First Musical (Into the Woods)

[jfreakinross]

I just received the opportunity to play lead in my first musical (I have subbed for them before on an emergency basis). The show is "Into the Woods", which I have no information on this show besides the fact it was recently made into a Disney film haha.

Does anyone one have any notes on the show (mutes, range trouble spots. ect ect..) I believe we have the MTI rental if my memory serves me right. Thanks in advance for any information.

[zaferis]

If I recall, not a huge range needed (C's and D's). I do remember a fanfare that repeats several times that is a challenge. And like any show you'll have to play the same thing in several, not trumpet friendly, keys.
I only recall using a straight mute - but it was a long time ago

And I have a faint memory of using a picc at one point - called for in the book.

It's a great show, enjoy!
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[tubbs831]

I've done the show twice. I do not recall picc being called for but most recently I found using it for a few of the fanfares very helpful. You'll definitely need straight and a piccolo straight (if you decide to go that route). I also recall cup and Harmon, but I could be mistaken. Definitely no rare mutes. No big blows, the trumpet is used rather sparingly to good effect. The book I have played from both times has been a C trumpet book. There is also a Bb book out there, but I'd ask to be sure in case you don't play C trumpet/sight transpose well.

[jfreakinross]

[trpthrld]

First, change your entire mind-set. You are not the "Lead Trumpet" on this show - you are the "1st Trumpet." If you plan on playing the book like a Lead player would, you shouldn't take the job.

In fact - you are the only trumpet in the show.

I've done a bunch of ItW's, and will probably be doing another this summer. It's a fun show, some really nice melody/harmony stuff. Excellent Sondheim.

AFAIK, there are 3 versions out there to be played. I played only two of those. I have heard of guys using picc, but I've never seen a version where anything was written specific for picc. As always, use the equipment that helps guarantee you will play the best show you can on every performance, even if you don't get any extra $ for the double.

With the exception of all the fanfares in the book, trumpet isn't really needed. Yeah...I hate saying that, but when I get asked what instrumentation for a small pit, I have to be honest & tell them more reeds & strings instead of trumpet.

Here are my notes about the show:

Into the Woods - Stephen Sondheim
There are at least 3 different music books / versions for the show. The original 1987 B’way (MTI rental / “Legal”), the 1990 London “West End” version, & one other (“Illegal).

One way to tell the difference is with font & page set-up.
The Illegal has more instrument cues written in it - clar, flute, Fr. Horn, bassoon.
The illegal is Finale. Except for some “segue”s at the bottom of tunes that are actually “attacca”s, it’s one of the best laid-out books for pages turns, etc.

ENORMOUS NOTE - trying to combine any of the versions - WILL NOT WORK. Everyone "literally" needs to be on the same page.

1 part
C trumpet. There is also a Bb transposed book.
St., cup, Harmon (no stem), “Felt” (tight) cup

All range notes are for C trpt: C#, optional Eb

#35 “The Potion” ms 40-42 opt 8va (Eb) - completely unnecessary

Fairly easy blow. Not until the 2nd page of Bows/Exit are there any challenges, that one in particular being on where to breathe.

About 2 hr 45 min w/ 15 min halftime.

Easy way to play the faster fanfares is to alternate finger the 16th triplets in the 8th / 16th triplet / 8th rhythms.

Fanfares. A mix of 3/4 & 12/8 meter signatures.

A few years ago, Wilmer Wise, who played the original B'way production, subbed for me on a community theatre run. According to him, "I’ve played the London book 3 times, which had a LOT more fanfares in Act II than did the B’way book."
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[jfreakinross]

[DickieG64]

Hi guys,

I conducted Into the Woods once and played trumpet once. I conducted it at a beautiful outdoor summer theater in Springfield, Il. This was early 90"s I believe. We were one of the first amateur productions that was done. I did my usual score prep and went to the first orchestra rehearsal. At that point we discovered that there was so many differences in the score and the parts that it became a nightmare. We got it all worked out, but it took hours of work. I have conducted a lot of shows, but never had before or since a problem like that. There was one trumpet part in C.

When I played trumpet on the show, we had only flute and trumpet for winds. To fill it out I played the clarinet parts (the easier ones, as I am not a great clarinet player) when I wasn't playing trumpet. It did help fill it out.

It is a great show and has always been one of my favorites. Have fun.

Dick G.
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[nyctrumpeter]

Its a fun show and nicely written music. From what I remember, the trumpet player on the recent broadway production, Dominic Derasse, played piccolo trumpet on those fanfares. The first one clearly sounds like it to me.
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[dalmavs]

I played this once, and the person hiring did not pay attention when they were contracting. They saw two parts and figured they needed both a Bb and C trumpet player!

[Jmenc]

So…. Now I’m being asked to sub for this. Anyone have any updates since the last post?

[trpthrld]

[cheiden]

I strongly encourage anyone playing this to find the video of the original cast performance. It's not hard to find. It's brilliant and will give you an idea of how unique this show is and how you fit onto it. Watching the movie version will only confuse you so don't rely on that.

You will absolutely want to coordinate how the conductor will be cueing the fanfares or I guarantee you'll trip and you don't want that because it's completely exposed. And you can't take liberties with the fanfare tempos because other players need to follow you.

The small pit orchestra is more of a chamber group than many other shows. You'll want to adjust your presence to that of the small group.

BTW I love this show. One of my favorites. Have fun.
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[trpthrld]

[tubbs831]

If you watch this video all the way through, the credits list the musicians. While Wilmer Wise did play the original run, and is featured on the OBCR, Neil Balm is the trumpeter here. He sounds great!

How many for C trumpet on this one? When I first played the book back in 06 that was the only option. Have tried Bb once or twice but always returned to C.

[patdublc]

[trpthrld]

[cheiden]