By the time I graduated I was ready to eat Las Vegas. Tom Leslie asked me to write another piece for the group as I was leaving, and I thought it would be a blast to do something completely ridiculous. The players are called upon to scream in terror, dress like Elvises Elvi , and play in about thirty different styles from mambo to cheesy lounge music.
I wrote the bulk of the piece while in my first year at Juilliard, and no kidding, I used to act out the script every morning devouring animal crackers, wreaking havoc all over the breakfast table. The idea that this piece is being played all over the world in such serious concert venues is the single funniest thing I have ever heard. It has been played on the steps of the Capitol by the United States Marine Band, by the Scottish National Wind Symphony they play in kilts, so help me God , and I have a video of a Japanese audience visibly confused and shaken by the whole experience.
Can you imagine? Godzilla Eats Las Vegas! Leslie, conductor, and received its premiere November 28th, The performers are encouraged to go crazy: wear showgirl costumes, Elvis costumes, act out scenes on stage, use video and lighting β anything to get a laugh. The band kicks off the show in high gear and all is well as we suddenly hear:. The Elvi are triumphant! The scene climaxes with:. Stock footage, stock music. Godzilla lives!
Complete terror possible sequel? In , my good friend Jonathan Newman reorchestra Godzilla for full orchestra and I created new choral parts to accompany the musicians. The choral parts can be performed with either the original concert band arrangement or the newer orchestral arrangement.
Here is the script that the audience follows while the piece is being performed: Part One FADE UP It is a Bright and Sunny day as the sequined curtain rises on tinsel town, and the excitement of a new day filled with the possibility of The Big Payoff is practically palpable. Glorious Godzilla! The End. Note from Composer In , my good friend Jonathan Newman reorchestra Godzilla for full orchestra and I created new choral parts to accompany the musicians.
