tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31180832024-03-13T21:03:59.038-07:00my life...in, around and about the theatre | blogging at you since 2001!blogging at you since 2001!Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger273125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3118083.post-6847685849624893022011-01-07T15:01:00.000-08:002011-01-07T15:04:00.741-08:00GOOD MORNING STARSHINE<div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2qjxmV2cdVn-qKdZgDQrrpor78dYLGiGrE_xIisvRWkqC299mJYhxvrOTaot71zN65qdQmbzUGTsyaTJf2HJwvYqyYIULneyGc2mLuhHL6twj1a1qt4Qjfavu7Cx80oYHsA_bkQ/s1600/Hair-702098.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2qjxmV2cdVn-qKdZgDQrrpor78dYLGiGrE_xIisvRWkqC299mJYhxvrOTaot71zN65qdQmbzUGTsyaTJf2HJwvYqyYIULneyGc2mLuhHL6twj1a1qt4Qjfavu7Cx80oYHsA_bkQ/s320/Hair-702098.bmp" width="320" /></a></div>The opening night of <i><a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="http://www.hairontour.com/" target="new">Hair</a></i><span style="font-style: normal;"> at the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood was like attending the most energetic, love-filed performance in which there was nothing but mutual love between the cast and audience. The cast led by the charismatic and uber-talented Steel Burkhardt (<i>Berger</i></span><i>)</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> and Paris Remillard (<i>Claude</i>) knocked every number out of the park sparking enthusiastic applause and cheers from the audience. </span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">The <i><a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="http://www.hairontour.com/" target="new">Hair</a></i><span style="font-style: normal;"> “tribe” is energetic, unifying and strong. The energy they emit whether they are onstage in “Oh Great God of Power” or dancing amongst the audience in “Hair” make the show not only entertaining but interactive as well. Members of the tribe who make their appearance at the Pantages include original Broadway-revival cast members: Burkhardt, Remillard, Allison Guinn (<i>Mother/Buddhadalirama</i>), Kaitlin Kiyan (<i>Chrissy</i>), Josh Lamon (<i>Margaret Mead/Dad</i>), John Moauro (<i>tribe</i>), Darius Nichols (<i>Hud</i>) and Kacie Sheik (<i>Jeanie</i>).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
Despite being a feel-good musical that elicits feelings of hope and love, <i><a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="http://www.hairontour.com/" target="new">Hair</a></i><i> </i><span style="font-style: normal;">actually tackles some very serious issues like sexual identity, draft card burning and drug use – issues that were seen more than 40 years ago when it first debuted on Broadway. The essence of the show continues to be relatable and prevalent in 2011 even though some of the details of the issues of today are slightly different.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i><a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEesx9Es4x_glfX4JDpohbbrDnjZAEoGF5iXbDrsFDXEhOqOwSLQ8x7Aj5sDQV2xL0HmGxzWMq_FjON-F-rx2G6Y2fAhgG7PGJIDbjH75aeQH6u-CEksDXmhiMuO3m8TxXodoJpQ/s1600/hair_tour.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEesx9Es4x_glfX4JDpohbbrDnjZAEoGF5iXbDrsFDXEhOqOwSLQ8x7Aj5sDQV2xL0HmGxzWMq_FjON-F-rx2G6Y2fAhgG7PGJIDbjH75aeQH6u-CEksDXmhiMuO3m8TxXodoJpQ/s320/hair_tour.jpg" width="320" /></a></i></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>Pictured: Hair National Tour Company/Joan Marcus</i></span></td></tr>
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Visually, <i><a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="http://www.hairontour.com/" target="new">Hair</a></i><i> </i><span style="font-style: normal;">was a stunning celebration of bright colors, light and staging seen in the dance, costume and choreography under the direction of Diane Paulus and choreographed by Karole Armitage. This was only enhanced by the music of Galt MacDermot and book/lyrics by Rames Rado and Gerome Ragni (“Aquarius,” “Let the Sun Shine In” and “Good Morning Starshine”). </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">There is nothing but high praise and deep appreciation for the <i><a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="http://www.hairontour.com/" target="new">Hair</a></i><span style="font-style: normal;"> tribe in bringing their love-filled-emotional show to LA audiences. The Pantages Theatre on opening night of </span><i><a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="http://www.hairontour.com/" target="new">Hair</a></i><span style="font-style: normal;">, was nothing short of a captivating two and a half hours of an intoxicating love-filled performance (a musical certainly not to be missed). You will leave the theatre with a silly grin on your face feeling happy and naturally high, and if you don't...keep going back until you do!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Now Playing through January 23, 2011 at the Pantages Theatre (6233 Hollywood Blvd. in Los Angeles). For tickets or more information: <a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="http://www.broadwayla.org/" target="new">Broadway L.A.</a></i></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>, 1-800-982-ARTS (2787) or Ticketmaster Outlets. ($25-$90)</i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><hr align="center" size="2" width="100%" /></div><blockquote><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;"></div></div></blockquote><blockquote><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOxc0p_EUz1aRpQvjKEufxLC92v9_QwHzYNF3FsRtCOlx2gjnuZKDL9OGz8LvbCMlnWI1d1w3pL43Jwf2BbvE59hW1-hKL-fijEk9yzdzG5IEc75vTJPBkVb7iyHtaiXbwmIwAjw/s1600/National+Equality+March+Gavin+Creel+of+Broadway+Impact+Hair+will+march+Peace+sign+photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOxc0p_EUz1aRpQvjKEufxLC92v9_QwHzYNF3FsRtCOlx2gjnuZKDL9OGz8LvbCMlnWI1d1w3pL43Jwf2BbvE59hW1-hKL-fijEk9yzdzG5IEc75vTJPBkVb7iyHtaiXbwmIwAjw/s200/National+Equality+March+Gavin+Creel+of+Broadway+Impact+Hair+will+march+Peace+sign+photo.jpg" width="179" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>Gavin Creel (original Broadway revival, Claude)</i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>The touring cast of<i> <a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="http://www.hairontour.com/" target="new">Hair</a><span style="font-style: normal;"> </span><span style="font-style: normal;">also continues to support the cause of marriage equality that the Broadway cast supported in the spirit of love and peace. In virtually every touring city, the tribe stages a fund-raising “be-in” of music and performance and they donate 100% of the proceeds to <a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="http://www.broadwayimpact.com/" target="new">Broadway Impact</a> to support their efforts in the fight for marriage equality. The Los Angeles “be-in” will be held Monday, January 10 with shows at 7:30 and 10:30 p.m. at </span></i><i><a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="http://www.showatbarre.com/" target="new">Show at Barre</a></i><i><span style="font-style: normal;"> (1714 N. Vermont, Los Angeles). General Admission tickets are $25 ticket and a $50 VIP ticket gets first row seating and a signed poster. For tickets or more information to this “be-in” check their</span></i><i><span style="font-style: normal;"> </span><a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="http://on.fb.me/LABeIn" target="new">Facebook event page.</a></i></blockquote></div></blockquote><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3118083.post-89958194318828905602011-01-03T22:53:00.000-08:002011-01-03T22:53:13.175-08:00APPLAUSE, APPLAUSEMerriam-Webster defines applause as:<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><blockquote><span class="ssens"> <i>approval publicly expressed (as by clapping the hands) </i></span></blockquote></div><div style="text-align: justify;">While applause is a commonly understood and used expression of approval, I was taught at a very early age that a standing ovation is different; the standing ovation is a special distinction to honor a stand-out performance or speaker and indicates a particularly high level of approval and should be used <i>sparingly</i>. Right?<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><blockquote><i>The sound that says love,<br />
Applause, applause, applause!</i><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>~Applause, Applause, </i>Lee Adams (lyricist)</span></blockquote></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeRv9_P89uh-koJflCK9d3SrVARbGwH-mnWDX0g490RiNdv-Un02uDgHtbcZklU1dJhUkE6q-2KCNMa9kq4t9vKlFJTVCzTAHM-VjPBKRPKLBfkQZng6LgVKWLSxgaSFhFcyeTHw/s1600/200128048-002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeRv9_P89uh-koJflCK9d3SrVARbGwH-mnWDX0g490RiNdv-Un02uDgHtbcZklU1dJhUkE6q-2KCNMa9kq4t9vKlFJTVCzTAHM-VjPBKRPKLBfkQZng6LgVKWLSxgaSFhFcyeTHw/s400/200128048-002.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
For as long as I can remember, I have taken that <i>sparingly</i> thought to heart and tried to only gave standing ovations if I was blown away by a particular performance. Sometimes I admit that I give away the standing ovation a little too freely but sometimes I do the whole following-the-heard thing and feel guilty that the entire theatre is standing and I'm not.<br />
<br />
So I started thinking about the performers/performances I have recently given standing ovations (because I thought it was well deserved). This isn't a list of everything I've seen, but what I thought was particularly well performed in the last year:</div><ul><li>The touring company of my favorite contemporary musical: <a href="http://www.nexttonormal.com%22/" target="new">next to normal</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://www.intheheightsthemusical.com/lin-manuel-miranda.html" target="new">Lin-Manuel Miranda</a> as <i>Usnavi</i> in <a href="http://www.intheheightsthemusical.com/" target="new">In the Heights</a> at the Pantages</li>
<li><a href="http://www.raulesparza.com/" target="new">Raúl Esparza</a> as <i>Jonas Nightingale</i> in <a href="http://www.centertheatregroup.org/tickets/productiondetail.aspx?id=13732" target="new">Leap of Faith</a> </li>
<li>The company of <a href="http://www.centertheatregroup.org/parade" target="new"><i>Parade</i></a><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span>at the <a href="http://www.centertheatregroup.org/" target="new">Mark Taper Forum</a></li>
