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 My song choices are out-of-date.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The downside is that when I audition for people who don't know me, my audition material and my skills are rusty and/or out-of-date.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

Re: ideas while on the massage table

[bearhedded.livejournal.com]

It's a masterful piece of music, but too long for most auditions.

Then you'll just have o do, "When I marry Mr. Snow"!


And I'm only half kidding!

Re: ideas while on the massage table

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

In a late night cabaret, perhaps:)

In a separate thought, I'm a big fan of Kander and Ebb and of Maltby and Shire songs. I should look back at their catalogues.

Have any suggestions, I'm compiling a mighty list! Hugs!

Re: ideas while on the massage table

[bearhedded.livejournal.com]

I think it was the owner of Guppy's was putting together a revue for Pride a few years ago, that was men singing B'way tunes originally sung by women. That, along with a few others from the Barbara Cook in concert disc was what I thought would be good stuff.

I have no idea who Maltby and Shire are.

Oh! I was adding a pair of suspenders to the dragons' tail in rehearsal today....what I overheard of the songs for 'Sleeping Beauty' are gorgeous!

Re: ideas while on the massage table

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

I have all of the Barbara Cook CDs, so I'll check them out. Maltby & Shire wrote "Baby" and musical revues like "Starting Here, Starting Now". I've got a chart for "Anything But Lonely" from "Aspects of Love". I'll have to add that to the list:)

Re: ideas while on the massage table

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

I got a comment you made about "The Golden Apple", but couldn't find it here. Odd... I wanted to add something to your wonderful memory. I've worked with Julian Patrick in Seattle. I did "1776" with him and he was a wonderful Ben Franklin. You mentioned the following ...I can still remember most of it! Nothing ever happens in Angel's Roost, it nestles where the mountains reach the sky. It has a pretty view, but there's just three things to do: you're
born and then you live, and then you die!It just occurred to me that when I get a Christmas card from Julian, that the address is Angel's Roost!!! Now, I get it:)! Thanks for sharing!

Malty & Shire

[bearfuz.livejournal.com]

I *adore* Maltby & Shire, too. I was fortunate to do what we call "the little Big," the post-B'way tour of that show. (No songs in it that come to my mind as being right for you, not even "Little Susan Lawrence," heh heh heh.) But I am a huge fan of Closer Than Ever. I know the women's songs better than the men's, because I have played them in benefits and the occasional audition -- for some reason the women's M&S rep shows up more than the men's does. Maybe you can help change that.

Re: Malty & Shire

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

The songs from "Closer Than Ever" are wonderful and complete in and of themselves. Nothing for the men quite comes up to the fun of "Miss Byrd" for the men, but I'll have to find my score when I get home and see if there's anything appropriate to show you. HUGS! Thanks for all of the feedback!!!