The Witches of Eastwick: Piano/Vocal/Guitar Book

This songbook captures music that balances theatrical sophistication with genuine singability. The twelve songs span a range of moods and vocal textures, giving singers and pianists real material to sink their teeth into while remaining accessible for performers who want to explore contemporary musical theatre without extensive operatic training.

The music balances wry humor with genuine sensuality and dark undertones. Songs range from jazzy, sophisticated numbers to moments of vulnerability and seduction, all grounded in late 1960s theatrical language that feels both period-specific and timeless. The overall arc moves from curiosity through temptation to chaos, creating a collection that rewards singers who can navigate both comedic timing and emotional depth.

This book serves pianists, guitarists, and singers exploring contemporary musical theatre, as well as private voice teachers looking for material beyond traditional standards. It works equally well for community theatre productions, school musical theatre programs, and performance classes where singers need contemporary repertoire with real dramatic substance.

• Work the accompaniment figures on piano first to understand the harmonic language; Rowe's writing often layers character and mood through instrumental detail that frames the vocal line.
• Pay attention to the lyrical storytelling in each number—these songs advance plot and reveal character psychology, so clarity of text and intentional phrasing will strengthen any performance.
• Use the chord symbols and guitar voicings to experiment with different instrumental textures; the book's flexibility means you can strip arrangements down to voice and piano or build them out depending on your performance setting.

Consider programming individual songs in cabaret settings or revue concerts that explore musical theatre repertoire from the 2000s. The material also works well as audition pieces for singers preparing for contemporary musical theatre roles, or as a complete song cycle for advanced students studying character development through music.

• Singing contemporary musical theatre style with jazz and pop inflections
• Interpreting character through vocal phrasing and rhythmic flexibility
• Reading and accompanying music written with guitar voicings and jazz harmonies
• Coordinating piano and guitar accompaniments from chord symbols
• Sustaining dramatic storytelling across a song cycle with thematic coherence