</ul><div style="text-align: justify;">Not so long ago, I made the snarky comment that theatre audiences in LA will give anyone a standing ovation as I left a mediocre performance. I was unsure if audiences were unaware of the concept of what a standing ovation means or if they believe that standing during curtain calls are customary. I am not talking about the people standing (and then <b><i><u>LEAVING</u></i></b>) during curtain calls or even during encores during a concert - that is worthy of an entire forthcoming post. However, not all performances are standing ovation worthy and yet, I see that (particularly with LA crowds) EVERY show, EVERY performance gets one (even those that are really, not so good). The only time I noticed a lack of a standing ovation was not because the show was bad, but because the average age of the audience (at this professional <a href="http://www.actorsequity.org/AboutEquity/aboutequityhome.asp" target="new">equity</a> production) was upwards of about 80-years-old, and most had walkers or wheelchairs, so I assume that maybe they <i>couldn't</i> stand up? Either that or they are old enough to know that not every single performance needs a standing ovation. I don't want to be a negative nellie here, but I think giving every performance a standing ovation regardless of a performance is a little misleading and unfair. Its like the audience who cried wolf!<br />
<br />
Then...I googled the history of the standing ovation and found this somewhat equally snarky <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/stage/theatreblog/2008/jul/31/standingovation" target="new">article</a> written by <a class="contributor" href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/profile/michaelbillington" target="new">Michael Billington</a> of the UK's <a class="contributor" href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/" target="new">The Guardian</a>. The thing is, I kind of agree with him (not the insulting American theatre-goers as déclassé parts) but here:<br />
<blockquote><i>The standing ovation is now a meaningless nightly ritual...If you do it for virtually everything, it soon becomes valueless...But a standing-ovation should be a rare and choice event. Currently, however, it is turning into a hollow gesture in which audiences seek to transform perfectly decent plays and musicals into earth-shattering occasions.</i></blockquote>This has been my point and I think that <a class="contributor" href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/profile/michaelbillington" target="new"> Billington</a> says it better above than I do, but for those of you who attend any performing arts or speaking engagements...pay attention and let me know what you think...theaterfan [at] aol [dot] com. </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3118083.post-74678239205565270882010-12-02T12:18:00.000-08:002010-12-03T00:50:42.410-08:00TONIGHT<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGBhnAE4yOInFaW9OFFRecb1FT50DIVZjX-zXar9S3ne2UZ_re_M4hVJTUA9s-qoZ_Zf6PY26-JGiBSAibxQODvStx7BiGPB_5feJ_s3zcjHDtEmGbJJbVIkTejsIoG8uG7kanSw/s1600/1145+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGBhnAE4yOInFaW9OFFRecb1FT50DIVZjX-zXar9S3ne2UZ_re_M4hVJTUA9s-qoZ_Zf6PY26-JGiBSAibxQODvStx7BiGPB_5feJ_s3zcjHDtEmGbJJbVIkTejsIoG8uG7kanSw/s400/1145+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">National Tour of West Side Story/credit: Joan Marcus</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;">Arguably, there is nothing that exudes the essence of musical theatre more than <a href="http://www.broadwaywestsidestory.com/" target="new">West Side Story</a>. From <a href="http://www.leonardbernstein.com/" target="new">Lenny's (Bernstein)</a> gorgeous score, <a href="http://www.sondheim.com/" taret="new">Sondheim's</a> unparalleled lyrics (though he sometimes begs to differ...see <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Finishing-Hat-Collected-1954-1981-Principles/dp/0679439072/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1291282688&sr=8-1" target="new">Finishing the Hat</a>) to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jerome_Robbins" target="new">Jerry's (Robbins)</a> most amazing choreography and of course <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arthur_Laurents" target="new">Arthur (Laurents)</a> book (and in the case of the Broadway revival, also can claim the title of director). Really, there is nothing more perfect <a href="http://www.broadwaywestsidestory.com/" target="new">West Side Story</a>.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
Just about everyone knows the storyline and mere mention of the title will elicit some kind of strong response (and really, who didn't grow up with at least knowing about the film?) Two years ago when the show was revived on Broadway (for the first time since the 1980s production starring Debbie Allen), book-writer <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arthur_Laurents" target="new">Arthur Laurents</a> took the helm and directed the show starring <a href="http://www.matt-cavenaugh.com/">Matt Cavenaugh</a> (<i>Tony</i>), <a href="http://ibdb.com/person.php?id=481669" target="new">Josefina Scaglione</a> (<i>Maria</i>) and <a href="http://ibdb.com/person.php?id=98858">Karen Olivo</a> (who won her first Tony Award for her role as <i>Anita</i>). In this production, for the first time ever, <a href="http://www.broadwaywestsidestory.com/" target="new">West Side Story</a> incorporated the use of Spanish language sung/spoken by the <i>Sharks</i> (<a href="http://www.intheheightsthemusical.com/lin-manuel-miranda.html" target="new">Lin-Manuel Miranda</a>, of <a href="http://www.intheheightsthemusical.com/" target="new">In the Heights</a> fame provided translations) because as <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arthur_Laurents" target="new">Laurents</a> said, thought it wasn't his idea (it was his late partner Tom Hatcher's), he thought the <i>Jets</i> and <i>Sharks</i> should be on equal footing in terms of their turf wars and "it'd be great to think of a way to equalize the two, why not have the <i>Sharks</i> speak Spanish?" This somewhat controversial move got a lot of <a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/latino/2009/03/18/2009-03-18_linmanuel_miranda_the_west_side_story_in-1.html" target="new">attention</a> though ultimately much of the Spanish was <a href="http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/08/25/bilingual-west-side-story-edits-out-some-spanish/" target="new">edited</a> down from the original creation for this Broadway revival.<br />
<br />
The national tour of <a href="http://www.broadwaywestsidestory.com/" target="new">West Side Story</a> (based on the recent Broadway revival) opened at the historic Pantages Theatre in Hollywood for a five-week engagement (through January 2, 2011). Based on <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arthur_Laurents" target="new">Laurents'</a> masterful direction (executed by David Saint) the production includes the use of the Spanish language sung by the members of the <i>Sharks</i>. It should be noted that this semi-bilingual approach (I think) works incredibly well. Though I didn't understand half of what was being said (when in Spanish of course), it didn't really matter because I completely understood its purpose in the show. In moments of anger and frustration, are the characters (who might not speak perfect English) really going to start singing perfect English vs their native Spanish (or a combination of the two)? <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKtvCMchg8bGNcsrQUOjPvqDLP5OUKznPvBfDHl20VqXHxz5Nmb4lXeIxJR8ZLPvixh30uqCJAo9F2XjSisQKHTLcEx2FeXLwoYCAZu8MteKa0Zuw0ZZrvPZa-PWlMOOcu4mGiUA/s1600/1149+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKtvCMchg8bGNcsrQUOjPvqDLP5OUKznPvBfDHl20VqXHxz5Nmb4lXeIxJR8ZLPvixh30uqCJAo9F2XjSisQKHTLcEx2FeXLwoYCAZu8MteKa0Zuw0ZZrvPZa-PWlMOOcu4mGiUA/s400/1149+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">National Tour of West Side Story/credit: Joan Marcus</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>What worked better than having a semi-bilingual production was the original choreography (by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jerome_Robbins" target="new">Robbins</a>) beautifully recreated by Joey McKneely for the revival/tour. Typically, my love for music and the written word far supersedes my interest in dance, but having an opportunity to see <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jerome_Robbins" target="new">Robbins'</a> original choreography reproduced was simply amazing and certainly a highlight of the performance. It was during these ensemble dance numbers (<i>i.e., </i>"Dance at the Gym," "Rumble") that the cast really shone. Not to be outdone, the "Gee, Officer Krupke" scene was another example of the strength of the ensemble performers (<i>Action and the Jets</i>); it got some of the biggest applause of the evening.<br />
<br />
While the ensemble numbers were some of the most enjoyable, it was the scenes between <i>Tony</i> and <i>Maria</i> that I actually found myself having a harder time believing. There was somewhat of a lack of chemistry between the two performers, <a href="http://www.aliewoldt.com/" target="new">Ali Ewoldt</a> (<i>Maria</i>) and <a href="http://www.kyleharris.com/" target="new">Kyle Harris</a> (<i>Tony</i>) - individually, yet both were more convincing and stronger in their scenes apart than together. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqU_Xmf7zcdaqHFufh3Q2MAsdBLtJZZTrZ6NSLLzTt2CNITKobev_fkoxKSiIyuJgl6jSmS00qYxFleH1L6y_mFjU6DZB5dfKnTlWdXbuBgtWRrWDK_XwTp9jdTDJ5KbGXCHlfHg/s1600/1148+copy.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqU_Xmf7zcdaqHFufh3Q2MAsdBLtJZZTrZ6NSLLzTt2CNITKobev_fkoxKSiIyuJgl6jSmS00qYxFleH1L6y_mFjU6DZB5dfKnTlWdXbuBgtWRrWDK_XwTp9jdTDJ5KbGXCHlfHg/s400/1148+copy.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">(l-r) Ali Ewoldt, Kyle Harris/credit:Joan Marcus</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>It isn't everyday that a full-scale production of a classic show like <a href="http://www.broadwaywestsidestory.com/" target="new">West Side Story</a> rolls into town - overall, it is a must-see for fans of the show young and young-at-heart. <a href="http://www.broadwaywestsidestory.com/" target="new">West Side Story</a> runs through January 2 Tuesdays-Fridays at the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood. For tickets and holiday schedule information: <a href="http://www.broadwayla.org/" target="new">Broadway L.A.</a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3118083.post-5842590197900730602010-11-30T00:13:00.000-08:002010-11-30T01:46:32.509-08:00COME WITH ME<div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwPY4cSGn9sITwWjAyjjEK2ghkPYJ-mkXT4l-7hjoqvX9s3KiqHINz8qoemir3iuEzs4W_9EJu26XCC1ydA71LGbrDzJR0ebrW6M4yv9vtOTLnaiPRrh_DlNs7O3r3DGkBFgmaDQ/s1600/next-to-normal-cover-med.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwPY4cSGn9sITwWjAyjjEK2ghkPYJ-mkXT4l-7hjoqvX9s3KiqHINz8qoemir3iuEzs4W_9EJu26XCC1ydA71LGbrDzJR0ebrW6M4yv9vtOTLnaiPRrh_DlNs7O3r3DGkBFgmaDQ/s320/next-to-normal-cover-med.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><a href="http://www.nexttonormal.com%22/" target="new">next to normal</a> is easily one of the best contemporary musicals to date (and easily one of my personal favorites...<i>ever</i>). It is everything a musical should be - moving, heartbreaking, haunting, thought provoking (with humorous moments), it has characters and a storyline which are mostly well thought out and music that stays with you long after you have departed the theatre. In an era of musical theatre in which the term "groundbreaking" is thrown around an awful lot to describe a show, <a href="http://www.nexttonormal.com%22/" target="new">next to normal</a> just might be one of them. <a href="http://www.nexttonormal.com%22/" target="new">next to normal</a> challenges its audience to think beyond what you see, who you are and what you believe to be true.