The Extra Dance Number

We were driving along, when my son suddenly burst out singing "Shapoopie" from "The Music Man."  Something had prompted him to start singing his own alternate words to this comic dance number.  He got us all laughing hysterically.  Then he said that he really didn't understand why that song was even included in the movie which is possibly already the longest musical in history.  Besides, it is so silly.

My sister explained that sometimes an extra dance number is needed in a musical to perform certain functions.  In a live stage show, an extra dance number might be used to cover complicated set changes or costume changes.  It might serve as a time when the ensemble gets another needed chance to perform, or it can just provide some comic relief.  "Shapoopie" serves all of those roles as well as giving some plot subtext to help develop the "love" story between the main characters.

Having an "extra" dance number for the ensemble is actually tremendously important.  The performers need to feel properly utilized when they do a show.  There is nothing worse than being cast in a very long show where most of the ensemble members just sit backstage playing cards for hours.  Besides, the energy infused into the show by colorful dance numbers is felt and usually greatly appreciated by the audience.  When a show's energy lags, an "extra" dance number is just what perks it up again.

My Summer Theater Camp Show this year is actually filled with many dance numbers.  "A Successor to the Throne" keeps the entire cast busy from beginning to end.  Many of the dancers are especially busy with quick costume changes and picking up specific dance props such as parasols, fans, ribbon wands, and farm tools (yes, farm tools are used in a dance about working in the summertime).  I have been busy trying to figure out who gets to dance in which numbers and how they get on and off our little patio stage!