Sunday, October 01, 2006

The Overture Where did it go?

The nytimes had an interesting piece on the disappearance of the overture ... you know the wonderful medley of songs from the show that used to open shows. The modern lack of patience? The use of more 'Rock-n-Roll' type songs that sound 'cheesy' without lyrics? The trimming of time off the show? Why do you think it's disappearing?

"WHO could forget the great overture to "A Chorus Line"? First there's that infectious hop-step vamp from the song 'One.' Then come some of the show's most familiar melodies: 'I Hope I Get It,' 'Nothing,' 'What I Did for Love.' Finally the orchestra swings back for a rousing half-chorus of 'One' that would make even gouty musical-theater-phobes want to leap to their feet with excitement.

Oh, wait it 'A Chorus Line' doesn't have an overture. At least not one you'll hear at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theater when the $8 million revival opens on Thursday. " more from the nytimes

More on A Chorus Line:
Chorus Line Returns, as Do Regrets Over Life Stories Signed Away

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1 comment:

Steve On Broadway (SOB) said...

Erica, It's interesting that even in a show like "The Drowsy Chaperone," which openly laments the demise of the overture, that it really doesn't have one (one could argue that it does; however, the action on stage has already begun when Bob Martin begins to spin his yarn along with his record).

I miss the overture and was thrilled that Kander & Ebb's "Curtains" actually has one! I just hope it doesn't get cut before Broadway. It really helps set the tone for the period piece.

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