zanna coming to b'way- Page 4

[VeuveClicquot]

Posted: 11/14/04 at 6:22am

While I admire the show for its heart, its concept, and its catchy tunes, I have a major problem with it.

Its lyrics are a total mess.

They rarely scan. Acito is a rhyming monster, but his rhymes are amateurish and clunky throughout the ZANNA score. I can accept the occasional near rhyme, but as an exception, not the rule. "Time" and "mine" do not rhyme, and Mr. Acito uses this particular near rhyme repeatedly in the score. His lyrics are never inspired, and invariably weak.

ZANNA has a fascinating concept, and I respect Mr. Acito immensely for coming up with it. But as much as I would like to, I cannot champion a show that is so ineptly written.

Perhaps Mr. Acito's brother should be brought in to doctor the lyrics, his novel is brilliant.

[barts]

Posted: 11/14/04 at 12:52pm

Just a reminder (because I posted it here last week): Tim Acito's cousin Marc is reading from his book "How I Paid for College: A Novel of Sex, Theft, Friendship and Musical Theater" (which VeuveCliquot--my favorite beverage if you ever need to buy me a gift--called "brillaint") this Thursday (11/1 at 7:30 at Barnes & Noble-Greenwich Village.

That was a mouthful and I should bill Mr. Acito for PR services since I've been pushing his reading to everyone I know. But, his book is one that anyone who loves Broadway will enjoy.

[VeuveClicquot]

Posted: 11/14/04 at 3:23pm

Ack! Cousins, not brothers. My bad.

But I agree with barts. Marc Acito's book is a total scream, and a wildly fun read.