Backwards in High Heels Arizona Theatre Company Play Guide

McGOVERN
CM: By far, it is one of the things I am proudest of. I wanted to use some of those
famous songs associated with Ginger in her fi lms - and I think an audience has an
expectation to hear them. But it was critical to me to make the songs work as "book
songs." In other words, I did not want to stop the action just to do an unrelated number.
After settling into the show, I wanted the audience to become unaware of the "famous"
songs and to be involved in the story. So when you see "Embraceable You," it is used
as a proposal for example, or "Change Partners" frames Lela's account of Ginger's
marriages. When a stagehand sings "There may be trouble ahead..." it precedes Ginger
about to tangle with the head of the studio. As far as the four original songs (and tons
of original dance music I created for the show), it is much easier writing within the
restrictions of a time period. Many people have commented or written about how well
the original songs fi t into the whole "score." I take that as a huge compliment. I would
never compare myself to the songwriting giants whose works appear in the score...but
there were a few moments where a "source song" just didn't do what I needed it to do
for the story. I hope when an audience leaves the show, it feels like they have heard an
entirely new score, even though it has been fashioned out of songs culled from many
sources, as well as songs newly written for the production. Of course Patti Colombo,
the choreographer, did a brilliant job using movement to help tell the story as well, and
the dance music was altered for her. I would imagine a show about Ginger would be a
dream show for a choreographer, as well as really hard work!
JB: So often when ATC audiences see you, you’re onstage serving as music director for
ATC shows like The Pajama Game, Hair and [title of show]. For this show, is it nice to sit
back and not have to be on stage every night?
CM: It's TERRIFIC! Don't get me wrong, I love playing and conducting shows, and ATC
is one of my favorite theatres to play in (actually TWO of my favorites.) But it is healthy
to let a show go - and let someone else contribute their vision and their interpretation.
Stepping back, I was able to see the bigger picture since so much had been created in
the rehearsal process. I loved seeing this brilliant cast and Scott and Patti's vision of the
piece, and I took it as a great compliment that they lavished it with such smarts and
love. On Opening Night, I just let it all go and became a part of the audience. It really
is a lovely production of the show, due in large part to Scott, Patti and the gorgeous
designs of Walt Spangler (set) and Alejo Vietti (costumes). Plus, you can't ask for better
than this cast. Better yet, since I'm not playing or conducting, it's fun to be able to have
a glass of wine BEFORE the show starts!
Backwards in High Heels
Arizona Theatre Company Play Guide 13