Replies: 45 Unseemly Comments
Left to my own devices, I like cooking, and I love bookstores. That having been said, BK, I hate to go against what you threw at us about no theater or movie stuff, but we had a request yesterday which I promised I'd get to today. So,
AS PROMISED: SECOND SONG THEORY
More than a couple of years ago, when I was reviewing CDs over at Sondheim.com, specifically discs that were either recordings of Sondheim’s shows or loaded with Sondheim related material, I found myself listening very carefully to how shows were constructed, particularly the order in which the songs appeared. Since the column was titled “Track by Track,” picking the shows apart song by song sort of made sense. I figured I could always find at least one track per disc that I really loved that way.
In listening to how shows were constructed, I discovered an interesting trait: first, that the first song of almost any show would tell me HOW to listen to the show that was to follow. It would tune my ear to the music, the rhythms, and the flow of the lyrics. It wasn’t until the second song that I would be told by the songwriter what the show was actually about.
Take, for instance, MY FAIR LADY. The Overture plays, a fine overture, but there’s still a lot of people finding their seats, rattling their programs, on rare occasion turning off their cell phones. First song: Henry Higgins talks his way through “Why Can’t the English,” which sets up the location of the story, London, and much of the subject of the story, the use of language. Our ears get trained to the rhythms of Henry’s speak-singing, and to the flow of the orchestration. So far, so good.
Then comes the second number: “Wouldn’t It Be Loverly,” which tells us everything we need to know about Eliza Doolittle. The perfect second number, we now have our ears tuned in to really listen and discover the show is about this loverly young flower seller, who dreams of a nicer life than she currently lives. We find out about her dreams, and know from that moment on that the rest of the show will be about how those dreams will come true for her.
Contrary example, THE MUSIC MAN. First song, “Rock Island,” again (interestingly) a spoken number full of rhythm. The song tells us everything we need to know about Harold Hill, true, but the rest of the show tells us that. Then comes the second number, “Iowa Stubborn.” This time, instead of finding out about one person, the way “Wouldn’t It Be Loverly” told us about Eliza, we find out everything we need to know about River City and it’s citizens. While the show is about Harold Hill, it is as much (if not more) about how he changes River City, and how River City changes him. For that, we need to know what River City is like, how in its own way it is a wonderful place to live in spite of its foibles. “Iowa Stubborn” tells us all that, and while we may be rooting for Harold, we’ll from that moment on be rooting for the denizens of River City.
Modern example: URINETOWN. First an overture, then (according to the track listing) “Too Much Exposition” and the title song “Urinetown.” But they’re really one piece, there’s no break. The musical tone of the show is set. Second song follows, “It’s a Priviledge to Pee,” where the real premise of the story is set before us. This time we don’t get to fall in love with a character, or group of characters, but we know exactly what the show is going to be about from that moment on.
WEST SIDE STORY: the prologue and “Jet Song” set the milieu, immediately followed by Tony, telling us of his dreams (again) and how he knows that “Something’s Coming.” THE SOUND OF MUSIC: Maria sings about how the hills are alive, with “The Sound of Music,” which is all very well, but then the Nuns cluck their disapproval and tell us the truth about our heroine, “Maria.” PIPPIN: an opening number about hardly anything, other than that they’ve got “Magic to Do,” to amaze and entertain us. Then Pippin himself tells us of his dreams, how he’s looking for his “Corner of the Sky.” RAGTIME: the prologue number, “Ragtime,” introduces us to practically the entire world! Then, in an amazing coup, we are presented with a DOUBLE second song, where Mother opens with her dreams as she sings “Goodbye, My Love,” and in counterpoint Tateh and Father bid each other well as the “Journey On.”