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.nexttonormal.com%22/" target="new">next to normal</a> is a story that mirrors what life can sometimes be like when life is spinning out of control - feeling alone and misunderstood but yet somehow being able to find a way back to the truth. The show is the way it is now because of director <a href="http://www.ibdb.com/person.php?id=14966" target="new">Michael Grief</a> and producer <a href="http://www.ibdb.com/person.php?id=21612" target="new">David Stone</a> who took the existing book and music by <a href="http://www.ibdb.com/person.php?id=483138" target="new">Brian Yorkey</a> and <a href="http://www.thetomkittband.com/" target="new">Tom Kitt</a> (respectively) and tightened the story which was a little bit unclear and long and helped <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/29/theater/29norm.html" target="New">focus</a> it into the <a href="http://www.playbill.com/news/article/138657-Next-to-Normal-Wins-2010-Pulitzer-Prize-for-Drama" target="new">Pulitzer Prize winning show</a> that it has become.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEDWtL8knYdj7WmaGVt_BlHDJHpvbHAeuBns2gOpXeJKKRiN47h7lmt-pqtbDTLrAqqyR9IJb08qz5RZbtm-x_oDZnQPIWdI3yP3jUIOaF4iGkrIHfHwQ_JSadwB0iKbNXs-AmZg/s1600/114161logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEDWtL8knYdj7WmaGVt_BlHDJHpvbHAeuBns2gOpXeJKKRiN47h7lmt-pqtbDTLrAqqyR9IJb08qz5RZbtm-x_oDZnQPIWdI3yP3jUIOaF4iGkrIHfHwQ_JSadwB0iKbNXs-AmZg/s1600/114161logo.jpg" /></a></div>It should be known that I have been a very big supporter of <a href="http://www.nexttonormal.com%22/" target="new">next to normal</a> out of the gate, since I first discovered 2005 workshop/demo tracks on YouTube (when it was still called <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1umCmaBMZQU&playnext=1&list=PLFE4E5916E5F863ED&index=10" target="new">Feeling Electric</a> - take a listen if you are so inclined to compare what it was to what its become). Even though in its workshopped state, <a href="http://www.nexttonormal.com%22/" target="new">next to normal</a> was a completely different show than it is now, the core of it was still compelling to me. This contemporary musical about a dysfunctional family coping with loss and mental illness, was (and is even more-so now) deeply emotional, deeply moving and runs the gamut of emotions throughout the performance. This is made true because in large part to the actors who inhabit the Goodman family (and supporting characters) in the touring cast.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuqwapr5dcFiXcaBvj_oJ1peSJS4_DR-iO-Bjn1bbODroB-kHWXNgaezXOnzOSEIKn93-lil2Z-zdrMOAw44X5xB1QLg7NLLGpn4Idz2MME-9F6H3BQkwd7KZXTlz6wK83YmpfdA/s1600/tn-1000_next+to+normal+photo+2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuqwapr5dcFiXcaBvj_oJ1peSJS4_DR-iO-Bjn1bbODroB-kHWXNgaezXOnzOSEIKn93-lil2Z-zdrMOAw44X5xB1QLg7NLLGpn4Idz2MME-9F6H3BQkwd7KZXTlz6wK83YmpfdA/s320/tn-1000_next+to+normal+photo+2.jpeg" width="252" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Alice Ripley</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><a href="http://www.ibdb.com/person.php?id=57847" target="new">Alice Ripley</a> and <a href="http://www.nexttonormal.com%22/" target="new">next to normal</a> have become synonymous with one another. The show certainly wouldn't be what it is now without her and anyone who will have the pleasure of seeing her perform the role of <i>Diana Goodman</i> will see what a tour de force she is in the show. <a href="http://www.ibdb.com/person.php?id=57847" target="new">Alice Ripley</a> is no stranger to career defining roles. Though she has had a long career on the Broadway stage and made her mark in the indie rock world, prior to <a href="http://www.nexttonormal.com%22/" target="new">next to normal</a>, theatre audiences will likely first remember her as <i>Violet</i> - one-half of the Hilton conjoined-twins - in <a href="http://www.ibdb.com/production.php?id=4755" target="new">Side Show</a> (which earned <a href="http://www.ibdb.com/person.php?id=57847" target="new">Ripley</a> her first Tony nomination). </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
As <i>Diana Goodman</i> in <a href="http://www.nexttonormal.com%22/" target="new">next to normal</a>, <a href="http://www.ibdb.com/person.php?id=57847" target="new">Ripley</a> is a revelation. Reprising the role that earned her a <a href="http://www.tonyawards.com/" target="new">Tony Award</a> for best actress in a musical, <a href="http://www.ibdb.com/person.php?id=57847" target="new">Ripley</a> brings a passionate and complex character to life with such heartbreaking pain and grief. When she sings, she sings from her soul with such anguish that it is almost entrancing. <a href="http://www.ibdb.com/person.php?id=57847" target="new">Ripley</a> is by far the strongest component in <a href="http://www.nexttonormal.com%22/" target="new">next to normal</a>, but she shares the stage equally with every member of the ensemble who helps to make up <i>Diana</i> in all her glory and her pain.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
If <a href="http://www.ibdb.com/person.php?id=57847" target="new">Ripley</a> is the strongest member of the cast then Los Angeles native, <a href="http://broadwayworld.com/people/Emma_Hunton/" target="new">Emma Hunton</a> (<i>Natalie) </i>is a close second and could not have been a more perfect daughter to <i>Diana</i>. While the characters of <i>Dan</i> or even <i>Gabe</i> should have been the stronger supporting leads, it was <a href="http://broadwayworld.com/people/Emma_Hunton/" target="new">Hunton</a> whose performance really stood out in the cast. She brought more depth and personality to the character than (I) have seen before with a pretty fantastic voice to boot. As the child living the in the shadow of her more beloved brother (<i>Superboy and the Invisible Girl)</i>, her Natalie was more sassy than angry and vulnerable than hurt. <a href="http://broadwayworld.com/people/Emma_Hunton/" target="new">Hunton</a> as <i>Natalie</i> really fought to be seen in a family overrun by the past with such grace and force.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX3jCDa8cgNZ_nElTbbDQfpZgPj-586uIvWMJjR5_dsDzbV7gGrT3sFww6WLoYPk2VH3pV8xYCmbNfyk1e_tvsuuMETEJSh31pn-ByH6gqGNXcIMin3aznF-VRZn-a7hFB7Au4vw/s1600/tn-1000_next+to+normal+photo+10.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX3jCDa8cgNZ_nElTbbDQfpZgPj-586uIvWMJjR5_dsDzbV7gGrT3sFww6WLoYPk2VH3pV8xYCmbNfyk1e_tvsuuMETEJSh31pn-ByH6gqGNXcIMin3aznF-VRZn-a7hFB7Au4vw/s400/tn-1000_next+to+normal+photo+10.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Curt Hansen, Emma Hunton, Preston Sadlier, Jeremy Kushiner, Alice Ripley, Asa Somers</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>As <i>Gabe</i>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curt_Hansen_%28actor%29" target="new">Curt Hansen</a> was ironically sometimes overshadowed by the vocal powerhouse of his sister <i>Natalie</i> (<a href="http://broadwayworld.com/people/Emma_Hunton/" target="new">Hunton</a>) while still very good. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curt_Hansen_%28actor%29" target="new">Hansen</a> managed to hit his character's high notes with relative ease and still managed to hold his own as he effortlessly soared through the three-story stage around poles and gliding up and down flights of stairs at a time.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.asasomers.com/" target="new">Asa Somers</a> (who played the role of <i>Dr. Madden </i>during the show's off-Broadway engagement at <a href="http://www.2st.com/" target="new">Second Stage Theatre</a>) graduated to the role of <i>Dan Goodman</i> on-tour, <a href="http://www.jeremykushnier.com/JeremyKushnierMusic/home.html" target="new">Jeremy Kushnier</a> as <i>Dr. Madden/Dr. Fine </i>and <a href="http://www.prestonsadleir.com/" target="new">Preston K. Sadleir</a> (who played was a very sweet <i>Henry</i>) rounded out the well-cast remaining members of the touring company of <a href="http://www.nexttonormal.com%22/" target="new">next to normal</a>. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.nexttonormal.com%22/" target="new">next to normal</a> is a very important piece of contemporary musical theatre which in this case legitimately earns the title of groundbreaking. Other contemporary shows have brought something new (whether it be stylistic because of the music or staging) to the musical theatre landscape, but <a href="http://www.nexttonormal.com%22/" target="new">next to normal</a> faces real issues like mental illness, suicide, drug addiction (which makes it sound like an episode of Oprah) head on and bares the soul of theses issues and its affect for all to see.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.nexttonormal.com%22/" target="new">next to normal</a> runs through January 2 at Los Angeles' Ahmanson Theatre. Click for tickets and more information on the <a href="http://www.centertheatregroup.org/tickets/productiondetail.aspx?id=13646" target="new">LA run</a> or to find out when the show is coming to a city near you, click for <a href="http://www.nexttonormal.com/tour_tickets" target="new">tour info</a>. </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3118083.post-39044532311665803192010-11-21T23:26:00.000-08:002010-11-22T00:55:47.474-08:00HARPS & LEGS<div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQMN2MtnW9J8m9sac-jJiVdsHUvmp_Nv-Lg9mV7Zbs1UVV8_znRBBwNuW7rPbCtlzJFbx18FQUJZ_wb0QTVdRFczqPfjt6fdL3zJPmORBoRJUdURcTrTWEvBRqlnZ0BuZLwQVRlA/s1600/Harps-and-Angels-full-logo-374x500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQMN2MtnW9J8m9sac-jJiVdsHUvmp_Nv-Lg9mV7Zbs1UVV8_znRBBwNuW7rPbCtlzJFbx18FQUJZ_wb0QTVdRFczqPfjt6fdL3zJPmORBoRJUdURcTrTWEvBRqlnZ0BuZLwQVRlA/s320/Harps-and-Angels-full-logo-374x500.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>It was a musical theatre-filled week for me. In addition to seeing <a href="http://chizi.blogspot.com/2010/11/do-you-hear-people-sing.html" target="new">Les Misérables: The 25th Anniversary Concert</a>, I also had an opportunity to attend both <a href="http://www.daddylonglegsmusical.com/" target="new">Daddy Long Legs</a> (music and lyrics by <a href="http://web.mac.com/pauleeg/Paulgordonmusic.com/Welcome.html" target="new">Paul Gordon</a> and book by <a href="http://www.johncaird.com/" target="new">John Caird</a>) at the <a href="http://www.lamiradatheatre.com/daddylonglegs.htm%22" target="new">La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts</a> and <a href="http://www.randynewman.com/" target="new">Randy Newman</a>'s <a href="http://www.centertheatregroup.org/tickets/productiondetail.aspx?id=11444" target="new">Harps and Angels</a> at The Mark Taper Forum.<br />
<br />
