Composer

:

Stephen Sondheim

Genre

:

Musical Theatre

Style

:

Show/Musical

Compose Date

:

2003

Average_duration

:

69:41

Movement_count

:

21

Movement ....

Bounce is a musical composed by Stephen Sondheim with a book by John Weidman. The musical tells the story of the Mizner brothers, Addison and Wilson, who were real-life figures in the early 20th century. The plot follows their journey from rags to riches and back again, as they navigate the worlds of business, politics, and love. The musical was first composed in 1999 under the title Wise Guys, but it underwent several revisions and name changes before its premiere in 2003. The premiere was at the Goodman Theatre in Chicago, and it was directed by Harold Prince. The musical then moved to the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., before finally opening on Broadway in 2004 at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre. Bounce is divided into two acts, each with several movements. The first act introduces the Mizner brothers and their family, as well as their early struggles and eventual success in the gold rush of Alaska. The second act follows their journey to Florida, where they become involved in real estate and politics, and ultimately lose everything. One of the characteristics of Bounce is its use of non-linear storytelling. The musical jumps back and forth in time, with scenes from the brothers' childhood interspersed with their adult lives. This allows the audience to see how their early experiences shaped their later decisions and actions. Another characteristic of Bounce is its use of Sondheim's signature complex and witty lyrics. The songs range from upbeat and catchy, such as "Addison's Trip" and "The Best Thing That Ever Has Happened," to more introspective and emotional, such as "The Game" and "Boca Raton." Despite its talented creative team and strong performances, Bounce received mixed reviews from critics and struggled at the box office. It closed after only 44 performances on Broadway. However, the musical has since gained a cult following and has been revived in several regional productions. In conclusion, Bounce is a complex and ambitious musical that tells the story of the Mizner brothers and their rise and fall in the early 20th century. Its non-linear storytelling and witty lyrics are characteristic of Sondheim's work, and while it may not have been a commercial success, it remains a fascinating and unique addition to the musical theatre canon.

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