 SOME ENCHANTED EVENING
The Songs of Rodgers & Hammerstein
a musical revue in two acts with music by Richard Rodgers and lyrics
by Oscar Hammerstein II. Concept by Jeffrey B. Moss for Jerry Kravat
Entertainment Services, Inc. Vocal arrangements by Larry Hochman and
Phil Hall. Produced at The St. Rhos Hotel, New York, January 24 1983.
SYNOPSIS
Some Enchanted Evening is a celebration of
songs that have become a part of our lives. We sing them in the shower
and we sing them to entertain and amuse. This show places five performers
-each of whom could easily be cast in any Rodgers and Hammerstein show
- in a theatrical setting -- first "backstage", where the
songs are sung as personal interplay and then "on stage" where
the songs are "performed"
for the audience. Of course, the songs themselves and the five performers
are the most important elements. Each singer must bring his own style
and personality to the songs and to the situations in which they are
set. For example, when Curly sings The Surrey with the Fringe On
Top to Laurie he wants to ask her out. Each actor must find his
own way and own style to achieve that result, just as each actress
will find her own special way of making I Cain't Say No work
as a very contemporary look at a woman's relationship with men, etc.
The performers play themselves, and it's a wonderful opportunity for
them to explore the songs within their own styles rather than within
the boundaries of the original characters.
Act One uses the songs as dialogue and explores
the relationships between the five personalities. Act Two is really
a collection of their own ideas and point-of-view about love - of all
kinds. Although it is an act of individual performances, eventually all
five come together for a grand celebration of the Rodgers and Hammerstein
classic songs.
For the audience, as well as the singers, this musical
revue is an opportunity to examine familiar songs more closely and out
of context. It can be like listening to the music and lyrics for the
first time. Trust the songs. Let the lyrics tell you what the songs are
about. Remember that the lyrics were written first and the music followed.
But above all, let the songs be "stars". They don't need gimmicks
and glitter, just five winning performers who will fall in love with
each other and with the songs and then share all of this love with your
audience. If you can achieve this, the performers and audience will have
an enchanting evening indeed.
Jeffrey B. Moss
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