In my opinion, THE BEST part of musical theater is the creative period.
I’ve been a part of dance workshops of other shows before and love the time working with dancers and choreographers. Hearing them say, “5, 6, 7, 8..” and trying to interpret their “uh, ha, tee tee, ha…and 1 and 2..” and other sounds corresponding to certain dance moves, it’s fascinating. I also enjoy watching the choreography team create dance breaks and see them collaborate with the dance arranger.
The result is often the most exciting parts of the musicals you see on Broadway.
This new show (The Hippest Trip-The Soul Train Musical) will have incredible dancing. A musical about Soul Train BETTER have that as a foundation.
I’m curious to see what happens moving forward. The team working on this show is top-notch (great book writer, choreographer, and director). The music is no joke, and these dancers…soooo good.
Let me know your experiences creating drum parts and dance breaks for shows in the comments here:
Clayton Craddock hosts the Broadway Drumming 101 Podcast and Newsletter. He has held the drum chair in several hit broadway and off-broadway musicals, including Tick, tick…BOOM!, Altar Boyz, Memphis The Musical, Lady Day At Emerson's Bar and Grill and Ain’t Too Proud.
The Broadway Drumming 101 Instagram page: Instagram
The Broadway Drumming 101 YouTube page: YouTube
For more about Clayton, click HERE