Harmony on Broadway

[Carolyn]

I caught the end of a segment on the CBS Sunday Morning show about the current state of Broadway and how things have changed over the years. Many of the experts were commenting that theatergoers are looking for shows that will have them singing the songs as they leave the show. The new thing on Broadway seems to be shows based on rock/pop stars songs--i.e., Mama Mia (Abba), Movin' Out (Billy Joel). With these new shows, it seems that not only are theatergoers singing the songs during and after the show, but they are also singing the songs as they are ENTERING the theater.

But I did find a ray of hope for Barry and Harmony. A few of the experts were very concerned that the good old-fashioned broadway shows were no more. They seemed really upset at the new face of Broadway today; they said there were so many talented musicians out there writing great musical scores that should be heard. Gee.....who did I think of???

I feel very strongly that Barry is right at home in the world of broadway musicals. His love and passion for this type of music really shines thru on SCORES.

I never thought I'd say this, but here goes.........after listening to the songs from Copa on SCORES, I think I would actually like to see Copa as a serious broadway musical AND I think I would actually go and see it!!!!!

So, hopefully, Harmony will have it's day in the broadway sun!!!!!!!

[Terry]

Hi Carolyn -

I know that "Harmony" will have its day on Broadway - how could it not?? (don't answer that!)

It's true though that the state of musical theater today is not like it used to be. Not that I go a lot, but it just seems like there's so many shows that get on the stage that you just sit there and wonder how the heck it ever got there?? And then you get some real quality stuff like "Harmony" which keeps running into road blocks everywhere. It don't make sense to me!

I actually did want to see "Copa" the last time it came around, but for whatever reason, I wasn't able to do it. (I was probably broke paying for all the other Barry stuff I did last year!!). I have the original London cast album, and boy is it different! After hearing Barry singing these songs on "Scores", it just ain't the same!!

Well, if they want theater-goers to be singing the songs as they leave/enter the show, they don't have to look very far. I bet we could come up with a few people who would know all the songs to "Harmony" before the curtain ever went up - don't you agree??!!

Have a great night!

[szamreta]

Yes, Terry, I certainly agree. I listen to SCORES the most out of all the cds I have. People must think I'm having a seizure or something when they look over into my car and see a middle-aged woman singing her heart out and throwing her arms around! When they take me away to the funny farm, will you come visit me?

Carolyn, I know what you mean about Copa on stage. I did see a local production in 2003 in New Bedford with Kathie and a few other people. It was cute, but I think with a lot of reworking it might make it on Broadway. They've already started by remixing the song Copa (I really, really like it!). The music is wonderful and it's full of life with a surprise ending, I might add. If Harmony is as successful as we all hope it will be, maybe Bruce and Barry will start to seriously think about staging Copa, too.