CD of Bonnie and Clyde. Wonderful Score!

[goldenboy]

Just got the CD of Bonnie and Clyde. Boy is that score catchy.
Bonnie and Clyde was so much better than Ghost, Leap of Faith or Newsies.
It really got the short end of the stick.

Listen to the cast album. You will see what I mean. Jordon
and Osnes are terrific.

Hope it wins for best score.

[WhizzerMarvin TrinaJasonMendel]

I've been listening to the OBCR today too and love it. They did a nice job with it and the booklet is awesome: full lyrics, lots of pics and some of Bonnie's poetry in the back.

[CATSNYrevival]

I got my CD in the mail today so it was really fun to open it up knowing it was a Tony nominated score. I've loved the show since I saw it in La Jolla, but even then I thought that if it opened on Broadway it would most likely be snubbed by Tony voters. Never in a million years would I have guessed that the show would be recognized with any Tony nominations let alone for best score when everyone seems to think that it's Wildhorn's name that doomed the show. For whatever reason, I'm glad it's being recognized as one of his best scores as I truly believe it is.

[bwayphreak234]

So thrilled this got nominated for best score. Only one of two musicals to receive that honor this season. This reminds me of what happened with Women on the Verge. Both shows struggled and shuttered early, but the Tony committee recognized both shows with some strong nominations.

[dramamama611]

I'm glad you are enjoying it and all, but I sat through it -- and I never care to hear anything from it again.

Is it possible that the score is better than the production? Sure, but I won't be able to separate the two. Good thing I'm not a Tony voter!

[Brian07663NJ]

I enjoyed the show (twice) and really am enjoying the CD. The booklet is well done. I too liked Bonnie's poetry on the last pages.

[DeNada]

Is there a proper technical term for the 4/4, repeated chords on each note style that characterises so much of Wildhorn's work, other than "pop"? Songs like Love Who You Love, Dying Ain't So Bad etc. all start to sound the same because they all have exactly the same structure.

I've only listened to about half the album so far on Spotify; the performances are very good (particularly Osnes) but there are a few too many songs like that. I do very much like Picture Show though.

[qolbinau]

I haven't seen the show. I think the score is pleasant but I'm finding it hard to 'get' it. Which moments do you guys think are dramatic, or have subtext...or make you say "Wow, I'm impressed with how they used the music/lyrics there to do X", and (most importantly) what is it about the score that achieves that?

I mean, I get that Picture Show is interesting how they transition young B&C to old B&C etc...(even though this has been done before in SHREK and I assume other shows in the past). But what else is novel, interesting/impressive and how is it achieved?

[Mister Matt]

Sometimes people just like the music because they like the music. It doesn't always have to be "dramatic" or complex to be a good listen. I've only given it one listen, but I was immediately drawn to the style and melodies. Dying Ain't So Bad really touched me and I found that to be a particularly interesting and haunting song.

But what else is novel, interesting/impressive and how is it achieved?

I don't consider any of those things when I listen to a score as criteria for pleasure. I may analyze particular scores I understand have layers and depth, but I can enjoy something like Hairspray every bit as much I as can enjoy Caroline, or Change while being mostly bored by Spring Awakening or The Producers.

[GatorNY]

I think of a good score as something that I would like to listen to straight through without skipping any songs. For example, I like Billy Elliot, but when "He Could Be a Star" comes on, I usually skip it. Same with AIDA and "Like Father, Like Son."

I find the Bonnie and Clyde score to be one that requires no skipping. And, when a show gets a straight guy (not me of course, but someone I work with) to buy its cast recording on the day it is released...you know something went right. He did call it a soundtrack though, and I corrected him.

[Theatreboy49]

I have exhausted it via spotify for now 48 hours. Do I think its the greatest thing ever written, no. But do I LOVE it and find it superior to everything else written this season, yes!

Ps. If anyone wanted to share it with me so I could stop using spotify id love you forever.

[gfaustswa]

Loving the music. Saw the show in Nov....thought it was great. I would love to see this win best score at the Tony's.

[Pauly3]

"I haven't seen the show. I think the score is pleasant but I'm finding it hard to 'get' it. Which moments do you guys think are dramatic, or have subtext...or make you say "Wow, I'm impressed with how they used the music/lyrics there to do X", and (most importantly) what is it about the score that achieves that?"


qolbinau, kudos for your approach - or rather what appears to be a genuine question in asking why there are those of us who like this music.

For me, the music as a whole transports me to another era, a time a long while ago and one in the southern US where the story takes place - and also portrays a kind of "Americana". There are a lot of textures of many of the kinds of music that are known as "American music". Bluegrass, Country, Southern Rock and yes, even Pop. The fact there are strong elements of what some deem an evil music form for musical theatre isn't important to me. Actually, maybe it does matter. The pop-ness makes it a littler more palpable for current audiences that like popular music. I see nothing wrong with that. The entire score moves me to where the creative team wanted it to. The music is catchy, heartfelt, has an apparent link to the geography and time period - and is simply enjoyable to listen to. Apparently, not enough people "got it" to sustain the show though (despite any other problems that may have existed).

The first few minutes of the show are an example of drama created by the music. It sets the time and mood and optimism of the two main characters. "When I Drive" extends that optimism, but this time involving Clyde and his brother Buck - and develops the closeness between the brothers. The song is kind of a fun piece to boot. "Raise a little hell" where Clyde kills the prison guard is extremely dramatic, and the music adds to that effect in a big way. Sure, a murder acted out on stage is pretty compelling by itself, but the music intensified every momemt as well as made the anger, desperation, and even the audiences compassion for Clyde completely realistic. I think that scene is where you come to like Clyde (and Bonnie) and root for them. Whereas prior to that time, it is a bit awkward to be rooting for them. The beginning of the show does do a part to help you like them from the get go though. Whether that premise is rediculous or not, the music helps accomplish what I am sure is intentional.

The poppy ballads do what pop ballads do: they tell a story in an emotional way. I'm not sure why some find fault with this. "You Can Do Better Than Him" is a beautiful song that some might say is a throw in as there is no real development of Officer Hinton's character. The song makes me want there to be more involvement of that character. This is one critism of the show I have. Had there been more turmoil and confusion on Bonnie's part to pick Clyde over the cop, it would have added interest. The writer and director can take the blame on that one.

I got to see the show and really liked it.......enough that I purchased the CD. I love the CD. It has all the music without any of the slowness of the non-musical parts of the show. The music is consistently enjoyable, well developed and even tastier than I remembered.

To me, this CD is entertaining whether on in the background or cranked up with me doing nothing but listening to it - beginning to end.