siarr

I just watched the DVD of the 2007 production of this great Sondheim musical. I had played some of the tunes at pops concerts, but never actually saw the whole show until now. I was blown away by the show, the score and especially by the fact that all the cast members also served as both chorus AND orchestra, carrying their axes around and playing licks and backgrounds according to the score. Some of them even doubled on 2 or 3 different instruments. It's a tour de force!

My first reaction was one of awe and respect, both for the players and for the creators of the concept. Then the musician in me stepped hard on the brake pedal and I thought "wait a second - it's a neat trick, but at least a dozen pro players aren't working in this show - not a good thing!" Now, I'm all for innovation and new concepts in staging, but I hope that this will remain a one-time novelty (though it has been done elsewhere, even by Sondheim previously). I know how bottom-line-oriented the B'way producers are, but please let's not let this become standard practice! Let the actors act and sing and dance and let the musicians give them a professional kickass accompaniment from the pit - where they rightly belong!

Best,
Chas

kadleck

Chas -

Right you are! This has been done with "Company" and "Sweeney Todd". It started out as sort of an artsy, cute thing and has escalated. Honestly, I think it will be a passing fad.

Tony

siarr

Yeah, Tony, that's my impression also (I hope!) Logically, there simply can't be that many talented actors around who can also do a decent enough job as instrumentalists to pose a huge threat. Nevertheless, it is a bit unnerving, when you consider how eager these backers are to save a buck!


Take care,
Chas