn't due until mid-July (assuming they even include the lyrics in the liner notes), I'm asking for help in deciphering a few of the lyrics.


 1. If I'd Been A Man
(A) 2:00 Though I made my name, became the tops at my game - is 'tops' correct? sounds odd to me that it isn't just the singular "top"  Yes, "tops"

(B) 3:33 Not a chump, a contender (is 'chump' correct?) Yes, "chump"

(C) 3:57 Why are they the prodigal? and I'm the also-ran? sounds like prodigal?

(D) 4:51 Would I win if I had been a man?

3. Now You Know

(A) 1:23 You think you've made the grade, You think you've earned the win

(B) 2:30 And oh what gates of hell they put her through. So, now we know - God help us all? we know). The way that life can twist the knife in you. "  

 4. Beauty in the World

(A) 0:50 Eyes that glittered like a gem, the lovers we bewitched with them we
 

 

[dshnookie]

Posted: 6/1/17 at 3:00pm

Thank you all soooooo much!!

[broadwayboy223]

Posted: 6/3/17 at 6:13pm

I've finally listened to the whole album and I have to say WOW. What an exquisite cast album. Patti and Christine are in amazing voice. (Patti's belting tho) I saw the show in Chicago so this my first exposure to the changes. Overall this is a wonderful, beautiful score with complex melodies. 

My issues:

The obvious glaring omission for me is cutting A Women's Face. It's a much better opening song. The melody is wonderful and catchy. I see why they changed it but I think they could have kept the song and just had the ensemble women sing Patti and Christine's parts.  

Necessity is an interesting song. I like it but I love it. I think the original title song had a stronger melody. Perhaps what needed to happen was a combination of both songs. 

I love this show and this score so either way I'm grateful to have it preserved.     

[binau]

Posted: 6/6/17 at 4:38am

The show is quite balanced between the leads (and indeed Patti in that recent broadway.com interview claimed she explicitly instructed that it must be to avoid resentment). However, I must admit there is one song that stands out as unbalancing the score/tipping the score in one of the lead's favour.

For the most part, they either sing the same songs (If I'd Been a Man; Forever Beautiful; Face to Face etc.) or have similar moments (Pink/Forever Beautiful; Behind the Red Door/Back on Top). 

But Patti gets "Now You Know" - this somewhat operatic aria and moment of vulnerability. Ebersole gets the rather subdued "Better Yourself". I can't help but wonder if Patti wanted to get her "Pink"-type vulnerable moment. But it really stands out as unbalanced here. I'd love to know when this song was added to the score. 

[uncageg]

Posted: 6/6/17 at 9:39pm

On my third listen. I am finding that my favorite song is "If I'd Been A Man". Saw them sing it at a Times Talk and was not crazy about it. Liked it more when I saw the show but love it on the recording.

I also love "Better Yourself" and "Oh, That's Rich"

Updated On: 6/6/17 at 09:39 PM

[broadwayboy223]

Posted: 6/7/17 at 2:48am

I'd love to know when that song was added. I'd honestly love to know about the development process of this show. It be interesting to see if Donna Murphy would want to rejoin the show at some point 

[ljay889]

Posted: 6/7/17 at 8:40am

I love Murphy, but I'm not quite sure she could sing Arden as cuerrenly written. The score seemingly has been tailor-made to Ebersole's range and vocal gift, especially "Pink." Im not sure Murphy has the range to pull off the role, but she could obviously act it phenomenally.

[imeldasturn]

Posted: 6/7/17 at 8:44am

She could replace LuPone tho

[IdinaBellFoster]

Posted: 6/7/17 at 8:45am

I was listening to the recording last night and had a sudden and perfect thought for an Arden replacement:

Victoria Clark.

[binau]

Posted: 6/7/17 at 8:47am

Victoria Clark would be a good replacement - I had the same thought too!! Imagine her singing "Pink", it'd be perfect. I haven't heard anyone suggest a replacement for Patti yet? I actually see Donna Murphy more in the role but apparently she doesn't have the voice anymore? Sad. 

Updated On: 6/7/17 at 08:47 AM

[MoveOnGypsy]

Posted: 6/7/17 at 8:55am

qolbinau said: "Victoria Clark would be a good replacement - I had the same thought too!! Imagine her singing "Pink", it'd be perfect. I haven't heard anyone suggest a replacement for Patti yet? I actually see Donna Murphy more in the role but apparently she doesn't have the voice anymore? Sad. "

I highly doubt your concern about her voice. I cannot imagine that being the case considering how strong it is and how she hasn't used it in such a long time.

Victoria Clark would be ideal as well.

I personally don't see this show continuing after the leading ladies leave though. Victoria has that show up in Canada as well as the one she's directing (!!!) Donna has stated quite frequently that she isn't interested in leading a broadway show which is why she jumped at the Tuesday replacement for Bette. 

 

 

[IdinaBellFoster]

Posted: 6/7/17 at 8:59am

Donna Murphy would be an excellent Rubenstein, but she struggled to sing the Witch in the Central Park INTO THE WOODS (using the lower keys).

[ljay889]

Posted: 6/7/17 at 10:34am

She also struggled with some notes of Cora in Anyone can Whistle. I don't think she could manage either WP lead. She will certainly sound sensational as Dolly. 

[binau]

Posted: 6/7/17 at 9:24pm

Ok how about Marin Mazzie as Rubinstein and Victoria Clark as Arden? I know I previously suggested Mazzie for Arden - and it seems like a closer fit. But Mazzie has a certain coldness and sense of humour that would suit the role. She also has an incredibly strong voice and belt (particularly in lower ranges) that could suit many of the songs? 

 

But if Clark is tied up and Mazzie is not well then perhaps it won't work. As to the question of whether they even will consider or need to replace - it's still too early for us to tell if this show has longevity. I personally think the consistently high grosses already suggest the show is perhaps attracting a wider audience beyond simply fans of the two leads (the grosses are so much better than Gypsy or Grey Gardens). But I'm not sure if this show is going to have its FOLLIES/if/then moment and suddenly lose its audience in a few months. I hope not. 

[gypsy101]

Posted: 6/7/17 at 9:50pm

omg Victoria Clark and Donna Murphy together in a musical again would be sublime. great replacement ideas for both parts

[Sally Durant Plummer]

Posted: 6/7/17 at 10:11pm

Honestly, my ideal replacements would be Audra and Mary Testa - Audra would be able to keep the seats filled and Testa has the right oomph for Rubenstein (and can sing it). I initially thought of Bernadette, but I don't think she could sing the role and doubt she would agree to replace LuPone.

Mazzie is exquisite, but she cannot belt those top notes. The role requires a beltress, not a soprano. She would be a lovely Arden, but she won't sell any seats beyond the regular theatre-goers (she was phenomenal in the role, but King and I closed almost immediately after O'Hara left).

[binau]

Posted: 6/7/17 at 10:33pm

I love her and am flattered that anyone would consider her but I think Bernadette would be so awful in the Rubinstein role. Thinking about her attempting the accent and singing those songs - it just wouldn't play to her strengths. She would be a better Arden I think. She won't sing it or act it as well as Ebersole but she'd have her moments. I would love to see Patti/Bernadette on that stage together (I know I've been saying this since Donna Murphy was involved haha).