Listen to the first song from KINKY BOOTS

[WiCkEDrOcKS]

http://popwatch.ew.com/2012/06/21/first-listen-cyndi-lauper-broadway-kinky-boots/

Not a fan. At all.

[Tag]

Don't forget it says this is a remixed version.

[iluvtheatertrash]

Yikes.... And that lyric.

[tazber]

It's obviously not traditional musical theater sounding, but I like the song.

A show with a genuine dance music score could be fun.

[egghumor]

The track sounds a lot like something that would have appeared on her 2008 dance music CD "Bring Ya to the Brink." Whether or not it will work as a theater number is hard to say at this point. I certainly didn't care for the original film of Kinky Boots when I saw it some years back.

[Rainbowhigh23]

They were playing this at Broadway Bares. Very fun song!

I'm in a party mood listening to this song now

[CurtainPullDowner]

I love the track, the energy is electric.
My fingers are all crossed that they turn this into something exciting.
Sounds right up Jerry's Alley.

Any casting buzz?

[EricMontreal22]

I... like it. I'd be curious to know how remixed this is. It's let down by lyrics that work fine for a gay dance song, but don't seem to do much theatrically, but I guess I could see it being done in some boot fashion show on stage (which could be a huge camp mess). It does have the retro dance sound of Bring Ya to the Brink, an album I loved.

Kinky Boots was, IMHO, a pretty underwhelming film, it seemed similar to a number of other UK "underdog" films but not as good, or on the other hand not campy enough--I think the stage version could only improve on it.

[EricMontreal22]

"A show with a genuine dance music score could be fun."

I thought the Pet Shop Boys' score for Closer to Heaven largely worked, but they've always been known for having fairly theatrical lyrics--too bad when I finally got to "see" it I realized how one dimensional and cliched Jonathan Harvey's book was, as well as how ugly the original production looked (it was also let down by having a great 10 minute opening with My Night, and nothing at the same level after).

[tazber]

When I wrote that I knew someone was going to bring up Closer To Heaven.

And rightfully so as it the only other musical I can think of that has a "genuine" dance score.

I heard it was awful and some of the lyrics are just ridiculous, but I happily admit to loving the cast album.

The ultimate guilty pleasure.

[EricMontreal22]

Agreed on all counts (and if you haven't heard/seen/read Harvey's libretto, count yourself lucky, though I don't think he's really done anything decent since Beautiful Thing).

I wonder how much Lauper's score will be dance/pop, since she's done so many different genres (as long as we don't hear more of blues like her last studio album...) When Scissor Sisters were attached to Tales of the City, many seemed to think it would be dance heavy, but there were only a couple of disco-ish tracks. I guess Taboo could be called a dance heavy score, but some o that were pre-existing songs.

(But there's always Got Tu Go Disco, the grandaddy of the genre :P )

[EricMontreal22]

*edit* My only real gripe with Closer to Heaven's cast album is the boneheaded decision to release a 3 minute My Night and keep the show's original extended bit with all the characters as a download only (apparently due to the label thinking it should sound more like a pop album and less like a cast album).

[Mister Matt]

Unfortunately, I remember seeing Closer to Heaven in London and it was one of the worst musicals I've ever seen. The score had a few nice moments, but the show was hideous. Cheap and tacky designs, juvenile choreography, and a book that made virtually every character loathsome. Billie Trix had some great quips, but they were few and far between.

[greensgreens]

Well, in all actuality, it's really going to be all about how the song is orchestrated and arranged for the show, which likely won't be anything like the remixes we have at this point. The lyrics are certainly no worse than some of the banal garbage that's passing for lyrics on B'way now and the actual melody is fine. If you took her acapella and threw it over a more B'way-style orchestration (i.e., less drums, more instruments), I think you would find it more than appropriate for the legitimate stage.

Case in point: Like A Virgin from Moulin Rouge or (in reverse) Deborah Cox's released versions of Easy As Life (from Aida)

I'm looking forward to this show and hope it's a huge win for all involved. However, ultimately, I really think Cyndi needs to come back to perform on the stage. What about Mame?

[EricMontreal22]

I hope this isn't a case similar to Like a Virgin--the song feels like it would lose its energy and point if it was done in 'standard" Broadway style...

[taboo123]

like it.

i just really hope that they decide to keep 'Give me Cha CHa Heels' and 'Yes Sir I can Boogie' from the film. I really do- it's what made the movie so great.

[Proper Villain]

EricMontreal - there are parts I *love* in Closer to Heaven. However, I've never watched it (they did a DVD release, right? Or am I confusing this with the London Taboo?)

In my wildest dreams... this is how the show SHOULD sound in my mind. Remix or not... make it happen!

Is the logo growing on anyone else? I would almost use "super cute" to describe it.

[gravity87]

I don't know how to feel about this...

[goldenboy]

not impressed.