Play Suggestions: musical revues

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musical revues

Printed From: Community Theater Green Room
Category: Producing Theater
Forum Name: Play Suggestions
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URL: http://www.communitytheater.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2486
Printed Date: 11/26/24 at 9:38pm
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Topic: musical revues

Posted By: Scott B
Subject: musical revues
Date Posted: 6/29/07 at 5:45pm

Once again we struggle with what we can do and where we can do it. This time around we're considering either a musical in concert form OR a musical revue ... which I think would be better.

Has anyone done Grand Night for Singing or Some Enchanted Evening?

I've never seen either of these ... or any other revue for that matter. What was your experience ... good attendance because of song recognition or fall flat because it wasn't a "show?"

We typically run our shows Thurs - Sat for two weekends and average about 145 per night. I'm trying to figure out if my attendance will stay the same or drop.

Anyone done a concert series like Music Man, King and I or Guys and Dolls? When these are presented is there any dialog involved?

Any help in this area will be of great benefit at next Tuesday's board meeting.

Thanks ...

Replies:

Posted By: ManMan
Date Posted: 6/29/07 at 5:49pm

We did a a revue and people love it. Do well known show numbers....Sound of Music, Grease, Hair, etc.... Maybe pick numbers from shows you could not do otherwise like Chicago and Best Little Whorehouse

Posted By: Linda S
Date Posted: 6/29/07 at 7:22pm

I am directing "A Grand Night For Singing" right now. (I also directed it about 4 years ago for a different theater, and had a blast.) I just cast last Sunday. I love the new twist on old favorites.; I'm Gonna Wash that Man ..." done in three part harmony, ala the Andrew's Sisters. The tenor was thrilled to find out that he was going to sing "How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria" and everyone loves the jazzed up versions of "Honey Bun" & "Kansas City". It is a simple set, simple costumes and no props. It is great music that has been arranged by Walter Bobby to be upbeat, modern, funny and smart. You should get a copy of the CD and give it a listen. I loved it the minute I heard it. It is not standard Rodgers & Hammerstein.

As far as audience attendance goes, the theater has already started to get people calling for reservations, and we don't open for 7 weeks. And the last time I directed it in a 130 seat theater, we sold out every performance.

Good luck.

Linda

Posted By: tristanrobin
Date Posted: 6/29/07 at 8:36pm

I've directed "Red, Hot and Cole," "Oh, Coward!." "Side by Side by Sondheim," and "Perfectly Frank." They were all audience pleasers. I also did a concert version of "A Little Night Music" and it was such a pleasure to work on! We did use dialogue - but we cut quite a bit. We also did all the choreography, so except for costumes and sets, we might as well have just staged the play - except we didnt' have to worry as much about age/physical types and could just concentrate on vocal ranges.

Good luck with your choice!

Posted By: Scott B
Date Posted: 7/01/07 at 9:37pm

I've had the CD from A Grand Night for Singing for a couple of years and totally agree about the arrangements. You noted some of my favorites like Honey Bun and Kansas City. They're terrific.

I've got a really good accompanist but we struggle when it comes to other musicians. Also ... we ain't that great on the choreography side of things.

Question about the concert performance ... Let's say we wanted to do Music Man, which is one that is listed as being available ... do you need a "full cast" when doing these or are the characters condensed?

Thanks for your help and suggestions.

Posted By: Scott B
Date Posted: 7/07/07 at 1:56am

Linda ... can you tell me if Grand Night for Singing is age specific?

We have an older gentleman on the board that has a great bass voice, but dancing or any "graceful" movement would be out of the question.

I see that the cast can be expanded and I'm considering using him for a few songs if I can work it in.