Top Five Songs: A Man of No Importance

I’ve been on an Ahrens & Flaherty kick lately, and this show has some astounding numbers.  Ahrens & Flaherty are an interesting composing duo.  To me, they’re a bit uneven – each score I’ve heard of theirs has at least a few forgettable songs – but when they’re on, they’re incredibly on.  Here are my favorites from A Man of No Importance.  (Fun fact:  all five are from Act I; this show is seriously frontloaded.)

 

“A Man of No Importance” – Yet another spectacular opening number from these two.  This song sets the stage, introduces the major characters, and hints at conflicts/themes to come.  That, and it’s gorgeous, modern Broadway with an Irish flair – a great introduction to the score.

Best line:  “A handful of people with journeys to make, / Leaving the everyday world in their wake…”

“Princess” – Alfie has decided that his new acquaintance Adele is perfect for the title role in his community production of Salome.  In this song, Adele argues with him, pointing out how unremarkable she is.  At the same time, the number reveals her deep-down desire to escape the quiet desperation of her work-a-day, provincial existence.  The violins are exquisite.

Best line:  “I don’t pretend to be a thing but plain and common. / When you’re brought up in Roscommon, what’s the use pretending? / I leave the fairytale ending to the people such as you.”

“The Streets of Dublin” – This song just radiates life, as Robbie shows Alfie the simple pleasures he enjoys on the city streets.  With its soaring melody and exuberant earnestness, it’s a song perfectly devised to show why Alfie is in love with Robbie.  The triumphant repetitions of the final line give me chills – just a beautiful, beautiful song.

Best line:  “The lamps in the park / Look like God in the dark / As they glow / On the streets of Dublin.”

“Man in the Mirror” – This important song sidles in with little fanfare.  It’s fitting, though, because Alfie is the same way – it makes sense that the first private admission of his sexuality comes in a quiet, wistful number.  Here, he gives tentative voice to the feelings he’s denied his whole life and invokes the spirit of his hero Oscar Wilde, who was as brave as Alfie longs to be.

Best line:  “Where is my golden love? / Where but in musty plays?”

(Yes, I'm recycling this picture - turns out it's super hard to find production photos from A Man of No Importance.)

“Love Who You Love” – Probably the biggest theme number in the show.  As Adele fears the whispers of those who might judge her “impropriety,” Alfie gently encourages her to pay them no mind, telling her that she can’t help who with loves.  Coming from a deeply closeted man, it’s of course full of emotionally-charged irony, but it’s also so simple and honest, you can’t help but root for Alfie to take his own advice.

Best line:  “People can be hard sometimes / And their words can cut so deep. / Choose the one you choose, love, / And don’t lose a moment’s sleep.”