Karaoke Forums

I was so surpised when one of my singer handed in a slip for "SOMEONE ELSES STORY " from the musical "CHESS" and then later a selection from "THE LAST FIVE YEARS" which goes to show that having a big broadway selection does pay off at least once in a while.

I get a few people turn in showtune request from time to time it make me want to kill myself and the crowd hates them even if they sing well. I am considering removing them from the book next printing.

I was at Babs' show an Friday night, near the end of the night we had a couple of girls come in who wanted to sing. They did "All That Jazz" and brought down the house!!!

Her venue is typically NOT showtune friendly, but they just proved that the show tunes can make a difference for a new singer in the venue.

I think Babs said that they told her they will be back, but I'll let her elaborate.

One of the singers (Art) that hangs out in Hollywierd, (The Brass Monkey) sings show tunes exclusively..

Never had a single person complain..

Yes, an old retired moofer..
Television cameraman for NBC in New York.. for forty years.

Sings up a storm..

A couple of showtunes go over well at my show. "All That Jazz" is definetly one of them. Another is "Cabaret" by Liza. Most of them, and I have seen many done, are like funeral music and really kill the energy.

_________________
"Don't worry. It will feel better when it quits hurtin."

People dont seem to mind showtunes if they are done well..its when they bolw it or it one of those 9-10 min then it gets to be a little much..I cant wait to see what happens when I get SPRING AWAKING added to my book..Ive already have add some ask about it and inform me they are going to do some of the songs when I get it in..it will be interesting to say the least
Unlike most karaoke songs..showtunes are harder to do..sometimes ...most ..due to more key and tempo changes.

It not a matter of if the crowd hates it or not..everyone has a right to do the songs they like..taking songs out of you book for that reason is being very unfair to those who like to do them

I agree Gemini. I could make a list of hundreds of songs that I would rather not here for the rest of my life but leave them in the library because people love to sing them. I have been known to encourage singers to select a different song at certain times in the evening because it will bring the party crowd down.

_________________
"Don't worry. It will feel better when it quits hurtin."

You never know what a crowd is really going to like. I still remember singing a song once I thought no one would really like but me, and having two or three others join me on stage to finish singing it (and I'm not the kind of singer that normally attracts stage crashers). It totally blew me away. A show tune can be a refreshing breath of fresh air.

I don't ever pull songs because I don't like them. It's not about what I personally like (there would only by heavy hard rock in my book if that were the case ). However I don't buy songs like showtunes simply because they are never asked for - ever, no point in wasting money on something I know for a fact will not get used. I did have interest in a couple showtune/musical discs that I did buy around 2000, they got used once by one of the requestors & never again to my knowledge. Someone gave me the Chicago soundtrack & All That Jazz & When You're Good To Mama was actually done often (only by two people), but now these 2 girls have been 86'd from the bar, neither songs have been done since.
Broadway/showtunes are definitely not a need nor want in our shows.

_________________
LIKE Lonman on Facebook - Lonman Productions Karaoke & my main site via my profile!

I have one show (tuesday) at a lesbian club, and they do TONS of showtunes. Most of which do an outstanding job, if I might add. Now, mind you, I am definitely not a showtune type person, but when a song is done well, then you have to tip your hat to them. And that's how these songs are received by the crowd. The songs come from shows like, Chicago, Rent, Les Mis., Phantom of the Opera, Wicked and now am being asked if I could find some from Glee something,something,,, never heard of it before, ,,,,so I will keep looking until I find it. I would never consider taking anything out of my books, just because I don't like a song, even the ones that should be "edited". If a venue has a rule about certain types, then that is the rule of the house, not my rule.

I sing show tunes almost exclusively. I have never gotten a less than a positive reaction no matter where I've sung. I'm talking everything from country bars to biker bars and everything in between. I just won a local contest and was the only one singing show tunes - and not even well known show tunes. My competitors all sang pop, rock, and more easily recognizable material - and they were all quite good. Now, it may have something to do with the fact that I know how to "sell" these songs, but, I do find that, no matter what, people recognize when something is done well and appreciate it even if it isn't generally their cup of tea. I certainly understand not buying certain material because it doesn't get requested in your venue, but do feel it unfair to remove something from your book simply because you, as the KJ don't care for it.

_________________

"I hold the key to an open door....will I ever be free...?"

Show tunes rock! Unless it's from The Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat. I also hate the one from Rent which goes on and on about minutes or some such. Step daughter sings that constantly. Give me some Le Miz or Cabaret.

Hello All,
the only ones I've gotten where One Night In Bangkok (Chess) and I dreamed a Dream. I will have to admit that I've done some selections from Phantom.
The don't really go over to well for me. But to each their own ,If the customers want to sing it, they sing it.

Jason Christopher
Acclaim Productions

Stage Stars are currently working on karaoke for Spring Awaking...Wizard Of Oz and..Little Shop Of Horrors..Im looking forward to them

Little Shop of Horrors has been out on Pocket Songs 1400 for several years now.

I have had the opportunity to discuss show tunes with some gay regulars at my shows. And it was they who brought up the subject of show tunes and mentioned that there are some gay establishments where show tunes are EXTREMELY popular at karaoke. They further note that straight audiences aren't as appreciative of them!

A prior poster noted the popular of show tunes among his lesbian clientele.

I kinda understand the attraction to and appreciation of show tunes among gay audiences.

It is also my observation that "straight" audiences, particularly younger ones, could do without them. Sure, there is "this" exception here, and "that" exception there as to songs that go over well. But generally speaking, you'll live longer and prosper better without 'em.

IMHO, they are a "showstoppers", alright. People hear them and wish the show would stop!