Adding piano to soundtrack in musical theater production

[sharpie]

If the performances of a musical will use the sound tracks (back tracks?) in lieu of live band accompaniment, could it work to supplement with one live piano?  I am looking to give the performances more of a live feel, without the challenges of matching the band’s volume (read, drum volume) to singing volume, hiring and managing band members, etc.  any suggestions?

[Bob]

It's probably going to be out of tune.  I would imagine you'd mic the piano and pipe that into a mixer with the canned recording.  That's sounds like a lot of work for probably not a great pay off.

[sharpie]

Thanks.  May be better just to turn off the tracks and play live when the song needs only piano.  Actually, I think I might just hire a drummer and guitarist and have us play live.

[quantum]

I would be more inclined just to work with the piano accompaniment.  Working with backing tracks can create the opportunity for a disconnect in musical continuity if the live performers do not have the same conception of the music.  Also for musicals, there is a need for live adaptation if something does not go as planned, live musicians can easily do this but backing tracks are not as flexible.

[Bob]

In terms of uniformity, I could see something working if it was canned for the main parts and then live piano for transitions, something that keeps it uniform and a little more flexible with live piano inbetween things.