Is this a hard set rule? Hardly, this is theater, we don’t need no hard set rules. But fooling around can be risky. Take for example, A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM. After rewriting several times the show’s opening, Stephen Sondheim came up with a perfect first song, “Comedy Tonight,” which tells us everything we need to know about the show’s style and sound, and gives a good hint about plot without giving away everything. Then, they almost totally blunder with “Love I Hear,” a very sweet song sung by Hero, but beware, because Hero ain’t the hero! Pseudolus is! So it isn’t until the THIRD song, “Free,” that we finally find out what the show is really about, Pseudolus’ quest to become a free man. Good thing those songs come quick and fast on each other’s heels, or the show would have been dead in the water (and, in tryouts, nearly was).
So, that’s what Second Song Theory is all about. Any questions?
Posted by S. Woody White @ 09/06/2002 07:42 AM PST
S. Woody...I have a similar theory called the Sixth Song Theory. If you'll notice, on most cast recordings out there, if you go directly to the sixth track on the disc you will find some kind of ballad. This, of course, has a degree of variation. The first one that pops to mind for me is track number seven of The Phantom of the Opera, which is, of course, "The Music of the Night." I had a more complete list of these proofs, and I was actually considering writing my graduate thesis on this subject, but I decided on another topic and kinda let this one go to the wayside. What do you think about this Sixth Song Theory?
Posted by Jason @ 09/06/2002 07:50 AM PST
Oh, what do I love to do when I have spare time to myself? Um...this is a family site, so I'll refrain from answering. No, there are actually other things that I enjoy doing. I enjoy...um...well...I...hmm...I'm sure there's something else that I enjoy. Oh, yes! I...no. No, I don't enjoy that at all... Well, this one has me stumped. If I can't like theatre and movies, I guess that leaves singing...? Reading...? I'll get back to you.
Posted by Jason @ 09/06/2002 07:56 AM PST
S. Woody -
I might argue (and will) that Magic To Do is a great opening number as it DOES indeed set the scene as is not a nonsense song. If you pay attention to the lyrics (which are then woven throughout the musical in brief verses to set up each scene) it actually goes through the entire "plot" of the show, and also lets the audience know exactly what they are going to see - the story of Pippin as told by "the players".
Just my .02
more later,
Craig
Posted by Craig @ 09/06/2002 08:07 AM PST
Besdides walking in the rain, watching sunsets over the ocean, piña coladas, etc., judging my how my time is spent it would have to be spending time with my dog, good conversation with friends, eating good food (especially good cake), etc.
What I REALLY love are skydiving and riding rollercoaters. Time and money (mainly money) rarely allow me to skydive. And since Phoenix has no good rollercoasters, time and money do not allow me to travel to the places where there ARE godd rollercoasters.
Listening to music (BK CD'S, especially) would have to be near the top.....especailly while eating cake and playing with my dog.
Oh, and sex of course.
Posted by Kerry @ 09/06/2002 08:32 AM PST
Also judging by how my time is spent, it most definitely would have to include reading and posting on this site and visiting with all my fellow hainsie/kimmlets.
Posted by Kerry @ 09/06/2002 08:35 AM PST
Sorry, Jason, but your theory doesn't take into account a) multiple ballads in a single show, or b) reprises. The application of chaos theory might proove useful in correcting these flaws. As for now, however, to quote the song in CITY OF ANGELS, "It Needs Work."
Posted by S. Woody White @ 09/06/2002 08:42 AM PST
Outside of performing in musical theater, listening to Bwdy CD's or reading HHW??? Nothing beats a 20 mile bike ride under blue skies and no winds. I usually ride 3-4 days per week, anything from a 11 mi hill climb to 30 miles on the open roads (I have done up to 100mi in a day).
And, like Kerry, sex fits in here somewhere.....
Posted by Phil @ 09/06/2002 08:43 AM PST
S. Woody...I didn't say that track number six was the ONLY ballad in the show. I just said that between tracks 5, 6, or 7 you will probably find some kind of ballad. As I said before, it is not all-inclusive, much like your theory, because people try to shake things up every once in a while. I'm not exactly sure where you got that I thought that there could only be one ballad in a single show, but that was not at all what I was trying to say. Sorry if I confused you.
Posted by Jason @ 09/06/2002 08:53 AM PST
Not to worry, Jason. Everyone who knows me knows I'm confused on a regular basis.
