Best Songs From Best Scores: 2005 - 2006

Today, we return to our series, Best Songs From Best Scores, in which we take a look at the numbers from a season's Best Original Score Tony nominees. Of course, "best" is in the eye ear of the beholder, and we are pretty sure you won't always agree with our choices. So, please feel free to let us know what you think via email or Twitter!

This time, we decided to look at nominees from the 2005 - 2006 season, which included two shows based on films. The others were a less-than-successful Andrew Lloyd Webber novel adaptation and a splashy, completely original Canadian musical. Some twenty years later (give or take), looking back at these scores makes me hope one is revived, one is appreciated more, thankful for a much better revival of one than its original staging, and one probably best not heard from again. Still, there are many worthy songs to consider from all four. Here are the ones we like the best:

Best Songs From Best Scores

2005 - 2006

Nominee: The Color Purple

Music and lyrics by Brenda Russell, Allee Willis and Stephen Bray

Best Song: 11 O'clock Number: "I'm Here" - Celie

By all rights, this poetic power ballad should be heard far and wide, in music venues and every contemporary Broadway concert. A gorgeous ode on the beauty of self-awareness and love for oneself. Both breathtaking and sobering, this is one of the great theater songs of the early 21st century.

Best Song: Character Number: "Miss Celie's Pants" - Celie and the Women

A catchy jazz/boogie woogie number that highlights each principal actress, the clever word play and showy, belty riffs is exhilarating! And it is the perfect contrast musically, to earlier numbers where Celie and her female friends suffered were in fear. I love a good toe-tapper!

Nominee: The Wedding Singer

Music by Matthew Sklar     Lyrics by Chad Beguelin

Best Song: A catchy production number: "Pop" - Holly, Julia, Angie and Company

As a Gen-Xer who actually was the age of the characters in The Wedding Singer in the 1980s, I loved the whole score for this show. The writers nailed the sound and style of the MTV era, not to mention the clever (and often vapid) lyrics of that time. So how could they not include a Debbie Gibson/Madonna mash-up that screams 80s and advances the plot? Add to that a character, Holly, played to sassy perfection by Amy Spanger, who not only dressed like Madonna, but sounded like her, and it couldn't miss. Pop music at its most fun. 

Best Song: A turning point ballad: "Come Out of the Dumpster" - Julia and Robbie Hart

High in emotional content - heart on your sleeve kind of stuff - this pseudo power ballad could have been recorded by Journey, REO Speedwagon or Peter Cetera-era Chicago. But here, as sung by Laura Benanti, it becomes a sweet, clever ("It's a metaphor!") play on the 80s style of lyrics that somehow managed to be both banal and profound. Here the literal becomes figurative and back to literal. You can't help but smile.

Nominee: The Woman in White

Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber     Lyrics by David Zippel

Best Song: Heartfelt Ballad: "All For Laura" - Marian Halcombe

Realizing that her own jealous feelings for Walter have led her to be an accomplice in her sister’s ruin, Marian vows to dedicate her life to saving her from this terrible predicament. The music, sad and intense, is based on a repeated four-note motif whose first few iterations lead to a precipitous melodic fall, reflecting Marian’s desperation; further repetitions lead to louder, more determined outbursts, and finally to iron-clad resolve (“I will somehow learn to be strong/I will live to right this wrong”). Sung as it is by a former Fosca (Maria Friedman), this obsessively sorrowful song is surely the only thing ALW has written that might sort-of fit in with the score of Passion.

Best Song: Emotional Trio: "Trying Not To Notice" - Marian Halcombe, Walter Hartright and Laura Fairle

This vibrant trio is musically of a similar ilk to “All I Ask of You” and “Too Much in Love to Care,” but more poignant than those two earlier ALW songs because of its chromatic touches and its function in the story. The two devoted sisters are each falling for him, but he’s only falling for the younger Laura (Jill Paice). (The melody that accompanies the title words evokes the bridge from “As If We Never Said Goodbye” and, especially, the Jeeves song from which it was recycled, “Half a Moment.”)

