Broadway shows: how much of that music is truly live?

[warnergt]

I can remember going to shows in New York (e.g. Radio City) when I was a child and they had what appeared to be complete orchestras. I've been to a few shows in recent years and I only see about half a dozen musicians down in the semi-hidden orchestra pit. Yet, they have a full sound. Are these musicians really working all the instruments? Or is this music being augmented with pre-recorded music?

[Ed Fuqua]

Broadway and off Broadway shows pit bands are regulated by the American Federation of Musicians contracts (you obviously don't remember the strike on Bway a couple of years back). You pretty much HAVE to have a specific number of musicians in order to put on a musical. There are "exceptions" granted, most specifically if there is proven an actual reason; generally that means the show revolves around a specific musical group that appears on stage (like the show MOVIN OUT, that was basic just dancers and a band doing Billy Joel tunes etc.) .

[CamMcIntyre]

It depends on the show like Ed said.

There may be more musicians that are in a different part of the building that are mic'd. Wicked [Chicago] has the percussion player [not the drummer] in a separate part of the building.

Depending on what instruments you're referring to, some of them may be synthesizer [not sure on the regulations of that though].

In a show such as Jersey Boys or The Wedding Singer, there are additional musicians in the pit to what you see on stage.

E.g. for The Wedding Singer there are 4 guitarists listed, 3 of which I believe were in the pit, 2 bassists-one on stage and one in the pit. The guys on stage play for certain parts of the show, but their main role [in most cases] is as an actor.

If you check IBDB.com you can see the listings for wide range of shows that are in New York.

For a great look at theater playing check out www.bassplayer.tv and click on Artist Interviews and watch the videos by John Miller.

[ihavebrownhaira]

anybody who performs broadway or enjoys broadway should be rewarded for their hard work.

[Ed Fuqua]

Originally Posted by ihavebrownhaira

anybody who performs broadway or enjoys broadway should be shot dead.

Ahem

[JimK]

KUNGFUQUA'd!

[SteveC]

Originally Posted by ihavebrownhaira

anybody who performs broadway or enjoys broadway should be shot dead.

I hope you aren't serious. What an ignorant statement.