Riedel confirms this little piece of gossip (oh, wait, I guess it still is gossip) after a dressing down of the Spamalot folks in today's column... If there is truth to it, I for one can't wait for Guettel's "Princess Bride". Riedel in Today's Post
"When you're a gay man, you have to feel good about yourself when a urologist says, "Yeah. I pick you". - Happy Endings
What happy news to wake up to! Adam Guettel's next project! I love those words. I hope I don't have to wait yeers and yeers and yeers to see it though I know it'll be worth the wait.
"I'm the STAR!"--Daniel Reichard during Glory Daze sound check
I am shocked. SHOCKED! People like Sondheim and Stephen Schwartz have been stymied in getting to this project. Not that I'm complaining, I think it'll give Guettel a chance to write more of his gorgeous melodies only with more accessbility for the audience. I guess I'm not surprised that Goldman will be writing the book; he's been so protective of this piece.
"You know, a little orphan girl once told me that the sun would come out tomorrow. Her adopted father was a powerful billionaire, so I supressed the urge to laugh in her face. But now, by gum, I think she might have been on to something!"
--Reefer Madness
That is wonderful. I have adored The Princess Bride forever and, other than Sondheim, I can't think of anyone I'd trust more to do a good job and make the show not suck.
And I'd rather see a very well done musical in 5 years than a thrown together show sooner.
I love the Princess Bride and here's another tidbit. Patinkin LOVES Guettel's work and does it in concert sometimes...so if they do a musical, I wonder if he'd consider playing Inigo again. He's a bit old for the part, but I'd love to see him participate again.
It seems that Guettel is following Sondheim's path rather closely. The Light In The Piazza has a Do I Hear A Waltz feel to it and now The Princess Bride will have an Into The Woods feel.
The truly beautiful should be lawfully restricted from wearing clothing; and the truly butt-ugly should be lawfully mandated from going naked.
I guess I'm the only one who thinks this is a add combination? Guettel writes pretty songs, but he is as serious as a heart attack. I can't see him fitting at all with the light-hearted adverture feel of this story. I hope I am wrong, but I just can't help but feel this is an awkward fit at best.
Gee, I was right...it only took a MOMENT for someone to skewer him. Let's agree to disagree. I happen to love the guy's voice and concerts. And there are others who do too. You are also entitled to your opinion.
Would love to have seen Sondheim tackle this in the spirit of 'Into the Woods'
First of all, William Goldman has been my favorite author for YEARS. If you haven't read any of his books, DEFINITELY go seek them out - even beyond Princess Bride -- stuff like Marathon Man and ESPECIALLY Boys and Girls Together are AMAZING.
Adam Guettel has written two great scores (I don't like Myths and Hyms so much), so we know he has the chops.
Joe - as for lightheartedness - there's some light moments in Floyd Collins -- like The Riddle Song and Between a Rock and a Hard Place -- I think he'll be fine.
Don't forget Is That Remarkable? from Floyd Collins -- very lighthearted, funny, ironic. Give him a shot folks, he's gonna rock your world with this one.
OH WOW! I love his music. I looooove that movie. Hopefully it will be a great combination.
This is wanting something
This is reaching for it
This is wishing that a moment would arrive- LITP
everybody goes down well with beer!-sweeney
Todd
Listen to the stories
Hear it in the songs
Angry men don't write the rules and guns don't right the wrongs!-Assassins
BobbyBuddy - I wouldn't think that this would take too long, even if he is a slow writer. He already has two foundations to take from: the book and the screenplay. How much could he change without drawing the wrath of the fans? Not very much at all. IMHO, this will be completed relatively soon, at least for the book. Music, on the other hand, is anyone's guess. While I dearly looooove Guettel's work, I think he takes his time to compose the work, which is a very good thing, don't get me wrong. I'm just so excited for this that I don't want to have to wait too long!