I don't know about all of you, but the idea of a new musical is as exciting as it is a little unsettling. When I see a new show, I really want to like it. I try to go in with an open mind and attitude with the hope of finding joy in new (or experienced) writers and composers and the mark they will make on the American musical theatre landscape. I mean, if it were not for producers and audiences embracing new writers, there would be no <a href="http://www.nexttonormal.com/" target="new">Next to Normal</a>, <a href="http://www.intheheightsthemusical.com/" target="new">In the Heights</a> or websites like <a href="http://newmusicaltheatre.com/" target="new">New Musical Theatre (NMT)</a> (which supports, celebrates and embraces the work of new writers by giving them a place to distribute and promote their music/sheet music). These two shows have brought me new joy and appreciation for the modern musical and I have discovered countless composers and the most gorgeous of songs because of <a href="http://newmusicaltheatre.com/" target="new">NMT</a>. So it is safe to say that in regard to <a href="http://www.daddylonglegsmusical.com/" target="new">Daddy Long Legs</a> and <a href="http://www.centertheatregroup.org/tickets/productiondetail.aspx?id=11444" target="new">Harps and Angels</a>...that I wanted to like them.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP6Qllqz3xYcRAV9btnCRDxj5VOVDF5GeAao57P_3IuzRNMjaN3PNCe8FdUN_Ms7wE8svDAmTZ4aqDwPzVS7uUKUaKJcGMmTQF7sBSgJkm6Ouxh4Vdw831cDZfdTafNFL0QZ1KMg/s1600/ne_103801.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP6Qllqz3xYcRAV9btnCRDxj5VOVDF5GeAao57P_3IuzRNMjaN3PNCe8FdUN_Ms7wE8svDAmTZ4aqDwPzVS7uUKUaKJcGMmTQF7sBSgJkm6Ouxh4Vdw831cDZfdTafNFL0QZ1KMg/s1600/ne_103801.gif" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">(l-r) Marla Schaffel and James Barbour</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Back in 1999, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jane_Eyre_%28musical%29" target="new">Jane Eyre the Musical</a> had its out-of-town tryout at San Diego's <a href="http://www.lajollaplayhouse.org/" target="new">La Jolla Playhouse</a> with music and lyrics by <a href="http://web.mac.com/pauleeg/Paulgordonmusic.com/Welcome.html" target="new">Paul Gordon</a> and book by <a href="http://www.johncaird.com/" target="new">John Caird</a> - the same team that gave <a href="http://www.daddylonglegsmusical.com/" target="new">Daddy Long Legs</a> its er...feet. By then, I had long been a fan of both <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charlotte_Bront%C3%AB" target="new">Charlotte Brontë</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jane_Eyre" target="new">Jane Eyre (the novel)</a> and the idea of a musical about <i>Jane</i> and <i>Mr. Rochester</i> sounded perfect. I wish it was. In short, the show (in my opinion) was slow, dragging and could not hold my interest. Though it eventually made its way to Broadway and garnered a Tony nomination for best musical, it wasn't my cup of tea because it was literally so dark, the music wasn't the most memorable...etc, etc. Despite how I felt about <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jane_Eyre_%28musical%29" target="new">Jane Eyre the Musical</a>, I hoped that <a href="http://www.daddylonglegsmusical.com/" target="new">Daddy Long Legs</a> would be more appealing. <br />
<br />
It was.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj92_XFbdLmhI7LlYV99e9h4Guj7rAR_tWV3aLAdAfunTkd-AHiashG7hUU1WstfoLpMUWVXu8X9tGO-RbdWKZEbHoVIYVNyIMCcN5R3VCquRDWVpOSTN50DOJjdrnIhydIzEkfSg/s1600/jeannetanner-com+184.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj92_XFbdLmhI7LlYV99e9h4Guj7rAR_tWV3aLAdAfunTkd-AHiashG7hUU1WstfoLpMUWVXu8X9tGO-RbdWKZEbHoVIYVNyIMCcN5R3VCquRDWVpOSTN50DOJjdrnIhydIzEkfSg/s320/jeannetanner-com+184.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">(l-r) Rob Hancock and Megan McGinnis</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>...but it wasn't. I thought the score was beautiful and to hear it sung by <a href="http://www.meganmcginnis.info/" target="new">Megan McGinnis</a> was a treat for anyone who has the pleasure of attending the show. Truly, her voice is so beautiful and her energy is so perfectly suited for the role of <i>Jerusha Abbot</i>. <a href="http://www.meganmcginnis.info/" target="new">McGinnis</a> as <i>Jerusha </i>is bright, charming, inquisitive, thoughtful and has a light and appeal that draws the audience member into <i>Jerusha's</i> life. Every letter <i>Jerusha</i> sent to <i>Jervis Pendleton</i> (performed by <a href="http://www.robhancock.com/" target="new">Rob Hancock</a>) unfolded a new layer into the story being told and as a result brought new insight to the two characters - it was well thought out, but slow and perhaps took up too much time setting the foundation for the story. Thus, the show was long. Over two hours long. 24 songs sung by two actors (mostly by <a href="http://www.meganmcginnis.info/" target="new">McGinnis</a>) spanning a four year period. I must admit, that after the opening number, I found myself feeling restless and a little bit bored...but by intermission I felt more invested in the life of <i>Jerusha</i> and the intention behind <i>Jervis'</i> lies. <br />
<br />
I can't say that I was head over heals in love with <a href="http://www.daddylonglegsmusical.com/" target="new">Daddy Long Legs</a>, but I did think it was time well spent at the theatre. The story was an interesting one to tell and makes total sense as a musical. I hope that at some point, <a href="http://web.mac.com/pauleeg/Paulgordonmusic.com/Welcome.html" target="new">Paul Gordon</a> and <a href="http://www.johncaird.com/" target="new">John Caird</a> tighten and focus the story just a little bit because while good, it has the potential to be even better.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">* * *</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkE757RBlCe1zulzOskWPa4cdWY2-8XS1svMRKwlllWFCjeOGkey2m1y2fnHi9f2SOejdLqLVhwIsYLejHhWVwJPTWz1Jh3MAMxCNz2k15wpZmpQDaeRZCB4PehzWtGLJ1ydYFVg/s1600/newman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkE757RBlCe1zulzOskWPa4cdWY2-8XS1svMRKwlllWFCjeOGkey2m1y2fnHi9f2SOejdLqLVhwIsYLejHhWVwJPTWz1Jh3MAMxCNz2k15wpZmpQDaeRZCB4PehzWtGLJ1ydYFVg/s200/newman.jpg" width="199" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Randy Newman</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>As a lifelong Angeleno, I have always known of the song, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=le5aIqn_MfE" target="new">I Love L.A.</a> and realize that it has become our town's anthem. That song was my one of my first run-ins with <a href="http://www.randynewman.com/" target="new">Randy Newman's</a> music. <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2H9HEyjzog4" target="new">I Think Its Going to Rain Today</a> was my second. His music always stayed with me because it is so deep and meaningful in a way that I didn't quite understand upon first listen, but the moment I needed it the most, I know exactly where to retrieve it. I never forgot a single one of <a href="http://www.randynewman.com/" target="new">Newman's</a> songs that I've heard whose lyrics really touched me and I don't imagine I ever will.</div><br />
The one comment I hear, read and believe myself is that nothing about <a href="http://www.randynewman.com/" target="new">Newman's</a> music is simple. Every lyric is complex and intwined with such emotion that gets to your core and your heart. <a href="http://www.randynewman.com/" target="new">Newman's</a> music has definitely been an anthem during various phases of my own life in which I have listened to it over and over and somehow it gave me peace or comfort. One of my personal favorite songs of <a href="http://www.randynewman.com/" target="new">Newman's</a> is <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hZ3drwmrrW0" target="new">Real Emotional Girl</a> and through this performance, discovered the song <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HXP4UqgNg70" target="new">Feels Like Home</a> which I now absolutely love.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi64rd2mrq3yKSr8ybB0UTaUJdM7mobTxJmdej7LH2RC7cZxe4NSXRoIwgfS1z22TQSCfObGy47ZUm1y1E_-5dZq_v2Dw8js4WkL4HdqbcwAlTCDtZWKr9ESkyIYMjRSOTWbPC34A/s1600/HarpsAndAngels.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi64rd2mrq3yKSr8ybB0UTaUJdM7mobTxJmdej7LH2RC7cZxe4NSXRoIwgfS1z22TQSCfObGy47ZUm1y1E_-5dZq_v2Dw8js4WkL4HdqbcwAlTCDtZWKr9ESkyIYMjRSOTWbPC34A/s320/HarpsAndAngels.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">(l-r) Katey Segal, Matthew Saldivar</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>I hesitate to call <a href="http://www.centertheatregroup.org/tickets/productiondetail.aspx?id=11444" target="new">Harps and Angels</a> a revue, because to me, that suggests a kitschy collection of music, skit and performance and this show is hardly kitschy. <a href="http://www.centertheatregroup.org/tickets/productiondetail.aspx?id=11444" target="new">Harps and Angels</a> is more of a <a href="http://www.randynewman.com/" target="new">Newman</a> song cycle but of music both popular and from film from the 1970s to present day <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px;">in which the personal and the socio-political entwine creating a compelling, honest and humorous commentary on what it is like to be born, grow up, fall in love, and live and die in America</span>. The six person cast - <a href="http://twitter.com/thebodyparts" target="new">Ryder Bach</a>, <a href="http://stormlarge.com/" target="new">Storm Large</a>, <a href="http://www.ibdb.com/person.php?id=49471" target="new">Adriane Lenox</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/MJMcKean" target="new">Michael McKean</a>, <a href="http://www.kateysagal.net/" target="new">Katey Segal</a>, <a href="http://www.ibdb.com/person.php?id=410615" target="new">Matthew Saldivar</a> - were a mix of talent with musical theatre, singer/songwriter and popular music backgrounds, all of whom delivered interesting and yet meaningful interpretations of <a href="http://www.randynewman.com/" target="new">Newman's</a> songs. In particular though, it was a pleasure seeing <a href="http://www.kateysagal.net/" target="new">Segal</a> perform - not because most people think of her as some iconic 80s sitcom character (its the last thing I think of) - but because she has such a beautiful voice and I have long been a fan of hers from a music perspective.<br />
<br />
Its amazing that the <a href="http://www.randynewman.com/" target="new">Randy Newman</a> lexicon is so diverse yet when the right songs are put together and the right singer performs them, these songs tell a story and sends a message (sometimes subtle, sometimes glaringly obvious) about life and <a href="http://www.centertheatregroup.org/tickets/productiondetail.aspx?id=11444" target="new">Harps and Angels</a> did just that.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.centertheatregroup.org/tickets/productiondetail.aspx?id=11444" target="new">Harps and Angels</a> runs through December 22 at the Mark Taper Forum.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>**If you get a hold of the Performances program for (I believe) any of CTGLA's shows (Venice at the Kirk Douglas, Harps and Angels at the Taper and <b>NEXT TO NORMAL</b> at the Ahmanson) in the month of November, check out page 28. Yes, I am in the program....so unexpected, so grateful!!!**</i></span><br />
