Cinemusic.net: News Archive... AKA The Old Blog

Thursday, November 02, 2006

Intrada brings Broughton's 'Eloise' home for 'Christmastime'

Intrada Announces:

Eloise at The Plaza / Elouise at Christmastime
Music by Bruce Broughton
Intrada Signature Edition ISE1009

Eloise is a precocious six-year-old girl who lives at the New York Plaza Hotel. She roams its halls day in and out in search of adventure. In 2002 and 2004 Handmade Films brought ELOISE to the small screen in two live action adventures: Eloise at The Plaza and Eloise at Christmastime. Both were directed by Kevin Lima, who had graduated from such animated fare as Disney's The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, and Tarzan (which he co-directed). Actress Sofia Vassileva (Medium) brings the energy, sass, and shrewdness of the beloved children's book character to life in both sparkling adventures at the Plaza Hotel. Julie Andrews plays Nanny, a tolerant, motherlike figure to Eloise's who still appreciates her young charge's exuberance.

Composer Bruce Broughton and Lima were on the same page with regards to the musical approach -- the movies' quirky energy and frenetic pace called for high-energy music -- much like a cartoon score. In Eloise at The Plaza, Broughton graces the score with 1950s New York sophistication. He took two approaches to the score: the hotel, city, and romantic scenes are underscored by full orchestra, while the music associated with Eloise is performed by a playful nine-piece ensemble. The score for Eloise at Christmastime takes on even larger orchestral proportions. For a festive holiday feel, Broughton weaves elements of "The Nutcracker" into the score, going so far as to Nutcracker-ize some of his own themes. The end result are two effervescent, fun-filled scores...the closest thing to capturing a rambunctious childhood musically on CD.

Intrada presents both scores on this 2-CD set and is limited to 1200 copies.

For cover art, track listing, and sound samples, please visit intrada.com.