[musicalsnewbie]

I auditioned for my first musical a couple of days ago, Once Upon a Mattress, which was open to all of the high schools in my city, and I've been tentatively cast as Fred. I'm so excited that I'm having trouble listening to the soundtrack without wetting myself. All of the parts are being solidified at the first rehearsel, which is in a couple of weeks. The directors could completely change their minds about the casting. Because they are God. haha. I really really really want to hold onto this part, because it's a dream role, ESPECIALLY as a first-time belter, so I've been practicing mee arse off. But I've noticed that the versions of the musical which feature Carol Burnette and Sara Jessica Parker as Fred are in different keys, right? Does anyone know which version is correct? Or which version is most commonly used?

Thanks guys, I appreciate any help. I've only done regular theatre before, so naturally, getting this part has made me nervous and neurotic and annoying.

Peace.

[AnnieER25]

I remember reading a post that said that SJP's is a different key and Carol Burnette's is closer to the right one.

~Annie

[PappyCat]

Carol Carol Carol!

DON'T learn from the SJP version...it's not correct with the music, OR a lot of the lyrics. It won't go with your script.

That being said, I love the SJP version too.

P.S: I played Fred just recently! Feel free to PM me if you want to swap stories/have questions.

[musicalsnewbie]

Thanks guys! I got responses so quickly. Shweeeeeeeet.

Carol Burnette is my hero, so I started off listening to her recordings and learning from them. But when I heard the SJP version, I realized that her voice is very similar to mine, so I was a little confused about which to use.

Thanks for the clarification! And I will definitely keep in touch, PappyCat. Cheers to good times! Sounds like you had a great experience, from what I've read of this very helpful forum.

Peace, kiddos.

[PappyCat]

I think the SJP version is way fun. I love the Carol Burnette version as well. I think my favorite Fred was Tracy Ullman, in the movie version, though. That movie had A TON of differences however. They cut characters, gave characters different songs, etc.

The SJP version is in a different key. The lyrics to "Happily Ever After," "Normandy" and a few others are different. Happily Ever After is WAY different. The Spanish Panic is entirely different. (Listen to the Carol Burnette version, it is accurate to the music that is played for the Spanish Panic.)