Flo Russell loves performing. And she loves musicals. A great ally to have on my side when creating demo tracks for the Immortal Memory project. (Flo sings on Oh how we loved.) But she was equally invaluable as a source of great information. Flo took pity on my shocking lack of knowledge. She's the student who schooled me on musicals.
It's easier if I just give you a list. Hand me your phone. She said
She opened up Notes and proceeded to type. Here's her viewing/reading list.
It was gold dust. I realised I knew nothing about musicals and had everything to learn. Songs for a New World, for example, confirmed what we already thinking about a small cast and orchestra, and how this made it a favourite show for small venues and ensembles. It was also clear that musical theatre can be experimental, modern, and break new boundaries, bringing any elements from music, the written word or physical performance to bear. Very exciting.
Songs for a New World is built on a great premise too: a series of scenes all connected by one theme - a moment of decision.
Similarly The Last Five Years - another Jason Robert Brown musical mixes things up with two competing chronologies: a love story where the female's story is told in reverse chronological order, from breakup to first meeting.
It reminded me to not be too predictable and to not assume there are natural restrictions on what a musical can or cannot do - especially if you can keep it to three characters, a small orchestra and a simple set.
It gave me hope that we might stage this at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2022. Why not?
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