Posted by S. Woody White @ 09/06/2002 08:56 AM PST
I wasn't worried.
Posted by Jason @ 09/06/2002 09:00 AM PST
One of my favorite non-theatre-and-music things to do is go to public aquariums. If you are lucky enough to be near one of the major ones (Boston, Baltimore, Monterey Bay) consider yourselves VERY LUCKY.
Posted by Philip Crosby @ 09/06/2002 09:43 AM PST
Things I like to do in my off-time that aren't theatre related... Well, this is kind of easy for me since my "on time" is theatre related.
First choice: Nothing. It's so nice having a perfectly lazy day.
Second choice: When I'm home in Richmond, walking and window-shopping in Carytown. -Think a single-street version of Greenwich Village, kinda-sorta.
Third choice: When in D.C., exploring the monuments and museums. It always amazes me how the locals - myself included - don't take advantage of them more often.
Fourth, fifth, sixth, etc...: Cooking, Reading, Surfing the Web, Playing with my niece and nephew, Dining out...
I think that's enough for now...
*Oh, and as for yesterday's HUMAN COMEDY semi-thread, I actually just did the show this summer here in Virginia. Had a great time, and the subject matter is really resonant right now with the current state of the world.
Posted by Jose C. Simbulan @ 09/06/2002 09:57 AM PST
Removing music/theatre/movies from the mix, I like to read. I like to take walks (anywhere I happen to be, NYC, or some other city). I LOVE to travel and explore different cities but I haven't had the opportunity much in the past few years. I enjoy my volunteer time spent with a nonprofit organization and I like coming to this site to read and post (even though it's theatre-related:-)
Also, I deeply appreciate, to quote from Othello, making the beast with two backs. Actually, it was Iago who said it and the entire line is 'I am one, sir, that comes to tell you your daughter and the Moor are now making the beast with two backs'.
Gettin' high falutin' here, quotin' from that Shakespeare guy. I need to get back to my roots. Hey, anybody got a beer? ;-)
Posted by Ben @ 09/06/2002 10:28 AM PST
In-line skating.
Walking.
Finding a really good restaurant or cafe or other boite!
Shopping on eBay!
Working on my balcony with my plants.
Napping! (One of the great pleasures of life)
Posted by Ron Pulliam @ 09/06/2002 11:16 AM PST
Currently what I enjoy most is exploring LA because it's still pretty new to me and (via radio and movies) it's fascinated me all my life.
Just wish there was more of the old LA left, but Broadway seems to be coming back.
An LA trip also usually involves a movie, however, esp. the great Tues. matinee series at LACMA. Somehow I just always feel secure in the Bing Theater, though I am a bit upset that LACMA is considering a complete makeover.
I also enjoy the (classic) Disney shows at the El Capitan in Hollywood. (Has anyone else seen the fabulous 70mm restoration of SLEEPING BEAUTY?) Though I'm not into ALL the films there you've got to credit Disney for bringing back real showmanship to a movie venue. The SB show also included the short TOOT WHISTLE PLUNK AND BOOM (in CinemaScope!) and not to forget a live appearance by Miss Aurora herself. :)
As they say, ONLY in LA......
Posted by Ross Care @ 09/06/2002 11:24 AM PST
Thank you, S. Woody, for the explanation of the Second Song Theory. I remember when I first stumbled upon it at sondheim.com, and thinking, "Hmmm...this guy may be on to something here!" And I still think so. The example of the theory I always think of is "Some People" from Gypsy, which sets up Rose's character just perfectly.
As for what I like to do, a relaxed evening of conversation with friends can't be topped in my book. A lovely day of nothingness can be lovely as well, as long as they don't come too often and become tiresome. Of course, listening to a good CD is a must.
Posted by Jed @ 09/06/2002 11:40 AM PST
One of the joyous by-products of shopping is receiving things one orders.
