As a company the exploration of live music in performance has always been part of the agenda to explore. In the theatre industry, companies such as Filter and The Little Bulb Theatre Company have explored the idea of incorporating live music into performance and have used it to their advantage to produce some amazing shows. It is a unique element to use if available, therefore when we discovered that not only myself but most of the cast can either sing, or play an instrument or was willing to learn, from this point I think we all knew that if we did not explore and develop music for our performance it would be a great loss.Also, with the topic of love in mind, music is known as the universal language of love, so it would be rude not too. Music has the ability to create a connection with the audience in the same way as any play or text. Particular songs over the years can become reminiscing of all the good and bad encounters you can have with love. Such as, a first Kiss, a couple’s first dance at their wedding or even a first meeting.
Within the company we discussed various love songs that are both personal to us and some well-known classics. As musical director with help from assistant musical director Jozey as well as collaborating with director Tom and the singers, we shall be able to pick out the correct few love songs, as discussed in Jozey’s earlier post ‘thoughts about music’. We went away from rehearsal with a few of the musical choices to explore the possibility of playing it on either piano, guitar or ukelele.
Within the piece, we want to include some old time classics such as ‘I’d do anything for love’ by Meatloaf and ‘All you need is love’ by the Beatles. , spiced up with some original composition. That will, I hope add some depth and texture to some of the written and to be written text and with hope that it will help the audience along with their journey.
In relation to all of this, the instruments we have decided to use the most in our performance are the guitar, piano and Ukulele. But through discussion we also thought it would be nice to get some alternative instruments into our company which will take the shape a glockenspiel and a tambourine. Yay! Becky our producer is going to buy them for our next rehearsals and although at this moment I don’t know where they are going to be used, I am sure we will find a valuable place for them.
As Musical Director, I am looking forward to the next few weeks. Exploring things I have not done before from taking charge of music to even developing my own musical abilities. I am also hoping to help the company learn a little more about musical techniques and to produce some music with, dare I say it, maybe a hint of sugar.