WINNER: The Drowsy Chaperone

Music and lyrics by Lisa Lambert and Greg Morrison

Best Song: Torch Song: "As We Stumble Along" - The Drowsy Chaperone

Performing a self-described "rousing anthem," the Chaperone (Beth Leavel) offers such sage advice as, "keep you eyeball on the high ball...in your hand." Part of a wholly delicious score willed with pastiche numbers that hearken back to the 20s and 30s, this number stands out for me because of the build up, the crazy nut smart lyrics, and that Ms. Leavel belts the hell out of it, and fully in character - drunken slurry voice and all. Even on the recording she captivates. Antarctica? Oh, please. #IYKYK

Best Song: Character Entrance Production Number: "Show Off" - Janet Van De Graaff and Company

The perfect vehicle for the "star" of The Drowsy Chaperone, the show within the show, Janet Van DeGraff, and the star of The Drowsy Chaperone, the Broadway musical, Sutton Foster. A rousing tribute to self-deprecation and enormous ego, this number grows and grows, making a feast out of every diva trope and old-fashioned theater cliche. Foster chewed the scenery here and we loved watching her every bite. This is the one that proved Millie was no fluke.

Musical of the Month: The Drowsy Chaperone: The Cast Recording

These days, I bet a lot of us are feeling like The Man in Chair from The Drowsy Chaperone. I know I do. Sitting in my chair, listening to cast recordings and imagining the show coming to life before me. Well, if you are looking for something fun, vivid and 100% Broadway musical comedy, look no further than the cast recording for this little gem.

The Tony-winning score by Lisa Lambert and Greg Morrison is delightful from start to finish, with a sweetly old-fashioned (think 1920s, 1930s) pastiche and a droll, witty modern sensibility. The whole thing is kept together by a good deal of narration from Bob Martin's Tony-winning book.)

The recording starts off with a zippy overture, followed by one hell of an "introduce the characters" number (just as fun as a similar song in Great Comet). What's fun about that number is picking out the voices of some of today's biggest names - Sutton Foster, Danny Burstein and a glorious turn by Beth Leavel ("I'm drowsy..."). Later numbers include a jazzy tap number (complete with taps, naturally), and the delicious (and devilish) "(I Don't Want to) Show Off" lead by the perfection that is Sutton Foster. That last note! And then there's the encore... that last note, again! I will admit to getting a touch verklempt hearing the sweet, late Georgia Engle as Mrs. Tottendale warbling "Love Is Always Lovely in the End."

But, and this is a true rarity, there are two numbers that are just as riotous on the recording as they were live in the theater: "I Am Adolfo" featuring a never funnier Danny Burstein, chewing the scenery as if it were a banquet, and the truly incomparable Beth Leavel, who also revels in the stand out number, "As We Stumble Along." There really are no weak moments here. And much credit for how wonderful this recording is goes to the orchestrations by Larry Blank and the arrangements by Glen Kelly.

The CD is worth purchasing (as is the vinyl) for the included booklet, which features full lyrics, lots of production photos and a great essay from producer Kevin McCollum. Best of all is the faux period ephemera that is scattered about the booklet.

This unfortunate time may just have an antidote for the missing Broadway blues. Give this gem a listen or two. You'll be humming the tunes long after the recording ends.

Grade: A+

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Musical of the Month: The Drowsy Chaperone : The Cast

This charming little musical was all the more charming because of its thoroughly stellar cast. The talent on this roster of the original Broadway cast is mind-boggling. Not just chock full of award-winners, this company boasts several current day stage royalty. Most of them have had quite the career since The Drowsy Chaperone closed at the end of 2007! Let's see what they've been up to!

Musical of the Month:

The Drowsy Chaperone

The Cast

DANNY BURSTEIN (Adolpho): Currently, he's generating a lot of awards buzz for his boisterous, over-the-top turn as Zidler, owner and emcee of the Moulin Rouge! But he's been no stranger to the stage since Drowsy. There have been plays: Golden Boy and The Snow Geese. Musical revivals: South Pacific, Follies, Cabaret, Fiddler on the Roof and My Fair Lady. And (a personal favorite) a new musical: Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown. Along the way, including Drowsy, he's been honored with 6 Tony Award nominations!

GEORGIA ENGEL (Mrs. Tottendale): Sadly, The Drowsy Chaperone  was her final Broadway appearance, though she was a part of the out of town tryout of Gotta Dance. Ms. Engel passed away in 2019.

SUTTON FOSTER (Janet Van De Graaff): A modern Broadway legend, Sutton Foster remains a regular on the New York stage. Following her Tony-nominated turn in Drowsy, she's been seen in Young Frankenstein, Shrek: The Musical (Tony nom), Anything Goes (Tony Award - Best Actress), and Violet (Tony nom). Off-Broadway, she appeared in a much talked about revival of Sweet Charity. Next up: a little show called The Music Man, with Hugh Jackman.

EDWARD HIBBERT (Underling): Since Drowsy, this fantastic character actor has appeared on Broadway in Curtains, Mrs. Warren's Profession, It Shoulda Been You, and Something Rotten!

