How do you solve a problem, like Seth Rudetsky, darlings???????????
Actually, girls, I love Seth; what I have a problem with are some of his choices. I just love Seth and his Deconstructions--three of personal importance to me are on here, already--but he doesn't go far enough, because there is material he has not even touched.
For example--
If you are going to talk about "Merrily We Roll Along," why
"Opening Doors?" I know, I know, like he says, it is the
Autobiographical Song, but why not concentrate on the
more beautiful and thematic "Our Time?" When Ann
Morrison's voice comes in softly towards the end, and then
the song builds to its climax, it just chills my bones!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have no problem talking about what Melba Moore
does in "HAIR." He is right; she IS amazing! But,
How about the show's most interesting song, "Frank
Mills," with the girl having the most amazing voice in
the show, Shelley Plimpton?????? Who just happens
to be the mother of Martha???????????
As for "Mame", why "It's Today?" Though, I have to
confess, the one section of the song that drives me
crazy is the chorus harmonies and orchestrations,
when the song gets to, "Life can also be lived on a
weekday, So don't depend on a holiday date. If
you need New Year's to bubble, then order a double
and wait." Then all those Doo Doo's!!!!!!! Brilliant
theater writing and scoring, and a great gay man's
education.
OK, we get it. But how about that "Overture," one
of the best ever written for a Broadway show? And
"St. Bridget," one of the greatest show openings ever????
And I am not through yet, Seth! You haven't done all that you can, so unless you follow what I say carefully, I am going to deconstruct what you have managed to overlook. Here are some songs that need your treatment.
1. "Frank Mills." As I said.
2 "I Wonder How It Is," from "Henry, Sweet
Henry," with Neva Small.
3."Overture," from "Mame". As stated.
4."St. Bridget," from "Mame." Ditto.
5."Nothing," from "A Chorus Line?" How
about another song, from that classic?
6. "There Won't Be Trumpets," from
"Anyone Can Whistle"--both Lee Remick
and Sutton Foster.
And two I just now thought of--
7. "Tonight," from "West side Story". Larry
Kert and Carol Lawrence. The greatest
show tune, written about romantic attraction!!!!
8. "My Husband Makes Movies," from "Nine."
Mary Stuart Masterson in the revival. I swear
to God, it surpasses Karen Akers!!!!!!!!!!!!
So, get busy, Seth! Because, if I don't see some results, I will!!!!!!!!!!!
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