All in Music That Makes Me Dance
Today, I was listening to some original cast recordings on a car trip, and I realized that three of the shows I had chosen to listen to included special instrumental pieces that were crafted special for their respective pieces. I am not talking about overtures or incidental music, but actual musical numbers unto themselves that, without lyrics, still managed to tell a great deal about the story. Here is a celebration of some of the best of these musical moments that are “instrumental” to Broadway musicals.
I am a proponent of joy and escapism in the musical theatre, especially in these days where we can use some diversion and smiles. The success of the revival of Hello, Dolly! starring Ms. Bette Midler is proof that there are people out there who agree with my sentiments. It is for this reason that I was eagerly anticipating the New Broadway Cast Recording of Hello, Dolly! Eager, but also hesitant, worried that this musical, with one of the most underappreciated scores would not be preserved with as much spirit and enthusiasm as the original cast recording, or the divine Pearl Bailey led version.
Excitement surrounds the Tony Awards as we wait to see the "best of the best" awarded for their craft and artistry as it pertains to the Broadway Theatre. The announcement of the return of the Sound Design award for next year is an important victory (the category should never have been eradicated in the first place). We are all familiar with the usual categories, but have you ever thought that there are a few areas that are overlooked? Here are some Tony Award categories I think many of us would like to see.
It was a crowded spring, jam-packed in fact. The Tony nominations were sure to overlook some of our favorites, simply for the sheer abundance of new plays and musicals that opened on Broadway this season. It was simply a brutal game of “Survival of the Fittest”, with musicals that would have found buoyancy (and some nominations) in a typical season, being pulled under with so many innovatively new productions and starry revivals riding the current. Have I thoroughly exhausted the “Sink or Swim” metaphors yet?
