Why does nobody like Wildhorn?

Its true that I have only listened to Jekyll and Hyde, but is Wildhorn really that bad? From what iv'e read and heard about him, it seems the whole world is against him. So is everything else he did awfully horrible or what?

- Mr.Tenor

After enormous buzz of J&H for years, plus the success of some of its songs, the much-delayed Broadway production was a massive disappointment (having been tinkered to death and resembling little of the original production or subsequent tryouts). Since then, there's much negative bias towards him, especially since his shows have proven to be more popular abroad than in the US. I agree that Civil War was terrible, but I adored The Scarlet Pimpernel. But hating Wildhorn is a fad embraced by those hoping to impress their peers. Sort of like claiming Lloyd Webber is a hack or that Disney ruined Broadway. The fact that J&H continues to thrive internationally without the benefit of a hit Broadway production only infuriates them further.

In reality, a lot of people do like Wildhorn whether they know who he is or not. It's just not cool to admit it.

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I actually like "Scarlet Pimpernel" overall better than Jekyll, although there are songs in "Jekyll" I love, including 'This is the Moment', 'In His Eyes' and 'Dangerous Games'. But I didn't like "Civil War" at all. I'd give him another shot, though. His tunes aren't overly complicated, but he's written some pretty songs.

I stopped there because those are the only scores of his heard on Broadway (some only a few times!).

And I like CAMILLE CLAUDEL, SVENGALI and parts of HAVANA.

P

I liked Scarlet Pimpernel quite a bit.

The rest, not so much.

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I think the music to CIVIL WAR is amazing. I cried a few times just listening to it.

Jekyll and Hyde (recording with Warlow) is eons better than the Bway one.

Scarlet Pimpernel - "Where's the Girl" is GORGEOUS

He has his good and bad points. No way the worst ever but not the best either.

I agree with Mister Matt. A lot of people don't like him because it is not "cool" to. He is an easy target like Webber.

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I've been enjoying much of Count of Monte Cristo and the song "Walk Like a Woman" from Carmen is one of my current faves. It's insanely catchy and makes you want to get up and dance, especially the demo version performed by the deliciously fabulous Cheryl Freeman. What I wouldn't give to see her in Tommy once more.

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"But hating Wildhorn is a fad embraced by those hoping to impress their peers. Sort of like claiming Lloyd Webber is a hack or that Disney ruined Broadway. The fact that J&H continues to thrive internationally without the benefit of a hit Broadway production only infuriates them further."

Maybe in future group therapy sessions you can practice just speaking for yourself, Mr. Matt. That way you might leave room for the possibility that many people come to the conclusion that they don't think Wildhorn is any good all on their own. However, if you must lump everybody who disagrees with you about this hack as mere faddists, perhaps you and Roxy can start a support group about the issue.

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Updated On: 8/6/09 at 06:30 PM

There are birthday cakes in grocery stores. They're big and round and have lots of sugar roses spread around the top with an empty space in the middle. The grocery baker writes whatever "Happy Birthday" message the desperate buyer requests.

The music of Frank Wildhorn is like the vegetable oil based red #2 colored rose that sits upon every miserable grocery store cake in the world.

It aspires to prettiness. It suggests that it will be memorable. It is undeniably sweet.

It is also cheap and depressing.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ROBERT!

Frank has worked with a number of excellent performers from Linda Eder, Robert Cucciolo, Robert Evan, Douglas Sills, Lauren Kennedy, Terry Mann, Tom Hewitt, Christine Andreas, Chuck Wagner just to name a few, who have benefitted from his employment- some extensively. His dealings with these folks is no one's concern but theirs.

As long a people are willing to invest in Frank's projects, he will be there writing music. The more theatrical projects written and picked up, the more actors work. He may not be Broadway's favorite but he still writes for theater.

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I like him, I just dont like how he changed his shows so often. like, how Pimpernel has changed so many times.. and Dracula. otherwise I love him, and I know philly does too. haha

Ehh. I still think Dracula was at it's best at the La Jolla Playhouse. I'm not a huge fan of "Solitary Man", "Over Whitby Bay" and "Forever Young" in comparison to their La Jolla counterparts.

Even gourmands might want a fast food meal once in a while. Just not all of the time, I agree, but liking Wildhorn doesn't necessarily mean one lacks finer taste.

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