If many productions cut it, they do so illegally. Unless they have written consent from Rice and ALW, which I highly doubt they'd receive...
It's definitely an interpretive choice. I liked it...but as I stated above, I had to grow to like it. It certainly didn't feel redundant in our production.
Also, I don't think Act II is overly ballad heavy... it's got the thrilling "Rainbow High, the rocker "Rainbow Tour", "Money Kept Rolling In" with its relentless 7/8 driving rhythm, the Waltz (not uptempo, but not a ballad either), the (short) reprise of "Peron's Latest Flame"... the "Montage" is a thrilling sequence...
I guess you could say "Dice Are Rolling" is a ballad, but it's more of a recitative (a fascinating one, imo).
But I could see the argument-- might it also depend on the pacing/ direction of the entire show in general...? |