<br />
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3118083.post-12445320444117328142010-11-21T14:58:00.000-08:002010-11-21T20:06:48.998-08:00DO YOU HEAR THE PEOPLE SING?<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Pqx3tNRy10Vomnk0UIP8Hcuea_esJ3Bb-s5DWGiAp9KYEbHzlFQEZJh5NKuNXvoERPfE-QalJ3yWIHDQViI094hoxf1ok7ljGcf2GAuQtDsisOdW2di1tW5TBfDml7X7C3s0Hg/s1600/LesMiserables.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Pqx3tNRy10Vomnk0UIP8Hcuea_esJ3Bb-s5DWGiAp9KYEbHzlFQEZJh5NKuNXvoERPfE-QalJ3yWIHDQViI094hoxf1ok7ljGcf2GAuQtDsisOdW2di1tW5TBfDml7X7C3s0Hg/s1600/LesMiserables.gif" /></a></div>On October 8, 1985 - 25 years ago - <a href="http://www.lesmis.com/" target="new">Les Misérables</a> the musical (English version) debuted in London’s Barbicon Theatre before transferring to West End’s Palace Theatre in December of that same year. The famed musical by <a href="http://www.lesmis.com/cast-and-creatives/creatives/claude-michel-schonberg" target="new">Claude-Michel Schöenberg</a> (composer) and <a href="http://www.lesmis.com/cast-and-creatives/creatives/alain-boublil" target="new">Alain Bublil</a> (libretto) has since become a worldwide favorite, translated into 21 different languages and played in 42 countries and 291 cities including Serbia, the Channel Islands and the Philippines. In 1995, <a href="http://www.lesmis.com/" target="new">Les Misérables</a> celebrated its 10-year anniversary with a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Les_Mis%C3%A9rables:_The_Dream_Cast_in_Concert" target="new">“dream cast” concert</a> at Royal Albert Hall starring <a href="http://www.colmwilkinson.com/" target="new">Colm Wilkinson</a> (originated the English language role) as <i>Jean Valjean</i>, <a href="http://www.leasalonga.com/" target="new">Lea Salonga</a> as <i>Eponine</i>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alun_Armstrong_%28actor%29" target="new">Alun Armstrong</a> as <i>Thénardier</i> and <a href="http://www.michaelball.co.uk/" target="new">Michael Ball</a> as <i>Marius</i> (both of whom originated their English language role). For the most part, I wouldn’t argue this “dream cast” and often looked at it as my quintessential <a href="http://www.lesmis.com/" target="new">Les Misérables</a> cast.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><object height="385" width="640"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/1J8_VfLd2Hg?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/1J8_VfLd2Hg?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://25.lesmis.com/" target="new">The 25<sup>th</sup> anniversary musical concert</a> was comprised of some unknown talent (to me) like <a href="http://www.alfieboeuk.com/" target="new">Alfie Boe </a>(<i>Jean Valjean</i>), <a href="http://www.raminkarimloo.com/" target="new">Ramin Karimloo</a> (<i>Enjorlas</i>), <a href="http://25.lesmis.com/cast-and-creatives/samantha-barks/" target="new">Samantha Barks</a> (<i>Eponine</i>) as well as "known" Broadway talents like <a href="http://www.normlewis.com/" target="new">Norm Lewis</a> (<i>Javert</i>) and <a href="http://www.leasalonga.com/" target="new">Lea Salonga</a> (<i>Fantine</i>). Then...there was <a href="http://25.lesmis.com/cast-and-creatives/nick-jonas/" target="new">Nick Jonas</a> as <i>Marius</i> (more on that later). Like many of you, I feel confident in stating that I consider myself well-versed in <a href="http://www.lesmis.com/" target="new">Les Miz</a> having first seen it (on tour) in the early ‘90s. Since then, I have seen various productions of it locally, on Broadway, in concert, staged reading and as a result seen some great and not so great productions. While I will always think of <a href="http://www.colmwilkinson.com/" target="new">Wilkinson</a> as the quintessential <i>Jean Valejan,</i> I have been highly impressed with the last few actors I’ve seen in the role including <a href="http://www.jmarkmcvey.com/welcome.html" target="new">J. Mark McVey</a> (<a href="http://www.hollywoodbowl.com/press/press-release/index.cfm?id=2248" target="new">Hollywood Bowl</a>) and particularly <a href="http://www.alfieboeuk.com/" target="new">Boe</a> (25<sup>th</sup> Anniversary concert).</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.alfieboeuk.com/" target="new">Alfie Boe</a> (who incidentally has a solo album coming out December 27<sup>th</sup>) is to put it mildly, an incredible talent. As a trained operatic singer from Royal Academy of Music in England, <a href="http://www.alfieboeuk.com/" target="new">Boe's</a> credits include the lead in <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Luhrmanns-Boheme-Highlights-Original-Broadway/dp/B00006LLQ1" target="new">Baz Luhrman’s La Boheme</a> (Tony Award) as well as appearing with <a href="http://www.michaelball.co.uk/" target="new">Michael Ball</a> in Kismet in London’s West End. Though I had never heard of him before, I am sure to follow his career now! To say that his voice is just phenomenal is an immense understatement. Really, there’s nothing more to say other than to watch and listen:<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/FX7PYCWzH9I?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/FX7PYCWzH9I?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Unfortunately, the rest of the <a href="http://25.lesmis.com/" target="new">25<sup>th</sup> anniversary cast</a> didn’t blow me away like <a href="http://www.alfieboeuk.com/" target="new">Boe</a> did. This doesn’t mean that I don’t have anything to say about it. I have long been a supporter of <a href="http://www.normlewis.com/" target="new">Norm Lewis</a> and have not heard him sound anything but great in everything. He was probably not the most convincing <i>Javert</i> I’ve ever seen, but he was still good nonetheless. <a href="http://25.lesmis.com/cast-and-creatives/samantha-barks/" target="new">Samantha Barks</a> as <i>Eponine</i> and <a href="http://www.raminkarimloo.com/" target="new">Ramin Karimloo</a> as <i>Enjrolas</i> I thought were great finds too as I’ve never heard of either of them before.<br />
<br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQXGNiMOL-0oaTLNl91HFwdgzInOO6cIxV-2clGQwqLhbSXsBurQXpg9gEHrQSLv07_O__rjRM9jN4edKjTqqsjy3LvKm98kXhGh9XwyNjrUmkbg8OJJH0ye776na7r3tXuKU3Zw/s1600/w0006547.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQXGNiMOL-0oaTLNl91HFwdgzInOO6cIxV-2clGQwqLhbSXsBurQXpg9gEHrQSLv07_O__rjRM9jN4edKjTqqsjy3LvKm98kXhGh9XwyNjrUmkbg8OJJH0ye776na7r3tXuKU3Zw/s320/w0006547.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Who would've ever thought I'd have a photo of a Jonas on my blog!</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Now comes my real issue with this (mostly) terrific <a href="http://25.lesmis.com/" target="new">25<sup>th</sup> anniversary concert</a> of <a href="http://www.lesmis.com/" target="new">Les Miz</a>. <a href="http://25.lesmis.com/cast-and-creatives/nick-jonas/" target="new">Nick Jonas</a>. Let me first start by saying that though he is a member of the tween-loving boy band, <a href="http://www.jonasbrothers.com/" target="new">The Jonas Brothers</a>, I had no expectations of him as <i>Marius</i>. I have no prior experience with him as a singer and a lot of pop singers can actually be really good singers. My goal was to give him the benefit of the doubt. Could he be that bad? Before I answer, let me start off by saying that the role of <i>Marius</i> is a relatively big one (it is one of the major characters in the story after V<i>aljean, Javert, Fantine, Cosette, Eponine and M. </i>and<i> Mme. Thénardier</i>). The character is important and the actor cast must be a good singer (naturally) and sound like the strong, revolutionary scholar that he is – without these important qualities, he would be just another ordinary extra cast in <a href="http://www.lesmis.com/" target="new">Les Miz</a>. Here are my observations of <a href="http://25.lesmis.com/cast-and-creatives/nick-jonas/" target="new">Jonas</a> throughout <a href="http://www.lesmis.com/" target="new">Les Miz</a>:</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1"><li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">When he was onstage, <a href="http://25.lesmis.com/cast-and-creatives/nick-jonas/" target="new">Jonas</a> looked as if he didn’t know <i>where</i> to look. As a performer who probably often makes eye contact with his adoring and screaming teenage fans, he looked like he was making a concerted effort to try not to break the 4<sup>th</sup> wall (it looked forced to me), but <i>where</i> was he looking? He was looking up, looking down, when he was interacting with <i>Cosette</i> or <i>Eponine</i> and should have been looking at them...he was not.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">In addition to not knowing where to look, <a href="http://25.lesmis.com/cast-and-creatives/nick-jonas/" target="new">Jonas'</a> demeanor looked highly uncomfortable on stage – very stiff as if he knew he didn’t belong on that stage with the likes of <a href="http://www.alfieboeuk.com/" target="new">Boe</a>, <a href="http://www.leasalonga.com/" target="new">Salonga</a>, <a href="http://www.normlewis.com/" target="new"> Lewis</a> and the 300 chorus members of various <a href="http://www.lesmis.com/" target="new">Les Miz</a> casts. </li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">He was certainly the most timid, wimpy <i>Marius</i> I’ve ever seen. I’ve never seen a more miscast actor in the role and this really disappointed me. As one who is considered a singer, I don’t think <a href="http://25.lesmis.com/cast-and-creatives/nick-jonas/" target="new">Jonas</a> was strong enough of a singer for this role. He could barely hit the notes, he sounded flat and just didn’t do the role justice (understatement).</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://25.lesmis.com/cast-and-creatives/nick-jonas/" target="new">Jonas</a> receded into the background and every actor he sang with (particularly <a href="http://25.lesmis.com/cast-and-creatives/samantha-barks/" target="new">Barks</a> as <i>Eponine</i> and <a href="http://25.lesmis.com/cast-and-creatives/katie-hall/" target="new">Katie Hall</a> as <i>Cosette</i>) completely overpowered him. There was no power in <a href="http://25.lesmis.com/cast-and-creatives/nick-jonas/" target="new">Jonas'</a> voice, he looked and sounded as if he were straining to just to complete his songs. He was completely forgettable.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">To be honest, <a href="http://25.lesmis.com/cast-and-creatives/nick-jonas/" target="new">Jonas'</a> performance at best was cringe-worthy. I literally could go on and on about my disappointment of <a href="http://25.lesmis.com/cast-and-creatives/nick-jonas/" target="new">Jonas</a> as <i>Marius</i>, but these are my top 5 reasons why I was displeased with his performance. I hate to be so mean, but Jonas’ performance just didn’t work. </li>
