It's a shame that theater today can't tell the difference between a dramatic song and self-empowerment screamfest, or other semi-musical junk. There is a total dearth of professional songwriting going into musicals. We can blame Stephen Schwarz, Webber and more recent fools, but I think the blame goes to the BMI and ASCAP workshops that train so many of the young songwriters, and the influence of Hal Prince. Would that more of them paid all due attention to Jerry Herman, Charles Strouse and other overlooked real masters.
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As I recall the first time I heard that song on the radio the DJ said, “that’s one angry lady.” Certainly so and without a doubt....
The Horror of having this as a Broadway play is almost unbearable. I cringe every single time I hear one of these songs anywhere. If she could write some new music that was worthwhile then you might be spared the indignity of this production. That has not happened. The horror...
2
As a Gen X'er and a high school English teacher, it touches my heart to know that a whole new generation will learn to conflate irony with tragedy and simple coincidence. Thanks, Alanis.
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Between ushering and buying tickets for family and friends and even winning a lottery ticket I was fortunate to see the A.R.T. production of JLP 8 times and every single time this song made me cry. My sister came up from NC to see it with me in July and she had the same reaction I did. When we could buy tickets for the NYC show we did not hesitate and so on Dec 28 we all ( my 77 year old mom my sisters and I) will no doubt be blown away again...I absolutely cannot wait...
8
Saw it at he Am Rep last june(?). She brought the house down. The story line was a bit meh for me but the music more than made up for it.
2
Saw the show in Cambridge and it was really good. But the song by Ms. Patten was well..AMAZING!
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