Word: songe
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Dates: during 1990-1999
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...greatest hurdle for any production of Superstar is the material itself. The show is less theater than song cycle, a collection of simple pop-inspired numbers that are memorable only for the wrong reasons. The exhilarating score, at the time of its debut, excited hope in the theater community that Andrew Lloyd Webber could turn out to be a great talent, but it also reminds us of the disappointment of his subsequent work, which has failed to transcend Superstar's artlessness. Tim Rice's lyrics are even worse: they consist of a series of sentimental clichs liberally scattered with forced...
When Jim Augustine '01, as Herod, takes to the stage for "Herod's Song" during the second act of Jesus Christ Superstar, audience members look and listen. Emerging from the mostly overwhelming and often confusing action of the first act, "Herod's Song" is the most engaging musical number to demonstrate that there may be hope for this production. Unlike most of the preceding two hours, there is evidence of characterization, dynamic choreography and a sudden, long-awaited connection between performers and observers...
...Teeth begins with the politically charged title track--a quietly seething attack on media, weapons and weapon manufacturers. Her shaking head and pointing finger quickly shifts into a little rock and sway with "Soft Shoulder," a somber song of lost love. In another abrupt yet effective change-up, the bouncy "Swing" may have you grooving to the bass, sax and scratchy vocals. DiFranco receives some stellar support from guest artists Maceo Parker (playing sax and flute on several tracks) and the Artist (backup crooning on "Providence"), both of whom add distinct flavors to DiFranco's funkiest album...
Only a few songs on To the Teeth fall short of Ani-esque brilliance. "Freakshow" begins its study of the circus with grinding guitars and grating vocals, yet concludes that the Big Top is essentially all about "love and compliance." There seems to be some sort of grand metaphor here, but DiFranco never clues us in. It's easy to skip over a song that squeals "And some of the clowns are happy/And some of the clowns are sad." Whatever you say, Ani. Many listeners may be confused and unsettled by the juxtaposition of extended clown analogies with aching accusations...
...clich, but Poem Rocket's guitarist deserved the tag. He glared at the audience through fierce, bulging eyes, and at numerous times the veins on his head seemed ready to explode. He was certainly an intimidating presence on stage, but he became an even greater menace when during one song he jumped off the stage and stared various members of the audience down face to face as he shook a little shaker ball to the drummer and bassist's beat...