</ol><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Moral of this list? Neither <a href="http://25.lesmis.com/cast-and-creatives/nick-jonas/" target="new">Jonas</a> nor his voice were suited for the role of <i>Marius</i>. My question is really for the casting director (or whoever made the final decision on <a href="http://25.lesmis.com/cast-and-creatives/nick-jonas/" target="new">Jonas</a>). I know that he has previous experience on Broadway (as the final <i>Gavroche</i> in the original Broadway production of <a href="http://www.lesmis.com/" target="new">Les Miz</a>) but he simply did not work this time. Was he having an off-day when this concert was filmed? What was the real reason for casting him as <i>Marius</i>? Was it stunt casting in the hopes of getting the tween contingency to attend <a href="http://www.lesmis.com/" target="new">Les Miz</a> (we certainly had them screaming in the theatre for this screening). I just don’t get it. Someone, send me an email and explain it to me.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">All in all though (with the exception of a certain casting faux pas), I thought that the <a href="http://25.lesmis.com/" target="new">25th anniversary Les Miz concert</a> was a hit. It reminded me why I have loved the show for over 15 years and counting. Ironically, the stand-out moment of the entire <a href="http://25.lesmis.com/" target="new">concert</a> was Valjean quartet. Amazing. Breathtaking: <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><object height="385" width="640"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/sYNN_OpNUIA?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/sYNN_OpNUIA?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">This was a close second:</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><object height="385" width="640"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/dQ4l3UtxYpo?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/dQ4l3UtxYpo?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3118083.post-53603213758870526892010-11-06T05:48:00.000-07:002010-11-21T19:56:14.969-08:00SIMPLE JOYS<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixp5c3UQJPLehYx017uWry8z2ut0dGud7onj61wWgydxO_LACTzBpHKTGjGeCXkOHg1a7_w_kvRxckWMQlhCni7f-Udi8YYSknYacEv3k6Cop9swR9u1hrZhy6vjsZ8ZzeXSpVVQ/s1600/Annie+Color+%5BConverted%5D.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="142" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixp5c3UQJPLehYx017uWry8z2ut0dGud7onj61wWgydxO_LACTzBpHKTGjGeCXkOHg1a7_w_kvRxckWMQlhCni7f-Udi8YYSknYacEv3k6Cop9swR9u1hrZhy6vjsZ8ZzeXSpVVQ/s320/Annie+Color+%5BConverted%5D.png" width="320" /></a></div> Some of the most important memories of my childhood were the (many) times I saw Annie (the first time I saw the show at the Shubert Theatre in Los Angeles, Annie was played by the talented Marisa Morell). I was completely entranced (obsessed really) by the score, the music and the little girls singing and dancing (I always thought I should have been one of them) - I wore out several copies of the cassette version of the original cast recording and attempted (in vain) to learn how to play the piano score. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrea_McArdle" target="new">Andrea McArdle</a> (who in 1977 was the youngest actress nominated for best actress in a musical for playing the title role) was my first musical theatre hero because it was her voice I first heard as Annie on the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Annie-Original-1977-Broadway-Recording/dp/B001VRDRG0/ref=sr_1_1?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1289021024&sr=1-1" target="new">Original Cast Recording (OCR)</a>. I tried so hard to sing like her when friends and I would perform numbers from Annie in my backyard while wearing our Annie dresses. Needless to say, Annie easily became an extremely important piece of my childhood (and undoubtedly countless other little girls)!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiRvNkP6jFeG6vKfm9LYakqweiMrvqnmOEd3vOnJCk9cE-O_Vio5nq0mV6lh6daxAmXUasH1NBu_PXOwv7J06WvtZQ49g9sWs0kAvMW7EBeATsDA6KeDhnRm89JDTrCeypSFg8DQ/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiRvNkP6jFeG6vKfm9LYakqweiMrvqnmOEd3vOnJCk9cE-O_Vio5nq0mV6lh6daxAmXUasH1NBu_PXOwv7J06WvtZQ49g9sWs0kAvMW7EBeATsDA6KeDhnRm89JDTrCeypSFg8DQ/s320/1.jpg" width="219" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">(l-r) Melody Hollis, Andrea McArdle & Mikey</span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Throughout the years, there have been too many times to count that I have seen various stage productions of Annie. For some reason, each production I have seen never seems to be as good as the one before it. One production in particular I saw not too long ago was such a disappointment that I began to think that maybe my memory of the show was far better than the reality. Then, I saw <a href="http://musical.org/" target="new">Musical Theatre West</a>’s production of Annie and that all changed. My inaugural visit to <a href="http://musical.org/" target="new">Musical Theatre West</a> (now in its 58th season at the beautiful Richard and Karen Carpenter Performing Arts Center) did not disappoint. To start, my childhood hero, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrea_McArdle" target="new">Andrea McArdle</a> returned to the show that made her famous, but this time starring as the villainess, Miss Hannigan. Some 30-plus years after making her Broadway debut as the famous red-headed orphan, it is not difficult or strange to see <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrea_McArdle" target="new">McArdle</a> return to the show as Annie’s nemesis. Quite the opposite actually – it was easy and refreshing to see <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrea_McArdle" target="new">McArdle</a> as a more subtle Hannigan (funnier without being too campy). While excellent, McArdle’s performance never outshined that of Melody Hollis (Annie) who was easily one of the best Annies I’ve seen to date. In addition to having a strong, beautifully belt-y voice, there was an effortless spunkiness and nurturing quality to Hollis and an easy chemistry between her and each of her co-stars. <br />
<br />
I thought that the chorus numbers were fantastic but never realized how significant the Hooverville number was until the strong performance by this ensemble. The girls who played the orphans – Jena Rosen, Paige Befeler, Alexa Freeman, Maddison Milledge, Danielle Soibelman and Grace Kaufman – were strong and made the ensemble orphan numbers highly enjoyable. As Oliver Warbucks, it was easy to see Jeff Austin as both a gruff corporate billionaire who seemed to naturally soften when in the presence of the talented Melody Hollis.<br />
<br />
It is because of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrea_McArdle" target="new">McArdle</a>’s performance of Annie on the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Annie-Original-1977-Broadway-Recording/dp/B001VRDRG0/ref=sr_1_1?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1289021024&sr=1-1" target="new">(OCR)</a> that drew me to the show so many years ago and it is because of her current association with the show that I rediscovered my love for it again. If I were a little girl now, I think Hollis would be the reason I would be drawn to Annie the same way I was drawn to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrea_McArdle" target="new">McArdle</a> – her performance was energetic and delightfully sung and is one of the main reasons why this production worked so well. <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhczxHobEQtbj_VamyerO85cyUDyiuCkVGhYTI1fnTEvKcQwkZ0PybgawnAKy9xZSJSm7FZabk6nNQVKS1sA4EMVncypibNuZjwI7RZl-2WJJXKoNgJQLTUIm-b7eTb421nYF_xYw/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhczxHobEQtbj_VamyerO85cyUDyiuCkVGhYTI1fnTEvKcQwkZ0PybgawnAKy9xZSJSm7FZabk6nNQVKS1sA4EMVncypibNuZjwI7RZl-2WJJXKoNgJQLTUIm-b7eTb421nYF_xYw/s320/5.jpg" width="244" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">(l-r) Jeff Austin, Melody Hollis</span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Annie runs for only 14 performances through November 14 at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center, 6200 Atherton St., Long Beach, CA. 8 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays. Call for tickets ($30-$80): (562) 856-1999 or <a href="http://www.musical.org/">www.musical.org</a>.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3118083.post-58966362681167625082010-11-01T15:55:00.000-07:002010-11-01T15:55:54.187-07:00SEDUCTION<div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo2GudcoF2pf1_X038UN_9YPPRtGvX702KYmCvAnu0umpPvK-HOWXL8MuGA5jxzGvpE4xg8TVZ6g07wJRZYpxnUY_OU_MbUeWA-Vmi_A3duN1idQhLCntOtlJ7nQm9FZkyCpKLQg/s1600/58625_154321184593189_130746636950644_356702_1335758_n.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo2GudcoF2pf1_X038UN_9YPPRtGvX702KYmCvAnu0umpPvK-HOWXL8MuGA5jxzGvpE4xg8TVZ6g07wJRZYpxnUY_OU_MbUeWA-Vmi_A3duN1idQhLCntOtlJ7nQm9FZkyCpKLQg/s320/58625_154321184593189_130746636950644_356702_1335758_n.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>A few weeks ago (as I <a href="http://chizi.blogspot.com/2010/10/step-into-light.html" target="new">blogged</a> earlier) I finally got to see (and enjoyed) <a href="http://www.centertheatregroup.org/tickets/productiondetail.aspx?id=13732" target="new">Leap of Faith</a>. What I loved most though (and what really made the show magnificent) was <a href="http://raulesparza.com/" target="new">Raúl Esparza</a>'s electric performance. He was <i>amazing</i>...no, really, <b style="color: #990000;">AMAZING </b>(in an <i>I-can't-get-it-out-of-my-head-amazing</i> way). Sure, I have had my musicals-du-jour throughout the years, but I can't remember the last time I saw <u>one</u> performer make a show work. There's nothing terribly wrong with <a href="http://www.centertheatregroup.org/tickets/productiondetail.aspx?id=13732" target="new">Leap of Faith</a> as a whole (I like it), but its because of one performer (<a href="http://raulesparza.com/" target="new">Esparza</a>) that the show really worked as well as it did. During intermission and post-show, I heard audience members everywhere around me excitedly buzzing about the strength of his performance. The positive buzz about <a href="http://www.centertheatregroup.org/tickets/productiondetail.aspx?id=13732" target="new">Leap of Faith</a> was due in large part to <a href="http://raulesparza.com/" target="new">Esparza</a>.<br />
<br />
