- Sales - Skills we could take from our musical theatre course are our confidence and good communication and social skills, to be able to persuade and promote. Our enthusiasm as well as our professional attitude could also contribute
- Holiday rep - Skills for this job would be maintaining a high energy and being very approachable as well as having good leadership skills
In the 2nd half, we focused on a selection of songs in Act 2 we hadn't gone over properly yet.
I'll Cover You Reprise
I prepared by the lines for the songs in addition to watching videos of the songs, to understand the melody for 'I'll Cover You Reprise'. This song is dedicated to Angel, following his death from AIDS. It is a memorial scene in which characters closest to Angel share some heartfelt words about her, which then leads into Collins' song. It seems that in this scene the whole Act, the whole musical has come to a standstill. Time slows down and really gives the attention this scene deserves. After Angel dies of the AIDS, it draws everything and everyone back to understanding the horror of living with the disease in the early 1990s, and the devastating effects.
The choice to make a reprise for 'I'll Cover You' is really effective as Collins is revisiting his happiest memory he had with his loved one when they arrived in Santa Fe, however now the lyrics appear to be deeper and have more significance, supported by the change of tone and accompaniment. The first 'I'll Cover You' was more of an introduction to their blossoming relationship, whereas the reprise is the tragic ending to their relationship.
My character Joanne sings the verse "With a thousand sweet kisses, I'll cover you" about 4 times with off cast Maureen (Paige), while Collins sings separately and the rest of the cast sings a verse from 'Seasons Of Love'. The fact that 'Seasons Of Love' is intertwined with the reprise links back to how the song, which opened Act 2, foreshadowed these oncoming events. What I need to improve on is my projection, as there are many others singing different verses which means I need to reach their volume level to be heard even though I am singing with Paige. I also need to continue practising my breath control so I'm able to hold the notes for longer.
Goodbye Love
'Goodbye Love' follows the previous song, in which the sad empty atmosphere gradually erupts into a full blown argument between the characters (Joanne, Maureen, Benny/Betty, Roger and Mimi). My argument is with Maureen, as I snap at her and bring up our relationship problems. This triggers Mimi to go for Roger and Benny and vice versa. The emotion in our voices as we sing needs to really give the impression we are all arguing and fighting, so it requires a lot of power and characterisation. We need strong exaggerative facial expressions as well as vigorous body language. Another analysis of this scene, it is the first time Mimi and Joanne show some sort of bond and come together, as what they have in common is a partner who doesn't put in the equal effort to their relationship e.g "I'd be happy to die for a taste of what Angel had, someone to live for unafraid to say I love you". We learnt our harmonies which sound really good together. I feel Joanne's emotion slightly adjusts to being more upset and disappointed than angry when she says the previous line, unlike her earlier line "We used to have this fight each night, she never admit I existed". I need to work on being more aggressive when singing to make my lines more purposeful, and also need to practice the belting high note "Never gave an inch when I gave a mile", which is very explosive. When I start to get more anger in my voice and when we practice it in the space with some movement, it will boost me and I will find it easier to jump to the high note.
Take Me Or Leave Me
This scene depicts the ultimate break up between Maureen and Joanne, in which Joanne reached boiling point and finally hits back. This is my favourite song as I like how punchy and belty it is, and I imagine if this wasn't a song it would be both characters basically screaming at each other as they stomp around. Maureen starts off which isn't surprising as she is seen as more dominant in some aspects (Joanne does everything for her, and is always trying to make the relationship work). She dominates the song as she expresses her need to be free e.g "a tiger in a cage can never see the sun". However Joanne finally snaps and takes control. Although Maureen believes she is in the right, she has wanted Joanne to stand up for herself and let herself go, which is exactly what happens. I like playing Joanne in this state as she becomes fierce and shows off her potential.
For today, me Kim and Sophie practised our harmonies. Because mine are a lowered harmony I need to work on this as I find it harder than if I had a higher harmony. I also need to project more and work on belting, which Sophie has said she can help me as well as Paige. This song is definitely a challenge for me but I am determined to really deliver this duet performance as I do enjoy the song and scene in general.
Costumes (First thoughts)
- Joanne: Me and Bryleah have two ideas on what to wear for Tango Maureen. In the film, Joanne wears black trousers, a white shirt, a tie, braces and a blazer. However later on in the dance she wears a dress. From searching up videos of the performance some of the Joannes wear a dress and others wear the smart outfit. As I have an idea of a dress I have and Bry has the smart outfit items, we are going to bring them in and discuss it
- For the homeless, we are going to wear winter clothes including hats, gloves, scarves etc.
- For Mrs Jefferson, I was thinking of a blouse and a skirt, on a simple long sleeve top and skirt. I think Mr and Mrs Jefferson's clothing will be fairly plain as their lifestyle and the career they encouraged her daughter to pursue (lawyer), I think they would be smart looking.
No comments:
Post a Comment