NOTE: Yes, I've fallen behind AGAIN on posting my journal entries, but I have been keeping track of what's going on, so consider these next six entries my catching up.
During my research at the beginnning of the summer, I read about the 2004 production of Baby at the Paper Mill Playhouse. The production contained a revised libretto and new music. But when looking back on MTIShows.com (MTI licenses the performing rights of the show), the only version mentioned was the 1987 National Tour, the copy Tabby, Steven, and I had recieved at the end of the semester. I pushed the thought of the new script out of my mind to focus on what I had. Once I returned to school, though, I went back to the MTI site and saw the 2004 version listed. When I asked Marcus which script we would end up with, he said we would have to wait to see when they arrived. It turns out that the official script for Baby is now, in fact, the revised version, and I wondered how it would be in comparison.
SPOILER WARNING! IF YOU ARE READING THIS BLOG, AREN'T IN THE CAST OR CREW, AND STILL PLAN ON SEEING THE SHOW, STOP READING THIS ENTRY NOW!!!!
The answer is that it's so much better than the '87 version! The script (while not entirely) fixes some of the problems I had with the older one, removing and/or rewriting some of the cheesier and dated dialogue to make it more contemporary and timeless. The new material adds so much to the story. The biggest change comes as part of Alan and Arlene's story; in this new version, Arlene has a miscarriage halfway through Act II. This was something the writers wanted from the beginning but had to change before the Broadway opening, and I have to admit it works. They still reach their happy ending of rediscovering and renewing their love for each other, but only after hitting rock bottom, and this gives us a bigger dramatic payoff. There's also the new song, "The End of Summer," where the three leading ladies have another trio, this time expressing their fears for the future. I can't find a single recording or video of the song, so I can't wait to hear it.
The biggest change involving Danny and Lizzie, however, is the scene leading into "Two People in Love." It's completely rewritten, removing all the over-the-top goofiness the older version had. In short, it's more realistic and gets to the point of Danny's conflict! Danny returns from his tour with the band totally changed, fearful of his future with Lizzie and his ability to provide for her and the baby. He doubts his career in music, and now says he doesn't want to marry Lizzie so she won't have to change. They fight, which culminates in the realization that it's too late; they BOTH have changed. We then get to my favorite addition: a soft-spoken intro into "Two People In Love," which briefly reprises "I Chose Right" and "What Could Be Better?," and thus the following song has newer, stronger meaning. It's not just a declaration of their love anymore, but an affirmation of their strength and faith in each other.
Overall, this new script is great, and with this and the cast we have I KNOW now that this show will be amazing!
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