Today, I've received my spanking new recording of "Road Side" by Mr. Tom Jones and Mr. Harvey Schmidt on a Jay Productions CD (CDJAY 1366 Digital - DDD). I haven't heard anything about this, nor have I read any comments here at the Unseemly Message Board. But boy howdy am I excited to get a new Jones/Schmidt recording.
Posted by Ron Pulliam @ 09/06/2002 11:42 AM PST
A happy, healthy and peaceful New Year to Hainsies and Kimlets everywhere. (I'd forego the ham and cheese for apples and honey this weekend, however.)
Posted by Pam @ 09/06/2002 12:16 PM PST
I haven't been to Footlights yet to get the ROADSIDE CD (even in NYC it's not available at most other stores) but on stage it was very entertaining if a little derivative and not really necessary. The tempo of the title song was a lot faster than Guy Haines does it on one of the LIB or UM CDs and the score was far superior to the book. Still even 2nd tier Jones and Schmidt is better than most of what passes as musical theatre today.
I wish there would be a CD of the Jones and Schmidt GROVER'S CORNER, their musical version of OUR TOWN. When they did their Jones and Schmidt Revue THE SHOW GOES ON the songs they did from it were the highlights of a show full of highlights, but when the CD came out those songs were missing since the Thornton Wilder estate would not let them be recorded. The Wilder estate has since pulled the rights to OUR TOWN from them completely, so GROVER'S CORNER seems to be dead. The flop of the Kander and Ebb version of SKIN OF OUR TEETH must have soured them on musicals and they forgot all the money the estate made on HELLO, DOLLY!, the musical version of Wilder's THE MATCHMAKER.
Posted by William E. Lurie @ 09/06/2002 12:43 PM PST
I have a demo recording of Road Side. I dunno how I got it, but I did. It's cute.
Posted by Jason @ 09/06/2002 01:16 PM PST
Ross Care:
don't you think Mary Costa still
looks magnificent -- NOT
malificent !! -- after all these
years ?
Were you at the première of
Princess Diaries at El Capitan
?
Posted by François @ 09/06/2002 01:37 PM PST
Today is Friday...
You know what that means...
Access is Francois' again...
and I get a certain feeling...
Posted by Ron Pulliam @ 09/06/2002 02:10 PM PST
Ron. "Roadside" sounds right up my alley. I did not know it was available. Would you believe I am still waiting for my ordered copy of "Hairspray". Should have ordered from Amazon I guess instead of my local supplier. I should be getting to listen to a friend's copy of Donna MCK album this week and also the Richard Rogers one.
My time away from Haineshisway: Listening to music and making compilation CDs of songs no longer available commercially. (Mostly 50's and 60's pop). I enjoy this as I get to play discs that have not hit the turntable for 20 years or more. I still like to read each day and I usually go for a swim every second day - my effort at staying a little healthier than I would be otherwise. (No! Not in my own pool Ron).
Friday and Francois. I like the weekends. Even when you've retired they are worth waiting for. Next weekend I am going to a Record Fair. They are still fun though I am not usually looking for anything in particular. More of a social event as collectors all know each other reasonably well.
Alan. Any information on the Phillip Quast CD. I just ordered my "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" from Dress Circle but did not see Quast mentioned. I wonder if Michael Ball will be included with the CD. Maybe it had to be a specific order.
Am I allowed to mention theatre today? Our local (And good) amateur group is presenting "My One And Only" next month. Otherwise nothing much around. "Witches Of Eastwick" is in Melbourne but I saw it in London and whilst it is quite fun,I would not bother again. Otherwise there is only the Macintosh revival of "Oliver" to arrive here abour Christmas. Dullsville!
Posted by Tom from OZ @ 09/06/2002 02:47 PM PST
Dullsville ?!
What would you say, Tom, if
you were here in Paris !!!!
Musical theater is DEAD here,
NOTHING, except for an old
styled operetta that's
supposed to be fun !!!
Pity me.....if you have time....
You get me all excited about
ROADSIDE !!!!
