One question: Something Just Broke was performed, but not actually listed in the program. The final musical sequence was listed as "Finale: Everybody's Got the Right." Is Something Just Broke usually listed?
Yes.
In the early days of the rental property, the song was optional (the first few times I did the show it was all provided as inserts, not part of the regular script/score.) But now it's definitely part of the show. It should have been listed.
However, given that the same actors who play the assassins sing the song in this version, they might have just cut it. I don't think Sondheim (or Weidman) would approve of the doubling, as their intent in including the song was to provide an important viewpoint from the average person affected by the assassinations. (That is, most of the show is purposely from the assassins' viewpoints, but it was important to them that there be a song where others got their chance to be heard. Having the same actors that play the assassins sing this song gives it a different slant IMO, one that the writers wouldn't want.)
BTW - I'm also not fond of the conceit started with the Broadway revival that the Balladeer "becomes" Oswald (that was not part of the original script at all) - but I can accept that one on its own terms. But not when ALL the assassins are doubling other roles. I think the show is much more effective and certainly much clearer when the non-assassin characters are played by other actors. |
