WOS Radio: Adam Guettel & guests at Q&A

Hippodrome, the iconic Leicester Square variety
and music hall venue that closed as a public performance venue in 2009
and is only newly opened, showcased some of Guettel’s latest work as well as some favourites from The Light in the Piazza, with a small band and the help of Caroline Sheen and Jonathan Ansell.

Following the show, many stayed for a Q&A with Adam Guettel, Jonathan Ansell, Caroline Sheen and musical director Kim Grigsby.

Host Joe Pike, Caroline Sheen, Adam Guettel, Jonathan Ansell & Kim Grigsby. Photo: Rosie Bannister

Guettel talked about his writing process, and explained how he often writes the music before the lyrics of his songs. He also talked about the orchestration of his music, and how he sometimes likes to orchestrate as he composes.

Caroline Sheen and Jonathan Ansell explained how hard Guettel’s music is to learn, but told us what a joy it is once it’s mastered, while musical director Kim Grigsby talked about working with Guettel and the short rehearsal process that the guests had had for the concert.

Guettel also talked about his musical influences, from Stravinsky to his grandfather Richard Rogers, and about the variety of subjects that he uses for his shows. He also explained why he wanted to write a musical that appealed to children as well as adults, and told us of an upcoming opera that he is working on.

To listen to the Q&A, which was hosted by Joe Pike,
click the ‘play’ button below; or to subscribe and download from iTunes,
click here.

As always, please feel free to email your comments and thoughts about
the show, as well as any of your favourite insights from last night to feedback@whatsonstage.com and don’t forget to tweet using #WOSOuting! We would love to hear from you.

– by Rosie Bannister