We Know You Sing .... But ....

[mrdreamjeans]

In my last post, I made reference in the comments area to audition material. My song choices are out-of-date. I've been extremely fortunate that I've been invited in recent years to do certain shows, rather than auditioning for them. The upside is that folks I've worked with before want to work with me again. The downside is that when I audition for people who don't know me, my audition material and my skills are rusty and/or out-of-date. Consequently, I'm looking for fresh material - songs that suit my voice (tenor, wide range), are appropriate for a character actor of my age and are good acting pieces... tell a good story....

I'm planning a vocal coaching with bearfuz and in our chat I made these remarks ... I need to find material that plays to my strengths. "I Love to Cry at Weddings" is still a good comic piece, but "This is the Moment" and "Being Alive" my two consistent winners over the years, are elevator music. I still occasionally do both songs in benefits. I'm looking at two songs from "A Man of No Importance", but need a classic ballad and something dynamic for an uptempo. Do you think "To Each His Dulcinea" , "I Get a Kick Out of You" or "The Prologue" from Les Mis would fit the bill? (LOL... I know them already, so that helps:) I also do a wonderful acting song written by Craig Carnelia called "It's What You'd Call a Dream".

In another comment rock_bear said, I was surprised that you do "This is The Moment" for auditions, that song's been done to death over here (England) despite the fact that the show only had a very tiny run. "This is the Moment" has gotten me a lot of work over the years, so I have confidence in it. It's hard to let it go ...

I was given a chart of the song when the show had its world premiere in Houston in 1989. (I had a friend in the show.) So I've been singing it since before the music was published, long before it became ice skating music. Though it's lyrics have never been strong, there is something about the melody that is a perfect fit for my voice. I mostly used the song for AIDS benefits during my time with "Phantom".

It's a tricky question ... Do you sing a song that is overdone if you sing it better than most people? Or lay it to rest? Both "This is the Moment" and "Being Alive" were like that for me. Auditoneers would suggest I get something else, right after they said, "You're hired!"

Many of you in LJ Land have heard me sing. A couple of you have heard me sing a lot. Even if you've never heard me sing, but love musical theater, I'll take all suggestions. Familiar, obscure or original to you - It doesn't matter. I'll make a list and try out the songs. I'd appreciate feedback on this topic.

rock_bear and I were also discussing remarks intended as compliments but which served to have the opposite effect. One of the best (worst?) comments I've endured was when I was singing on the cruise ships. (think thick New Yawk accent) "We know ya sing .... but what do ya do for a living?"

With your help, I'll select, learn and polish new songs which will continue to allow me to work in the theater...so that when I'm asked, "What do you do for a living?", I can still answer, "I sing!!!"

Comments

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

I think that certain Sondheim pieces work well in auditions, for instance, you could always do "You Must Meet My Wife" from Night Music. When I've had a really important audition, where I've been given a special time, rather than just attending an open call (which I haven't done in 10 years), I've sometimes hired a person to accompany me who I've worked with beforehand. It's critical that the music supporting your vocal performance elevate your performance, not detract.

I've added Candide's Lament to the list. Any other thoughts?

[crunchmd.livejournal.com]

Not really, but I understand your reluctance to go the Les Miz/Chess/Phantom route. It's all overdone. How about "Why God Why" from Miss Saigon? I remember seeing Laurie Beechman in a late-night cabaret (she was in Boston doing "Cats"), and she did a number she said always got her a job. It was a slow ballad arrangement of "How Can I Be Sure" by the Young Rascals. Unbelievable how she made that song her own. Maybe you should find a non-showtune piece like that?

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

I've added the Miss Saigon song to the list. You bring back memories with the mention of Laurie Beechman. I saw her do "Cats" and "Joseph". Losing her to cancer was a huge blow to the Broadway community. Her CD, "Listen to My Heart" is one of my all time favorites. I even actually have a chart in my key for that particular song. Id like to have a genius arranger (Listening Chip?) come up with something like "How Can I Be Sure" for me:) Streisand became famous for "Happy Days are Here Again" as a ballad; may inspiration strike. *grin*

Laurie Beechman

[crunchmd.livejournal.com]

Laurie was indeed a gem. I ushered for her cabaret show, after falling in love with her in "Joseph". She was so excited that night; NYC had just called and told her she was replacing Betty Buckley in "Cats". She was also terrified..she had a terrible fear of heights and the ceiling at the Winter Garden was twice as tall as the one at the Wang Center. She invited me backstage at "Cats" after the show. When we arrived, she was smoking a cigarette. I asked her how could she sing that number so perfectly and then smoke after the show. She said "I always allow myself one cigarette after every show to calm down. I'm so terrified of heights. When you see me clutching Deuteronomy at the end of the show..that's not acting..I'm holding on for dear life!". A sweet, sweet lady whose time was much too short.

Re: Laurie Beechman

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

You're most lucky to have known her. I loved her singing.