The energy he brought to the stage almost became seductive because the way <a href="http://raulesparza.com/" target="new">Esparza</a> (as <i>Jonas Nightingale</i>) lured the audience into the story as much as he did the townspeople of Sweetwater made you really want to follow, trust and believe in his character - and when it was over, he left you wanting more . When <a href="http://raulesparza.com/" target="new">Esparza</a> was on that stage, his presence was strong, but when he opened up his mouth to sing? Forget about it, he owned it. <a href="http://raulesparza.com/" target="new">Esparza</a> has an effortless vocal quality that is so clear, so strong and diverse - total rocker and yet 100% legit all within seconds of each other (while acting) - which is astounding! And even now...after two weeks have come and gone since I saw <a href="http://www.centertheatregroup.org/tickets/productiondetail.aspx?id=13732" target="new">Leap of Faith</a> I am still thinking about the way he sounded. He is<i> phenomenal.</i><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="http://images.broadwayworld.com/upload2/91308/tn-500_pjz_dec14_09_joes_pub_astep_benefit_1450.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Lets be honest, since I left the theatre, I have been on a <a href="http://raulesparza.com/" target="new">Raúl Esparza</a> music kick - I am totally obsessed with the way he sings (lets just say that right now, my neighbors probably don't appreciate <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eBBPKedba5o" target="new">Being Alive</a>, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CD8TS21APxI" target="new">Petrified</a> and select songs from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Tick-Tick-Boom-Original-Off-Broadway/dp/B00005NQK5/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1288581179&sr=1-1" target="new">tick, tick...BOOM!</a> on continuous loop). I am in complete awe over the way he uses his voice (the effect it has on phrasing and hitting some crazy notes) and how committed he is to his performance in whatever role he's in. The man's voice was pretty fantastic when he first burst onto the scene in <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Tick-Tick-Boom-Original-Off-Broadway/dp/B00005NQK5/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1288581179&sr=1-1" target="new">tick, tick...BOOM!</a> (off-Broadway) in 2001 and his performance as <i>Bobby</i> in <a href="http://sondheim.com/works/company/" target="new">Company</a> changed my perspective on a show that I thought I knew well. </div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
Cut to the 2007 <a href="http://www.tonyawards.com/" target="new">Tony Awards</a>:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/j8kYfPoHyos?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/j8kYfPoHyos?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object></div><br />
Me: Wait, that's <a href="http://raulesparza.com/" target="new">Raúl Esparza</a>...as <i>Bobby</i>...? He's fantastic. When did this happen?<br />
<br />
How could I have missed <a href="http://raulesparza.com/" target="new">Raúl Esparza</a> in <a href="http://sondheim.com/works/company/" target="new">Company</a> prior to the <a href="http://www.tonyawards.com/" target="new">Tony Awards</a>? When I saw the above clip during the awards telecast, I quickly got my musical theatre priorities straightened and then <i>had</i> to see more of the revival of this show.<br />
<br />
In 2008, the <a href="http://www.pbs.org/wnet/gperf/shows/company/index.html" target="new">Broadway Revival of Company on PBS Great Performances</a> aired and though I was expecting him (after seeing the <a href="http://www.tonyawards.com/" target="new">Tony Awards</a>) I was almost caught off guard by the brilliance of <a href="http://raulesparza.com/" target="new">Esparza</a>'s portrayal of <i>Bobby</i>. This was the first time I had seen the show in its entirety which also explains the added perspective to <a href="http://sondheim.com/works/company/" target="new">Company</a> that I gained. Over the years, <a href="http://sondheim.com/works/company/" target="new">Company</a> has easily become one of my favorite <a href="http://sondheim.com/" target="new">Stephen Sondheim</a> shows. When I saw it on <a href="http://www.pbs.org/wnet/gperf/shows/company/index.html" target="new">PBS Great Performances</a> though, everything changed - I gained a new perspective on the character of <i>Bobby</i> (post is forthcoming) <u>and</u> most importantly, I was reintroduced to <a href="http://raulesparza.com/" target="new">Raúl Esparza</a>.<br />
<br />
It was 2001 when I was first introduced to <a href="http://raulesparza.com/" target="new">Esparza</a> when I purchased <a href="http://www.mtishows.com/show_detail.asp?showid=000279" target="new">tick, tick...BOOM!</a> - the semi-autobiographical musical about the struggle the late <a href="http://americantheatrewing.org/larsongrants/about.php" target="new">Jonathan Larson</a> endured to create and make an impression on the musical theatre landscape. <a href="http://raulesparza.com/" target="new">Esparza</a> played <i>Jon</i> in <a href="http://www.mtishows.com/show_detail.asp?showid=000279" target="new">tick, tick...BOOM!</a> and I remember wondering what it was like to play someone who had only recently (and unexpectedly) passed away and to be the first person to bring this real person (not a character) to life...in which <a href="http://americantheatrewing.org/larsongrants/about.php" target="new">Larson</a>'s parents, family and friends would be present. I remember thinking that only an exceptional actor could pull that off and I admired <a href="http://raulesparza.com/" target="new">Raúl Esparza</a> for being able to do so.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://images.broadwayworld.com/upload2/91308/tn-500_pjz_dec14_09_joes_pub_astep_benefit_1450.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://images.broadwayworld.com/upload2/91308/tn-500_pjz_dec14_09_joes_pub_astep_benefit_1450.jpg" width="212" /></a>Clearly, <a href="http://raulesparza.com/" target="new">Esparza</a>'s voice is extraordinary and it makes you stop and listen and really believe in what he is singing about. I think this is the case with every song I've heard him sing. I am just so grateful to have had the opportunity to see/hear him live - what he did with every song he sang in <a href="http://www.centertheatregroup.org/tickets/productiondetail.aspx?id=13732" target="new">Leap of Faith</a> just blew my mind.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
Clearly, I'm not the only one who sees the brilliance in <a href="http://raulesparza.com/" target="new">Raúl Esparza</a>. He is not only an amazing singer (as I've been rambling on about) but actor - look at the number of <a href="http://www.tonyawards.com/" target="new">Tony Award</a> nominations he's received since he made his Broadway debut in 2001 (thanks for the info, <a href="http://www.ibdb.com/" target="new">IBDb</a>!):<br />
<ol><li> Broadway Debut in <a href="http://ibdb.com/production.php?id=12547" target="new">The Rocky Horror Show</a> - 2001 </li>
<li> <a href="http://www.tonyawards.com/" target="new">Tony Award</a> nomination #1: <a href="http://ibdb.com/production.php?id=13492" target="new">Taboo</a> (best featured actor in a musical) - 2004</li>
<li> <a href="http://ibdb.com/production.php?id=382080" target="new">Chitty Chitty Bang Bang</a> - 2005</li>
<li> <a href="http://www.tonyawards.com/" target="new">Tony Award</a> nomination #2: <a href="http://sondheim.com/works/company/" target="new">Company</a> (best actor in a musical) - 2007</li>
<li> <a href="http://www.tonyawards.com/" target="new">Tony Award</a> nomination #3: <a href="http://ibdb.com/production.php?id=465255" target="new">The Homecoming</a> (best featured actor in a play) - 2008 <a href="http://ibdb.com/production.php?id=382080" target="new"><br />
</a></li>
<li> <a href="http://www.tonyawards.com/" target="new">Tony Award</a> nomination #4: <a href="http://ibdb.com/production.php?id=480735" target="new">Speed-the-Plow</a> (best actor in a play) - (how did I not remember he was in <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/19/theater/19pive.html%22" target="new">THAT</a> media debacle?). - 2009</li>
</ol>This means that in a 5-year period (between 2004-2009), <a href="http://raulesparza.com/" target="new">Esparza</a> was nominated for a <a href="http://www.tonyawards.com/" target="new">Tony Award</a> in every possible category for which he was eligible. Only <a href="http://ibdb.com/person.php?id=41629" target="new">Boyd Gaines</a> (who was coincidentally the first <i>Bobby</i> in <a href="http://sondheim.com/works/company/" target="new">Company</a> that I ever heard) is the other actor to also have this same distinction . If you haven't been fortunate to have seen <a href="http://raulesparza.com/" target="new">Esparza</a> perform, watch these and you'll see/hear what a phenomenal talent he is:<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/pctgOA54ha0?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/pctgOA54ha0?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object></center></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://raulesparza.com/" target="new">Raúl Esparza</a> singing <i>Lonely House</i> at Seth's Broadway Chatterbox, 2004</span></div><br />
Listen to the the way he sustains those notes! Seriously? And. He can do <i>Defying Gravity</i>...and its no surprise he kills this too. <br />
<br />
<br />
<center><object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/EnryROEX-VA?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/EnryROEX-VA?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://raulesparza.com/" target="new">Raúl Esparza</a> singing <i>Defying Gravity</i> at Seth's Broadway Chatterbox, 2004</span></center><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
In May 2005, <a href="http://raulesparza.com/" target="new">Esparza</a> appeared in the <a href="http://americantheatrewing.org/wit/index.php" target="new">American Theatre Wing's Working in the Theatre seminar </a> in which he said (in reference to what makes a good actor), "I don't want to put <a href="http://raulesparza.com/" target="new">Raúl Esparza</a> onstage, I want to put whoever that person [character] on stage is and somehow disappear..." Sounds like a pretty obvious statement but I've been to enough shows (plays and musicals), seen <i>plenty</i> of TV shows or films in which that was <i>not</i> the case. I have to say that when I saw <a href="http://www.centertheatregroup.org/tickets/productiondetail.aspx?id=13732" target="new">Leap of Faith</a>, I didn't necessarily feel that every actor onstage was their character, but I certainly felt so about <a href="http://raulesparza.com/" target="new">Esparza</a> - I feel confident in stating that I think is brilliant in pretty much anything he does. I'm not sure where <a href="http://www.centertheatregroup.org/tickets/productiondetail.aspx?id=13732" target="new">Leap of Faith</a> will go (rumor has it Broadway-bound in Fall 2011). If it does indeed go to Broadway, I hope that -<a href="http://www.tonyawards.com/en_US/about/awards.html" target="new">Tony voters</a> will see and hear just how magnificent he is as a performer and will reward him accordingly. NY has a ton of fantastic singers/actors, I have not heard anyone who can sing a range of styles the way he can all the while being a remarkable actor to boot. It is about time <a href="http://www.tonyawards.com/en_US/about/awards.html" target="new">Tony voters</a>. All I can say is, get ready! <br />
<br />
