Fiore Chosen as New Pudding Composer

John A. Fiore '01 is singing a happy tune--or writing some--as the composer for the Hasty Pudding Theatricals' 153rd show, Fangs for the Memories.

After the script, written by Sarah C. Haskins '01, Young K. Lee '99 and Pudding Co-Producer Benjamin S. Forkner '01, was chosen in late September, the whirlwind composer competition began.

"We extended an invitation to the composing music community," said Vice President of the Band Gregory C. Padgett '02, who was in charge of the composer comp. "It's seen as a great opportunity, a really high-profile thing on campus."

About 10 interested composers received some sample lyrics from the show, a1950s Cold War satire with a supernatural flare, and worked to set the verses and choruses to music.

Although Fiore had not composed before, he was interested in trying it out.

"I had played around with stuff on my own, but never for any public venue," he says.

Fiore has, however, been an active member of Harvard's musical theater community, working on a number of shows--including Jesus Christ Superstar, as musical director, and Evita, as a performer.

"I've done a lot of arranging, which shows a lot here," Fiore said.

Pudding Music Supervisor Allen G. Feinstein '86 and Padgett met with the prospective composers weekly to discuss their progress before narrowing the pool to four composers, who turned in their versions of five songs.

Then the Pudding's executive board and the composers held a run-through of the music.

Fiore said the experience of hearing his music performed was fantastic, but that the session was also unnerving,

"The lyrics they were singing were funny, but the stern board was evaluating and taking notes," he said.

Fiore didn't need to worry, though.

"Musically, they were all great and impressive," Padgett said. "What set John apart was his ability to isolate the dramatic intention of each song. He knows what works well on stage and what doesn't."

Pudding shows incorporate various musical styles, so composers have to display skill with multiple genres.

"Shaken, Not Stirred," one of the songs Fiore put to music, was supposed to have a James Bond-esque sound.

For that melody, Fiore turned to his brother, a James Bond fanatic, who inspired him with his CDs of Bond tunes.

Other songs include "The Vampire Strikes Back," "Spooky Kind of Love," "I've Had It"--the traditional romantic ballad in the second act--and the first act closer, "Fangs for the Memories."

"I kind of like the title song. It was catchy and sounded like a 'G.I. Joe' fight song," Fiore said. "Hopefully, that will stick in [the audience's] minds through intermission."

From now on until winter break, the writers and Fiore will collaborate on the rest of the score.

"Come intersession, we start rehearsing," Padgett said. "It's a packed process from here on out."

Curtain goes up in February.