TROY BRITTON JOHNSON (Robert Martin): He hasn't been seen since.

EDDIE KORBICH (George): Since Drowsy, he's played a judge (A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder), a doctor (Breakfast at Tiffany's), Santa Claus (A Christmas Story) and... a seagull! (The Little Mermaid) Talk about range!

GARTH KRAVITS and JASON KRAVITS (Gangster #2 and Gangster #1): Each Kravits has returned to Broadway just once since Drowsy. Garth was in Gettin' the Band Back Together; Jason was in Relatively Speaking.

BETH LEAVEL (The Drowsy Chaperone): The lady has been busy since winning a Tony Award as the title character! Her Broadway appearances include Mamma Mia!, Young Frankenstein, Elf, Baby It's You! (Tony nom), Bandstand and The Prom (Tony nom).

KECIA LEWIS-EVANS (Trix): Since her Drowsy days as the aviatrix, Ms. Lewis-Evans has been seen on Broadway in Chicago, Leap of Faith and Children of a Lesser God.

BOB MARTIN (Man in Chair): Not only did he win a Tony for Best Book of a Musical, Martin was also nominated for Best Actor in a Musical for Drowsy. In the years since, he's written the book for Elf, and was again nominated for a Best Book for his work on The Prom.

JENNIFER SMITH (Kitty): Ms. Smith is the quintessential Broadway ensemblist. In a career that goes all the way back to the mid-80s and the original production of La Cage aux Folles. Since her time in Drowsy, she has added five more credits to her resume: A Tale of Two Cities, Nice Work If You Can Get It, A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder, Tuck Everlasting and Anastasia.

LENNY WOLPE (Feldzieg): His most recent credits include Wicked (national tour and Broadway) and Bullets Over Broadway.

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Musical of the Month: The Drowsy Chaperone: The Creative Team

This week as we take a look back at what the creative team of April's Musical of the Month, we'll find some familiar names, and others who haven't been heard from since the show closed. As we will find out, many of the company of The Drowsy Chaperone - on and off stage - were also involved in recent (and just as joyous) show, The Prom!

So, what have they been up to since the show closed on December 30, 2007? Let's see!

Musical of the Month:

The Drowsy Chaperone

The Creative Team

Writing and Direction

BOB MARTIN and DON MCKELLAR (Book): Mr. McKellar hasn't contributed to a Broadway show since Drowsy, though he and Mr. Martin did take home both Drama Desks and Tony Awards for their efforts. Martin, however, has been a part of the Rialto scene with the books for both Elf and The Prom, earning a Tony nod for the latter. 

LISA LAMBERT and GREG MORRISON (Music and Lyrics): To date, their sole Broadway credit is The Drowsy Chaperone. They were awarded both the Drama Desk and Tony Awards.

CASEY NICHOLAW (Direction and Choreography): In the years since Drowsy, Casey has been one busy guy, with TEN additional Broadway credits, including the current Mean Girls, Aladdin and a little show called The Book of Mormon. Other shows include Elf, Tuck Everlasting, Something Rotten!, and - you guessed it - The Prom! His career includes 9 Drama Desk nominations and 11 Tony Award nominations. He has won one of each, both for directing The Book of Mormon. For The Drowsy Chaperone, he was nominated for both awards for both direction and choreography.

Design

DAVID GALLO (Set Design): Now entering his fourth decade as a scenic designer on Broadway, Gallo has made a career for himself designing nearly every main stem production of an August Wilson play, as well as a variety of musicals. Since Drowsy, he's designed 13 shows. Among them: Xanadu, Radio Golf, Memphis, A Catered Affair, and Holler If Ya Hear Me. He won the Tony and Drama Desk for Drowsy.

GREGG BARNES (Costume Design): A frequent collaborator with Nicholaw, they worked together on To Be or Not to Be, Elf, Aladdin, Something Rotten!, Tuck Everlasting and Mean Girls. Some of his additional post-Chaperone work includes: the revival of Follies, Kinky Boots and, most recently, Pretty Woman: The Musical. A 3-time Drama Desk nominee, he won for Chaperone and Follies; he won Tonys for both of those shows, and was nominated 6 more times.

KEN BILLINGTON and BRIAN MONAHAN (Lighting Design): Monahan, who was Tony nominated for Drowsy, hasn't been back since. Mr. Billington, with a career that began in the mid-60's, has been busy since the show closed in 2007. He's designed both revivals of Sunday in the Park with George and Sondheim on Sondheim. Unfortunately, he's designed for several flop musicals including High Fidelity, [title of show], The Story of My Life, The Scottsboro Boys, Chaplin, It Shoulda Been You, Amazing Grace and Gettin' the Band Back Together. On the other hand, he did design the revival of Chicago (Tony Award). 