Found secondhand copies of
Salad Days --revival-- Lovely to
Look at --1991 SONY release
-- and a japanese pressing of
the original DREAMGIRLS
yesterday.....
I posted yesterday, but was
very discreet... Hope you
noticed !!
Hey, Ron, what's your opinion
of Anthony Warlow ? Isn't he
MAGNIFIQUE, and ain't Tom
from Oz a thoughtful and
generous gentleman ?
I'm telling you, we're the best
here at HHW !!!
...and, there's NOTHING like
selfsatisfaction and
autocongratulation......
Posted by François @ 09/06/2002 03:53 PM PST
Self satisfaction and autocongratulation? Yes...THAT'S my favorite past-time. Thank you, Francois! Oh, wait...I think maybe you're talking about a different kind of self satisfaction than I am. Um...nevermind. (Sheepishly) I'm gonna go now...
Posted by Jason @ 09/06/2002 04:16 PM PST
Back from the first day show, strange as can be - I shall write about it in tomorrow's notes.
As to Roadside, which I got from Mr. Schmidt two weeks ago - it's a strange affair. About six songs in I really began to yearn for a ballad, but there simply aren't any of those until the very end, so it's a bit wearying as a listen. But I do love the boys and it's quite melodic and fun - just should have another ballad or two early on. Hearing the title tune was disconcerting - I love the orchestration Lanny Meyers did of the UM version Lynnette Perry and Guy Haines did, and I much prefer that slower tempo.
Posted by bk @ 09/06/2002 04:27 PM PST
Jason,
Busy hands are happy hands!
... it might as well be Spring !!
Posted by François @ 09/06/2002 04:29 PM PST
Anthony Warlow is MY kind of singer!
Tom from Oz is aces!
Francois: Don't tell me you let my earlier play on words get past you!!!!
Posted by Ron Pulliam @ 09/06/2002 04:36 PM PST
Actually, the play on words should have ended:
...and I get a certain smile...
Whis is totally why you didn't pick up on it!
Posted by Ron Pulliam @ 09/06/2002 04:41 PM PST
Ron,
I recognized the song from
MMC, but the play on words
must have escaped me.....
Access should be excess
when it comes to me, I'm
afraid.....
Does anyone know why Jason
is soooooo frisky today ?
How do you do all to afford all
this new recordings ?
I wonder if we properly
celebrated Ron's "39th"
birthday !!!
You don't look a day older ....
I guess that's because you're
close to heaven...
Heaven, and my heart beats
so that i can hardly speak ......
Posted by François @ 09/06/2002 05:01 PM PST
Me? Frisky?? NEVER! Hehehehe....
I'm as corny as Kansas in August,
High as a kite on the Fourth of July...
I'm in luh...well, you know the rest of the song...you figure it out!
Posted by Jason @ 09/06/2002 05:12 PM PST
"Access is Francois' again..."
(Francoise Sagan -- Get it??)
(And I get "A Certain Smile"!!!)
Now do you get it?
Posted by Ron Pulliam @ 09/06/2002 05:51 PM PST
Ron,
You're too smart for me !
"A certain smile" rang a bell --
a bell is a bell until you ring it !
-- but I only know this song in
French !!
... and, pronounced in French,
"gan" sounds gutural while
"gain" sounds nasal ! ( See
what you have me started !! )
"Oui, même à mourir
Pour un certain sourire !"
Sagan nowadays is in poor
financial state.....
Well, were are the drinks
tonight ?
"Well, well, well !
Let's have a drink on it
As me father used to say !
When the truth is nobly spoken
It's respect you've got to pay !"
Don't you like my Steele ?
Posted by François @ 09/06/2002 06:19 PM PST
I wonder where that H went
when i needed it for wHere !
Posted by François @ 09/06/2002 06:21 PM PST
I'm currently in Montreal, Canada visiting my family and looking for the Benjamin Kritzer connection.
To answer today's queery. Love going to Borders and Barnes and Noble and then going to a coffee shop called Borders.
