While listening to the songs from the musical you really see how many different styles of songs there are and how they all fit together. It's really great that there's so many so that way everyone can find a song that they really enjoy, for me the song that song is Closer to her. But along with all the songs being different, there is bond to be a song that is not your favourite and for me that's Stranger.
Closer to her is such a fun song with a very interesting setting. Imagining Edward working for not even a dime just too hear a single clue about a girl he knew nothing about just so he could one day find her to tell her how fate had seemed to allow them to meet but then cruelly split them apart. And how loyal Edward was to Amos considering he could have just quite anytime he wanted and gone home to Jenny but stuck through for 3 years to find Sandra. All the mean time doing jobs that nobody else at the circus would want to do.
I envision this song with in the background painted cutouts of tents from a circus as well as a cutout to look like a cage with a elephant in it. Along with that a painted banner of the circus to hang. Then for the smaller details it would be interesting to have fake bales of hays stacked to the left or right side of the stage with a bucket on it and ropes. Another thing and this would only work if someone was able to bring in one of those popcorn makers that are on wheels and look old to be on the other side of the stage. I must admit how ever that I got the idea from another school performance of big fish. I can see the chorus in this scene acting as clowns, dancers, workers ( some one who works the popcorn, people with brooms) magicians, fortune tellers, people with hoops or ribbons and people who come to see the circus (getting pop corn, looking at the different attractions.) Lastly I think it would be cool if in some point in the choreo if there was a part where everyone was dancing with brooms. Not sure how exactly that would look but and interesting idea to keep in mind.
Now moving on to my lest favourite song, Stranger. Now don't get me wrong this song is quite moving as Will is telling us or himself rather how he wants to bring up his new son. He wants to be to his child everything his father couldn't be to him. So he'll teach his son to use his brain and not think too much over fairytales. He wants to teach all this to a child who is just a stranger to them both. He then thinks about how after all this time his father is till just a giant puzzle and he doesn't want to be that to his son because he's not a stranger he is the child's father. But I just feel like this song is lacking in the excitement and setting department.
How this song could be improved is through setting. I know in the play it is takes place in a park as Will watches a boy and his father but what if it took place in Wills old bedroom. As he picks up the shield and sword (which will later be used in fight the dragons) and other various items he is reminded of his father and his new son and could be having vision of his father and him as a young child. This would later move to Two men in my life which would take place in the house. Just an idea that could make the song more entertaining.
I hope this helps you envision new and exciting ways are play could look like.
I loveeeeee how you see the scene of Edward working for Amos playing out, I hope I turns out like that it would be fun for the audience and for us I think so well done one your thoughts for that. I agree about the song stranger 100 percent if it had a better setting it could be way better. great blog post
ReplyDeleteI'm glad that you liked my plans so much thanks for commenting!
DeleteYou had me at "popcorn maker", Amber. I really like how your set ideas are both creative and appropriate for the song/scene. I think having a moment in "Closer To Her", where everyone one is dancing with brooms is an interestingly amusing proposition; I know I'd be willing to try dancing with a prop; and hopefully not hitting anyone with it. Its like when I think of "I Know What You Want", a bunch of witches spinning around with flowing capes pops up in my mind. Anyway, I see what you mean about "Stranger" having a lack of excitement; I felt the same way, at first; but I do think that a slightly more elaborate setting would help express the emotion in the song, and make more engaging for the audience. My novel-like comment aside, nicely done, Amber.
ReplyDeleteHi Amber!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE your creativity and imagination. When you described the scene that you envisioned for Closer to Her, I could totally see it. It's awesome to know that we have such creative people involved in the musical this year, as always!