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Musical of the Month: The Drowsy Chaperone

Next up in our Musical of the Month series is the hysterical, whimsical parody musical from 2006, The Drowsy Chaperone. Finding more than a few similarities between myself and the lead male character, Man in Chair, I feel a special connection to this show. Oddly enough, I only saw it once, and neither of my theater "besties" saw it at all. (This is a frequent joke with the three of us.) Though it was neither the big award-winner, nor longest-running show from the 05-06 season, it was definitely my favorite new musical. Given the current state of things, it is nice to look back on such a sweet, funny jewel. I guess most of us now have a lot in common with Man in Chair...

Musical of the Month:

The Drowsy Chaperone

Background, Stats and Plot

Background

Like another unlikely musical, Urinetown, the show, as we know it, got its start at a fringe festival. But before that its origins are surely unique. It all began as a risque sketch by friends (and collaborators) Lisa Lambert, Greg Morrison (music and lyrics) and Don McKellar (book) written for the bachelor party celebrating the impending nuptials of Bob Martin and Janet Van De Graaff. Eventually, Martin came aboard, helped write the book (and creating his character, Man in Chair), and in 1998, it premiered at the Toronto Fringe Festival. The team worked on it for several years, and the show opened at a legit theater this time, also in Toronto. Fast forward to 2005, and the show, helmed by Casey Nicholaw, had a pre-Broadway run in Los Angeles. 

Stats

• The show began the first of its 32 previews on April 3, 2006 at the Marquis Theatre, where it opened on May 1, 2006.
• Chaperone was a 14 time Drama Desk Award nominee. It won 7, including Best Musical, Best Book and Best Score - Music and Lyrics.
• The Tony Awards committee nominated the show for 13 awards, including Best Musical. It went on to win 5, including Best Book, Best Score, and a Featured Actress award for Beth Leavel.
• Bob Martin was honored with a Theatre World Award for his efforts.
• The Broadway production closed on December 30, 2007, following 674 performances.

The Plot

As is generally the case with shows of this type, the plot is hilariously complicated. But, in general terms, the show is what happens when the original social distancer, Man in Chair sits alone in his apartment listening to vintage original cast recordings. His favorite, he tells us, is The Drowsy Chaperone. Such is the intensity of his adoration, that the show comes to life before us in his one room studio. All of the roaring 20's stock characters are there, including an egotistical leading lady (a dazzling Sutton Foster), a self-absorbed Latin Lothario (a riotous Danny Burstein), a female aviatrix (a sassy Kecia Lewis-Evans), and the titular chaperone (a boozy delight, Beth Leavel). The darling of the evening was the late, great Georgia Engel, bringing her ditzy trademark voice and sweet charm to new, delightful heights.

NEXT WEEK: The Creative Team

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The Broadway Ladies: Ms. November 2018

These days it seems a career Broadway star is more an exception than a rule. But there are still a few around. A few that always bring it, and always can be counted upon, no matter the material they are given.  Tony Award winner Beth Leavel is one of those exceptions to the rule. A three decade career on the Broadway stage (including both the original and revival productions of 42nd Street) and a prolific regional resume, she elevates everything she's in. She's that rarest of show folk - if she's in it, no matter how good or bad the show is, you know you can count on wonderful work from her. These days she's belting it out as a self-absorbed diva - she carries her Tonys in her purse - and brings the house down 8 times a week at The Prom. And that's why she's this month's Ms. Broadway November 2018.

THE BROADWAY LADIES

Ms. November 2018

The Prom's Beth Leavel

HEADSHOTS AND CANDIDS

with husband John Milne

BIRTH DATE: November 1

BIRTHPLACE: Raleigh, North Carolina

EDUCATION: Meredith College (Social Work), University of North Carolina at Greensboro (Graduate Degree in Theater)

FAMILY: Husband, John Milne; 2 children

CURRENTLY STARRING IN: The Prom as Dee Dee Allen

THEATER CREDITS: Broadway: 42nd Street (original), Crazy For You, Show Boat, The Civil War, 42nd Street (revival), Mamma Mia!, The Drowsy Chaperone, Elf (2x), Young Frankenstein, Baby It's You!, Bandstand, The Prom Regional: Into the Woods (Pittsburgh CLO), Gypsy (MUNY), Minsky's (Ahmanson)

REGIONAL

Into the Woods

BROADWAY

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