Posted by Michael Shayne @ 09/06/2002 07:04 PM PST
A certain smile, a certain face
Can lead an unsuspecting
heart on a merry chase.
A flleeting glance can say so
many lovely things;
Suddenly you know why my
heart sings.
You love a while and when
love goes,
You try to hide the tears inside
with a cheerful pose;
But in the hush of night exactly
like
A bittersweet refrain,
Comes that certain smile to
haunt your heart again.
Quand la radio joue cet air-là
Je me souviens d'avoir aimé
un certain sourire.
Est-il resté des jours
merveilleux de printemps
De l'amour des coeurs
adolescents ?
Les yeux mi-clos, je la revois.
J'étais jaloux du doux secret
d'un certain sourire.
Je l'aimais tant que je suis
toujours
Prêt à vivre ou à mourir.
Oui même à mourir pour un
certain sourire.
Posted by Sammy Fain and Paul Francis Webster @ 09/06/2002 07:06 PM PST
BEN
A friend of mine told me that he had gone to the experimental play and then the symphony all in one day. He was so exhausted for all the culture and "high fallutin" that he had to go home and watch some porn to get back to HIS roots.
So Shaekespeare is a nice respite.
Posted by Kerry @ 09/06/2002 07:15 PM PST
For fun (but no profit) I perform in community theatre productions (I read Bruce's exclusion of movies and theater as "going to" not "performing in".)
Also, every Saturday morning (7-9 am Pacific time) I have my own radio show on a local community radio station. My show is called "Weekend on Broadway" and I play recordings of musicals. My shows are much less structured than Donald's and I tend to ramble aimlessly and sometimes with no theme (or point), but I get to play my recordings and justify (to my mom) all the money that I spend on my CDs.
Posted by George @ 09/06/2002 09:03 PM PST
Over the almost 12 years that I've been on the air, I have played just about every CD of Bruce's that I own. A few I've even played more than once!
Posted by George @ 09/06/2002 09:09 PM PST
Francois,
You live in Paris!!!!!!! Although I love theatre, with as much as there is to see and do in your glorious city, I could indeed to not miss the theatre for some time (not ALL time, mind you... but sometime.)
Now, get thee to a museum! Then have some gateau.
Posted by kerry @ 09/06/2002 10:09 PM PST
By all means, let him eat gateau.
Get thee to a chateau where you can eat gateau!
Don a chapeau, get to a chateau, eat gateau and wash it down with eau.
Grab your beau, don your chapeau, hie thee hence to a chateau and everyone eat gateau.
And now for a few bars of reau, reau, reau your boat!
Posted by Ron Pulliam @ 09/06/2002 11:07 PM PST
And that's is really pushing the boat Ron! Is that bateaux? My French has long rusted away. I am still likely to mix up my wars and stations and my horse and hair.
Posted by Tom Guest (from OZ) @ 09/07/2002 12:56 AM PST
Morning, everyone!
Tom - When I saw Philip Quast, there was a leaflet handed out saying that his CD would be available from the Donmar Warehouse from September 23rd - I'll keep you posted.
Roadside - I bought it a few weeks ago at Dress Circle (before the fire - did y'all know they'd had a break-in and the burglars had set fire to the place? I despair of life sometimes.) Anyway, I was REALLY disappointed in Roadside - I love Schmidt & Jones, but this is pure country. I listened to it once and hated it, then listened to it again and merely disliked it. Maybe it'll grow on me if I bother again.
As to what I love doing, the beast with two backs comes in there somewhere, along with good food ("usually they're linked") - hence my ever-growing girth.
And I know I should do some exercise but I don't - hence my ever-growing girth.
And I sit around a lot - hence ... - reading, on the internet, but mainly listening to music, especially musicals, natch, but I enjoy a wide spectrum.
Posted by Allan @ 09/07/2002 02:37 AM PST
Ach! Due Liebe!
I knew "boat" rhymed, but the word would NOT come to me!
Of course it's "reau, reau, reau your bateaux!"
Posted by Ron Pulliam @ 09/07/2002 11:17 AM PST
