Composer

:

Andrew Lloyd Webber

Genre

:

Musical Theatre

Style

:

Musical Theater

Compose Date

:

1982

Average_duration

:

101:37

Song and Dance is a musical composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber, with lyrics by Don Black and Richard Maltby Jr. The show is a unique combination of two distinct parts: the first half is a one-woman show, featuring only a female dancer and singer, while the second half is a traditional musical with a full cast. The show was first composed in 1982, with the premiere taking place in London's Palace Theatre in 1984. The original production starred Marti Webb as the lead, and it was directed by Trevor Nunn. The show was later adapted for Broadway, with Bernadette Peters taking on the lead role. The first half of the show, titled "Tell Me on a Sunday," follows the story of a young English woman named Emma who moves to New York City in search of love and success. Through a series of songs, Emma shares her experiences of dating and relationships, as well as her struggles to make it as a performer in the city. The music in this section of the show is primarily composed of ballads and pop songs, with a focus on Emma's emotional journey. The second half of the show, titled "Song and Dance," is a more traditional musical, featuring a full cast and a more complex plot. The story follows a young American man named Joe, who falls in love with a British woman named Emma. The two begin a passionate relationship, but their cultural differences and personal struggles threaten to tear them apart. The music in this section of the show is more upbeat and theatrical, with a focus on ensemble numbers and dance sequences. One of the unique characteristics of Song and Dance is its use of dance as a storytelling device. In the first half of the show, the female lead is also the only dancer on stage, using movement to express her emotions and experiences. In the second half of the show, dance is used to highlight the differences between the American and British characters, as well as to showcase the passion and intensity of their relationship. Overall, Song and Dance is a powerful and emotional musical that explores themes of love, loss, and personal growth. With its unique structure and memorable music, it has become a beloved classic of the musical theatre canon.

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