"Eight To The Bar" A musical
Music, Lyrics and Book by Georgina St George
Eight To The Bar is a musical about 8 characters in a New York bar. Two bartenders - Mike and Robert, both aspiring actors - but only one will make it to the top. Mandy, the high-powered attorney who can't understand why she repels men. She bumps into her old school friend, Sue. and we witness their conversation and internal thoughts, fraught with doubt and jealousy.
Pam, the songwriter, has trust issues since her relationship with Robert ended when he went to LA to pursue his career. Sweet, innocent Sally who can't get enough of New York and has landed her dream job in the fashion industry. Her boyfriend, Dave, has been promoted. He chooses this moment to propose to Sally and ask her to move to Philadelphia with him. Does Sally love Dave more than she loves New York? George is meeting Pam at the bar tonight, but to his horror, his wife Sue arrives, looking for Dave - George's best friend!
The stories are told primarily through 16 songs. Each character has at least one strong solo, and there are duets, a trio, a quartet and four vibrant ensemble numbers.
There are two versions of the musical. One runs for an hour and ten minutes with no interval and can be performed "environmentally" using the audience as the set with the action taking place all around them. It can also be done in an intimate cabaret setting.
The second version is two acts with an interval which is drafted but hasn't been work-shopped. With a run time of approximately one hour and forty-five minutes, this version is designed for a more traditional stage setting. The second act of the story takes place seven years later than the first act so we find out how all the characters have developed. Who has seen their dreams come true? Will Robert return to the bar to reunite with Pam?
For more information, please contact Georgina on 07783441045 or email pianokey88@hotmail.com
A selection of songs from "Eight to the Bar"
"The Bar" - Title Song (ensemble)
"In My Dream" - 11th hour love song between Robert and Pam
"She's Got It All" - Mandy & Sue meet after 7 years and compare their lives
"Why Don't We Move To Philadelphia?" (trio between Mike, Dave & Sally)
"There's Something Wrong With George" - Sue pleads with Dave to confide in her
"Fame & Fortune" - sung by the ensemble when Robert comes into the bar after his big success
"I've Never Been Married Before" - Sally's thought song
"No Heat, No Hot Water" - Mike the bartender sings this to Pam to make her smile
"Overnight Sensation" - ensemble sings the reviews of Robert's new Broadway show!
"Mike's Thought Song"
Mike feels envious of Robert's success
"Never In My Life" - Dave sings this to Sally. It involves a marriage proposal.
Production History
"Eight To The Bar" was originally showcased in New York City in a bar called "Telephone" on 10th Street and 2nd Avenue. An Off-Broadway producer came to see it and offered an option on the show right away. As it turned out, the timing wasn't right for her and she passed the show over to a Broadway producer who also optioned it. Although neither the off-Broadway nor Broadway productions came about, the show had three productions in New York, each one in a different bar with around 30 performances total.
Production Requirements
Cast of 8 - 4 female and 4 male strong singers. Music can be a small band depending on space allowance. Or the performers could be actor/musicians. Costumes are minimal, being normal attire. The only exception being Robert who could have a successful movie-star look.
The set can be an actual bar with action taking place around the audience. The lighting needs to be set at three specific tables that are for cast only and sight-lines have to be carefully considered. Alternatively, the show could be staged.