Since I've been trying to be a good girl and walk every day, I've found that listening to musicals makes the time go by and distracts me from the boring task. A few days ago I listened to a recording that was made for the cast (the one at the LaJolla) and there are so many songs we haven't heard yet. Every single song seems to lead to the next and so clearly tells the story without a single word of dialogue.
I've always believed that the songs we have heard so often--Every Single Day and Stars in the Night were masterpieces of music meshing so well with the lyrics. But listening to the entire musical score just makes me want to see it on the stage even more.
There is this one song in particular that I absolutely love--it's fun and very poignant. The doctor in the group is telling his parents that he's not happy and wants to spend his life singing. His parents, of course, were not overjoyed about his decision. They came up with every excuse in the book for him NOT to do it. But at the end of the song, he asks them, "Don't you want me to be happy?" His parents couldn't fight that question. And at the end of the song, you felt both the parents and the singer's angst over the decision. He wanted to do it, but he knew it would disappoint them. They wanted him to be happy but they were afraid it would be throwing away his education and his future earning potential.
It's songs like these that make me want to shout from the rooftops that this play MUST be seen. The emotions in the lyrics and music and the story of men who found their passion and determined to pursue it, no matter the cost, make it timely and inspirational.
It's my prayer (and has been for many years) that we will see Harmony very soon. And when we do, it's going to be a huge hit, on the level of Les Miserables or Phantom of the Opera. Until then we wait (not patiently but with anticipation!)
And then there was Harmony!
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I've been transcribing an interview Paul Leslie did with one of the lyricists who wrote for Barry...Mr. Jack Feldman...and the deeper I get into it, the more I can understand what you're saying about the music meshing the story together and how it makes you feel what the characters are feeling. I am right there with you when it comes to hoping that 'Harmony' will soon be opening on stage. If it does, I'll do anything within my power to be there to see it! The songs within this musical deeply touch me and will always be at the top of my favorites list!
I would love to see Harmony come to life on stage and for all those who are part of it with Barry realize a lifelong dream come true. Maybe this time is the right time and the success will go with it. I agree that the music is beautiful and the storyline tells a great tale.
Isn't it nice to know that so many are behind him to see this dream come true. Imagine opening night when it does. Talk about needing tissues lining the stage that night.
Great post, Suzanne!
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