BAND add-ins

decker
Band Add-ins. . .ideas

Setting the Scene
Babes in Arms is a play within a play (actually, at least two plays in the larger play). Along with that, our set is a stage on a stage. The band then, is a band within a band and plays for the action during “The Deep North” and the “Kid Revue” and the larger Babes in Arms. So the band is able to do some of the things on stage they normally can’t do. They can chat with each other, the actors, conductor and so on – but only at carefully planned moments that may appear spontaneous and normal, but are actually part of the show (ACTING!) Have fun.

Bits
Entrance
The band begins “showing up” at 7:10. Some set up their instruments, tune them, re-arrange the stage, swap music stands, talk with the conductor about music, run sample bits of music together to “get it right”, score music, greet each other, etc.

By 7:20, most band members will be on stage (entering from the stage, from the audience, from the side door) and begin “playing” although it may not appear that it’s for the show – sort of a “larger practice.” By 7:25 (or however long the Overture is), they begin playing – except for one player (triangle?). That player will show up at 7:29, frazzled, in a rush, banging and trying to get in the side door, until finally someone opens it up and lets them in. While music is still playing, that latecomer will apologize, get set up, get a stern look from the conductor (who checks the time), all this business so that ideally the latecomer can play just one, triumphant, finishing note, just in time. Thus ends the Overture. Lights go out and the musical begins.

Between Songs
Depending on the stage action, they can congratulate each other, make a show of getting ready for the next song, continue talking with conductor/scoring music, etc. Someone may need to go to the bathroom, cross the stage to talk with someone else, hit on an actor, exchange business cards.

Spotlights
As the music permits, band members may get up and move to other parts of the stage to play. Maybe they share the stage during an instrumental solo with a singer. Actors may come over to “practice” a piece of music, which is a cover for a song in the piece

To be developed
1. Maybe the “latecomer” continues the gag throughout the show
2. band member tries hitting on just about every actor, rejected continually
3. conductor is “missing” and someone else takes over – at first is panicked, then tentative, then really getting into and having a blast, and finishes (right then the conductor rushes in, sees it’s done). The student just smiles and sits down.
4. gag instrument, that keeps falling apart
5. actor keeps trying to play with the band (maybe fits with #3 above)

FINALE
Band takes a bow of their own.