It's scouting season. Tomorrow I'm off on a two-city tour to check out some pops acts.
First stop - Indianapolis. The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra has created a pops machine that produces one new themed show each season. A handful of other orchestras partner with them in the creation of these shows. It's extremely labor intensive, from the initial concepts, to the selection of music, casting, creating the orchestral arrangements, costumes and props - it's like creating a mini Broadway show for the concert stage. Once mounted, these shows can then be booked on orchestral pops series around the nation. Some of these we've featured here to great response include "Pops Goes Vegas", "The Beat Goes On: Music of the Baby Boomers" and most recently, "Irving Berlin: From Rags to Ritzes". We open this year's pops with "Mysterioso", one of the most entertaining and funniest concerts I've seen! Magic, music, illusion, mystery and hilarious comedy.
But back to tomorrow. This weekend they're premiering their latest: "Can You Hear The People Sing", built from the music of Les Miz, Miss Saigon and other great shows from Boublil and Schonberg. AND it features some of these shows' original cast members, including Lea Solonga and Terrance Mann. Can't wait!
Sunday morning takes me to Portland, Maine to see the US Navy Mens Glee Club. I'm really intrigued by this one. It appeals to me on many levels, and I've seen the program - should be great fun.
So send me your thoughts, and I'll give you mine when I return. I'll also try to tweet a bit from the road, so if you're not following me yet on Twitter, check me out @Eddie_says.
Posted on
Fri, October 7, 2011
by Eddie Walker