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Date sent: Sun, 30 Jan 2000 12:06:22 EST
Subject: To Alleson re:MT Fachs
To: vocalist
Send reply to: VOCALIST <vocalist>

Hi, Alleson, I'll keep my response short since you've gotten so much good
feedback already. The people you're auditioning for will not be so much
concerned with "fach" (as long as you can hit all the notes of a particular
song/role), as with acting the words and how you sound. Be careful, if you
sing soprano MT rep, that you don't sound too classically heavy for that
particular piece; also, if you have the ability to belt, you will want to
show that off. You said in your original post that you'll also be singing
operatic rep for these people? Then, if you get to do one aria and one MT
song, worry less about the range and more about creating contrast. Which
aria are you doing, BTW?

"Iolanthe" sounds great to me, you also might want to look at Mad Margaret's
stuff from "Ruddigore" if you have time. Definitely look at Marian's songs
from "Music Man" (if you can sing "My White Knight", you're set for that
show! :-) ). But whatever MT song you choose, try this - recite the lyrics
like a monologue, even work them with a coach if you're able to. Figure out
whom you're talking to and why; have a clear mental picture of where you
are. Think of the lines before you say/sing them.

I'm sure you already know all this stuff, just wanted to make sure you don't
obsess over the music aspect. I found an old book on how to perform/produce
Gilbert & Sullivan (written in the 40's or 50's), and one of the things it
said was "no one want to hear you sing!". They want to be moved, emotionally
engaged, not just assaulted with lovely tonal quality.

Break legs n' go get 'em!