The busy beast.

[Figaro]

One of the local high schools is performing Disney's BEAUTY AND THE BEAST in a copule of weeks, and I am playing in the orchestra. (When I say 'orchestra,' I'm talking three keyboards, bass and drums.) This is the second Broadway show I've been involved with. The first one was BRING BACK BIRDIE, the sequel to BYE BYE BIRDIE. I was the musical director for that one. Here, I'm just playing synthesizer, which is fine by me. Because anyone who has ever done a Broadway show will tell you that the music is TOUGH!!! It's like the first note sounds, and you're off like a rocket with no hope of slowing down. The fights and wolf chase sequences in B&TB are especially challenging. But it's quite rewarding as well. I've always wanted to be a part of a Disney show...and now I am!

I just finished loading the needed sounds into my synthesizer's memory bank and marking my music accordingly...and BOY, am I tired!!

Later!

By thy side,

Figaro

[Figaro]

The last performance of Disney's BEAUTY AND THE BEAST was tonight. I'm glad it's over, but it was quite an experience. Our four-piece orchestra (piano, synthesizer, bass and drums) was really struggling with the dance numbers until our quick rehearsal two hours before showtime on opening night, and then it just *clicked*. I found out that this is the first time they've ever done a musical at that school featuring live instruments. So it was a good learning experience for a lot of people, and a fun experience for me. Still, I was using the keyboard I play at church, and I'm glad I don't have to haul it around anymore!! (Or the amp, the music stand, the keyboard stand and the various cords that go with them!)

By thy side,

Figaro