[klutzyk8ie]

My school's doing this show this year... I've listened to the CD and read summaries, but I haven't been able to find lyrics nor have I seen it. Does anyone have any insight that they can share?

[actionfolksinger]

Well it's a great musical. It's Brechtian which means you're not playing people you're playig ideas. It's about the power of the common man over coporate interests. It's usually done very stripped down and cheap.

While it was a pro union piece the original nearly wasn't shown because of union troubles. First the WPA pulled the project for being subversive and then the musicians union went of strike. Director Orson Wells and producer (Oh crap I can't remember his name but he played the teacher on the Paper Chase) wrangled another theatre and lead the audience on a 30 block march to the new location. It was sight with people singing and playing instruments. Some people actually thought a carnival had come to town.
But the troubles didn't stop there. The actors union was friendly to the musicians union and didn't want to cross the picket line. Orson Wells got took the stage to tunderous applause and told the actors that he would not ask anyone to go against the strike. But, he pointed out there was no rule saying they couldn't, as audience members, say their lines from their seats. And that's what they did. With the composer alone on stage playing a rented slightly out of tune piano the actors sang and acted out their roles from the audience. Not the first example of atmospheric theatre but certainly one of the most organic.

This show is a legend in the theatre world. A legend that's been almost buried. Remember this story and share it.

[Salome]

One of the greates shows ever producted..like filksinger said..its important politically as well as artistically.

there is a brilliant film directed by Tim Robbins based on the shows oriignal production. I recommend seeing it.

[sunrae]

[ameisner75]

Does anyone know where to find lyrics to this show? I am specifically looking for lyrics to Reverend Salvation.

Thanks!