Archive for November, 2008
This December, we open up our musical revue “A Grand Night for Singing” which combines songs from all of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein’s shows. If you are a musical theatre lover, you know exactly what shows I’m talking about. And if you’re not a theatre geek, then you still know the shows. I mean, Oklahoma!? King and I? Sound of Music? These are the classics. However, there’s a spin on them.
The coolest thing about this revue are the brand new orchestrations for every song. Listening to ‘Some Enchanted Evening’ in this tight five part harmony is amazing. And you’ve never heard ‘Honey Bun’ sung like this before. The cast we have assembled sounds hot. We open December 5th. And the show isn’t the only thing unique about this production.
Instead of traditional theatre seating, we will substitute in beautifully decorated tables and chairs. And during the evening you will have the option of being served coffee and desserts while taking in a great night of music. You’ll feel like you are in New York City cabaret and you won’t even have to leave the state.
I’ve been listening to the Grand Night CD for a couple months now and never realized how much I loved Rodgers and Hammerstein. I mean, they definitely are on the Mount Rushmore of Musical Theatre. Which brings up a good question. Who is on the Mount Rushmore of musical theatre composers? R & H obviously. Sondheim without question. Who else? Cole Porter? Gershwin? Webber? Kander & Ebb? If you have any thoughts, post em. I’d love to hear who you think should be carved in stone.
In honor of R & H, I’d like to begin a segment on this blog I’m gonna call Rob’s Rankings. And this entry’s subject is Top 5 Rodgers and Hammerstein shows:
5. The Sound of Music
Everyone loves the Von Trapp family and the songs are so sickeningly sweet from “Do-Re-Mi” to “My Favorite Things”
4. South Pacific
I never really liked this show, but after being re-introduced to the some of the music via ‘Grand Night’ and the success of the new Broadway revival, I’m warming to it. Our version of “Wash that Man” is outta sight!
3. The King and I
Great characters and absolutely gorgeous music. Oh, and if you’ve ever seen the movie, you know that Yul Brenner is a badass.
2. Oklahoma!
One of, if not THE quintessential American Musical. With songs that are more than just classics, they’re staples in American culture. “O, What a Beautiful Mornin’” , “I Cain’t Say No, “ and the title song are just some of the all-time greats. Though I never really understood why Laurie would agree to go to the picnic with Jud in the first place.
1. Carousel
By far, my all-time favorite R& H show. From the opening Carousel Waltz to its heartbreaking conclusion, this is serious musical theatre. There isn’t too much happiness to be found about a show where the protagonist beats his pregnant wife, dies trying to escape police capture, and then returns to earth only to slap his daughter. And that’s the show’s hero. Yet there is still redemption at the end for Billy Bigelow and, in my opinion, R&H’s finest score.
I hope you can join us for Rodgers’ and Hammerstein’s A Grand Night for Singing. It’s going to be a grand night of romance, music, and excitement. I’ll see you at the show!
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