Would "Songs for a New World" work with a larger cast?

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Would "Songs for a New World" work with a larger cast?

Posted: 10/21/09 at 2:06pm

I'm getting ready to hold auditions for "Songs for a New World" and I'm interested in other people's opinions on how the show would work with a larger cast (than the traditional 4 performers). I know there was a production with a larger cast (that JRB endorsed) about a year ago in NYC. Did anyone see it? How was it? Have any of you seen other productions with larger casts? Thanks.

"Inside every actor there is a Tiger, a Pig, an Ass, and a Nightingale. You never know which one is going to show up." -John Michael Higgins in FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION

re: Would 'Songs for a New World' work with a larger cast?

Posted: 10/21/09 at 2:35pm

I think the beauty of a well-done version of Songs For A New World is in using a small cast. There's more opportunity to build a story and relationship between the four characters, and between the songs. When you have a large cast it just feels like Jason Robert Brown: The Concert.

"Artists are always on the vanguard of change: they give the community a vision."
"Desire comes from the Latin "de sire", or "of the father", or "of the stars". We want what is magical, what is out there, what is of the stars. And so our characters should as well."
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re: Would 'Songs for a New World' work with a larger cast?

Posted: 10/21/09 at 3:20pm

Back in high school, we did it with 12 people, and while the harmonies sounded great, it just didn't work as a show. I could see eight people working, but more than that does seem to get a little excessive.

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re: Would 'Songs for a New World' work with a larger cast?

Posted: 10/21/09 at 4:06pm

I really love the 4 ppl version but I saw one where the split it to 8 and someone took the more comedic songs and someone to the serious songs for the characters....

Genius lasts longer than beauty.

re: Would 'Songs for a New World' work with a larger cast?

Posted: 10/21/09 at 4:23pm

I've seen it done with over 20 kids.

I've seen it done with 40 (yes, 40)

I've ALSO seen it done with 4.

.... Keep it at 4. Don't go over 8.

As size increases, the impact and power of each piece decreases. Simply because it's not written FOR that size. Done.

When I think about you, I touch myself.

re: Would 'Songs for a New World' work with a larger cast?

Posted: 10/21/09 at 4:25pm

I just saw Songs recently that had 5 people, 2 girls and 3 guys, and I thought it worked wonderfully!

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