One of my pet peeves going to concerts is when the singer interrupts a song to throw in some patter or introductions. Songs tell a story and the illusion is destroyed once the singer steps out of the moment. It’s insulting to lyricists. What if performers did that in dramas? Imagine a production of STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE with Marlon Brando and Vivien Leigh on stage. The play is barreling to an explosive finale when: Blanche: So, farewell, my friend! And let there be no hard feelings....
Stanley: Was this before or after the telegram came from the Texas oil millionaire?
Blanche: What telegram? No! No, after! As a matter of fact, the wire came just as -
Stanley: AS a matter of fact there wasn’t no wire at all! Hey, how ‘about this dialogue? Tennessee Williams, ladies and gentleman!
Blanche: Oh, oh!
Stanley: There isn’t no millionaire! And Mitch didn’t come back with roses ‘cause I know where he is. Playing Mitch, the great Karl Malden. Wasn’t he something, folks?
Blanche: Oh!
Stanley: There isn’t a goddam thing but imagination!
Blanche: Oh!
Stanley: And lies and conceit and tricks! Which reminds me, we couldn’t do this without great lighting and Harold Foonman and his crew is the best.
Blanche: Oh!
Stanley: And look at yourself! Take a look at yourself in that worn-out Mardi Gras outfit, rented for fifty cents from some rag-picker! And with the crazy crown on! What queen do you think you are? A nice hand now for Lisa Moorvoritz and her wardrobe department.
Blanche: Oh – God...
Stanley: I’ve been on to you from the start! Not once did you pull any wool over this boy’s eyes! Wow. I sound like an Elvis record. You come in here and sprinkle the place with powder and spray perfume and cover the light-bulb with a paper lantern, and lo and behold the place has turned into Egypt and you are the Queen of the Nile! Sitting on your throne and swilling down my liquor! I say – Ha! –Ha! Do you hear me? Ha –ha –ha! You’d be laughing too. This is real liquor, folks! I love doing this show!
Somehow I think you’d lose the impact. It's great to introduce the band, just wait until the song is over. Thank you.