To <a href="http://raulesparza.com/" target="new">Raúl Esparza</a>, I have two words for you: SOLO ALBUM. Oh wait, actually there are three more words too: CONCERT IN LA! Ok, thanks...oh and, BRAVO!!!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Am I the only one utterly obsessed and amazed (other than <a href="http://www.sethrudetsky.com/" target="new">Seth Rudetsky</a>) with <a href="http://raulesparza.com/" target="new">Raúl Esparza's voice</a>? Tell me what you think: [theaterfan (at) aol (dot) com]! </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3118083.post-12113218440559482162010-10-27T14:56:00.000-07:002010-10-27T17:11:52.248-07:00WHEN THE SUN GOES DOWN<div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3pGbktpK1K5kW5VNzOBWbTR51m2_IvrUhEF7U2-H3GDU9zaFAvxvATamwF1iB8G_tT7XHkO1ff_8qw1vTVOn5NwHeRkvAwyp0joOIsrM6AcSjvnffNtjz_xoVGq-_bmiy2-Wcug/s1600/dl_wp1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3pGbktpK1K5kW5VNzOBWbTR51m2_IvrUhEF7U2-H3GDU9zaFAvxvATamwF1iB8G_tT7XHkO1ff_8qw1vTVOn5NwHeRkvAwyp0joOIsrM6AcSjvnffNtjz_xoVGq-_bmiy2-Wcug/s320/dl_wp1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Its no secret that when it comes to <a href="http://www.intheheightsthemusical.com/" target="new">In the Heights</a>, I have been a <a href="http://chizi.blogspot.com/search/label/in%20the%20heights" target="new">huge supporter</a>. I thought that <a href="http://www.tonyawards.com/" target="new">Tony Award</a> winning creator/writer and original <i>Usnavi</i>, <a href="http://www.intheheightsthemusical.com/lin-manuel-miranda.html" target="new">Lin-Manuel Miranda</a> created a beautiful musical that was the perfect blend between classic and modern musical theatre. The heart of <a href="http://www.intheheightsthemusical.com/" target="new">In the Heights</a> is classic: it is a show with recognizable and hummable tunes with a storyline that is simple: family and the journey of finding your way home. There is a definable hero and heroine who are both trying to find their way yet it is also has very modern elements like infusing the beat and flow of hip-hop and rap into the show. It reminds us that at the end of the day, none of us are all that different - we all come from families, we are all trying to make our way in the world while looking for our place in it.<br />
<br />
Today, it was announced that after 1,185 performances, <a href="http://www.intheheightsthemusical.com/" target="new">In the Heights</a> will close on January 9, 2011*. For a special two-week engagement beginning on Christmas Day, <a href="http://www.intheheightsthemusical.com/lin-manuel-miranda.html" target="new">Miranda</a> will once again reprise the role of <i>Usnavi</i> one last time. If you are in New York, I highly recommend going. There is magic in seeing a writer/composer performing their own work but to see this incredible show that <a href="http://www.intheheightsthemusical.com/lin-manuel-miranda.html" target="new">Miranda</a> lovingly created and nurtured since his days at Wesleyan University, is really something else. I challenge anyone to tell me that 96,000 is not an electric, brilliant number: <br />
<br />
<br />
<center><object height="344" style="background-image: url("http://i2.ytimg.com/vi/yoQlqjxxMlw/hqdefault.jpg");" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/yoQlqjxxMlw?fs=1&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/yoQlqjxxMlw?fs=1&hl=en_US" width="425" height="344" allowScriptAccess="never" allowFullScreen="true" wmode="transparent" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object></center></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
As if <a href="http://www.intheheightsthemusical.com/" target="new">In the Heights</a> doesn't prove that <a href="http://www.intheheightsthemusical.com/lin-manuel-miranda.html" target="new">Miranda</a> is filled with talent, remember that he not only created a <a href="http://www.tonyawards.com/" target="new">Tony Award</a> winning musical but he has also been known to educate young people through music on <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-HZwkdx29gg&feature=fvst" target="new">The Electric Company</a> and <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B33uEhlt8wA" target="new">Sesame Street</a>, created the hilarious web series <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K2yoyjJtKWg&feature=&p=B4A27CD11E37B169&index=0&playnext=1" target="new">Legally Brown: The Search for the Next Piragua Guy</a> (a spoof on the MTV Legally Blonde reality show) and also made a ten-year-old boy's dream come true with <a href="http://www.youtube.com/usnavi#p/u/8/2nV9IRY5A1s" target="new">this</a>. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
It will be a sad day when the Richard Rogers Theatre says farewell to <a href="http://www.intheheightsthemusical.com/" target="new">In the Heights</a> but...stay tuned for the <a href="http://www.playbill.com/news/article/135319-Kenny-Ortega-Will-Direct-In-the-Heights-Film" target="new'">film</a> starring who else but...<a href="http://www.intheheightsthemusical.com/lin-manuel-miranda.html" target="new">Lin-Manuel Miranda</a>!<br />
<br />
--<br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">*For all performances from January 2, 2011 – January 9, 2011 (exluding January 9, 2011 evening show) get tickets for as low as: <br />
</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">$78.00 for Orchestra/Front Mezzanine </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">-or-</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">$48.75 for Rear Mezzanine A - F<br />
<br />
Use code ITHLIN<br />
<br />
Call Ticketmaster at 877-250-2929 and mention code ITHLIN </span></i></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3118083.post-88221040912346732572010-10-24T21:02:00.000-07:002010-10-24T22:11:08.617-07:00STEP INTO THE LIGHT<div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0xQZP8DDk6A45egVtdJrktg8QbMW0JG8b5hxaChlnWcim5fW0B3BjV-ibzEpdFPljbJWRkTnOFAc4vi3Qcfp4xrJugscGXc01ryaz19pw1S0XlAdiE9ytHnjHV9g4g7xvYjtbLA/s1600/46516_156428961034682_100000027373050_530364_5401999_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0xQZP8DDk6A45egVtdJrktg8QbMW0JG8b5hxaChlnWcim5fW0B3BjV-ibzEpdFPljbJWRkTnOFAc4vi3Qcfp4xrJugscGXc01ryaz19pw1S0XlAdiE9ytHnjHV9g4g7xvYjtbLA/s400/46516_156428961034682_100000027373050_530364_5401999_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
After I waxed poetic about <a href="http://chizi.blogspot.com/2010/10/do-whatha-gotta-do.html" target="new">The Music Center/Center Theatre Group's productions</a>, I figured a real review of <a href="http://www.centertheatregroup.org/tickets/productiondetail.aspx?id=13732" target="new">Leap of Faith</a> should follow.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Since I saw the show last week, I have been thinking about the music, plot, dance numbers and overall performances wondering why I am so drawn to the story. There is so much I love about the show with one overwhelming factor leading the charge (that I finally recognized) - familiarity. Its amazing that it took this long to figure out. I realized that maybe the reason I feel this way about <a href="http://www.centertheatregroup.org/tickets/productiondetail.aspx?id=13732" target="new">Leap of Faith</a> is because it is very similar to one of my other beloved old-school musicals. <a href="http://www.centertheatregroup.org/tickets/productiondetail.aspx?id=13732" target="new">Leap of Faith</a>, meet <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Music_Man_%28musical%29" target="new">The Music Man</a>. Consider this:<br />
<blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4S5J5Ja_QFUtJgF_HugKvaM4U-bW6jgw_Ci2AK-gY2eQlNbzDOSNr0XCmklHGSaeaIMcWKaDwg_DKkL8okrq6UAHhUpOMtcUtGIZ3IlisJ1RDr5NM2mG0XfsuhOyEUxxP1mDL5Q/s1600/6a00d8341c2c8b53ef010536960a94970b-300wi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><i>A con-man comes to a smal town, falls for a local single woman, befriends a child who is has "special needs" and is changed because of this relationship (with the child). The con-man isn't exactly forthright with the woman or the child about why he is really in the town or who he really is. Then, someone outs this con-man and said con-man must own up to who he really is. Somehow the con-man does something to make good with the people of the small town, helps the child he has befriended and eventually gets the girl. </i></blockquote>Not sure which show I'm describing? Of course you're right because it refers to both shows.<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4S5J5Ja_QFUtJgF_HugKvaM4U-bW6jgw_Ci2AK-gY2eQlNbzDOSNr0XCmklHGSaeaIMcWKaDwg_DKkL8okrq6UAHhUpOMtcUtGIZ3IlisJ1RDr5NM2mG0XfsuhOyEUxxP1mDL5Q/s200/6a00d8341c2c8b53ef010536960a94970b-300wi.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="128" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Preston_%28actor%29" target="new">Robert Preston</a> as <i>Prof. Harold Hill</i></td></tr>
</tbody> </table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo2GudcoF2pf1_X038UN_9YPPRtGvX702KYmCvAnu0umpPvK-HOWXL8MuGA5jxzGvpE4xg8TVZ6g07wJRZYpxnUY_OU_MbUeWA-Vmi_A3duN1idQhLCntOtlJ7nQm9FZkyCpKLQg/s200/58625_154321184593189_130746636950644_356702_1335758_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="160" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.raulesparza.com/" target="new">Raúl Esparza</a> as <i>Jonas Nightingale</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo2GudcoF2pf1_X038UN_9YPPRtGvX702KYmCvAnu0umpPvK-HOWXL8MuGA5jxzGvpE4xg8TVZ6g07wJRZYpxnUY_OU_MbUeWA-Vmi_A3duN1idQhLCntOtlJ7nQm9FZkyCpKLQg/s1600/58625_154321184593189_130746636950644_356702_1335758_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-right: 1em;"></a></div></center><br />
So <a href="http://www.centertheatregroup.org/tickets/productiondetail.aspx?id=13732" target="new">Leap of Faith</a> (the musical) is based loosely on the <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0104695/" target="new">film</a> of the same name starring <a href="http://www.stevemartin.com/" target="new">Steve Martin</a> and though it has (almost identical) similarities, it isn't a rip off of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Music_Man_%28musical%29" target="new">The Music Man</a> (film or musical). <a href="http://www.centertheatregroup.org/tickets/productiondetail.aspx?id=13732" target="new">Leap of Faith</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Music_Man_%28musical%29" target="new">The Music Man</a> are very similar stories and you might think that the similarity ends there (at the plot) right? Sort of. If we take a look at the performances of the lead actors in these two musicals, you will find two, highly dynamic, remarkable actors who really carry the show they are in. In <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Music_Man_%28musical%29" target="new">The Music Man</a>, the incomparable <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Preston_%28actor%29" target="new">Robert Preston</a> created the role of Harold Hill...he is incredibly charismatic and really, who wouldn't follow and want to believe in him? <a href="http://www.centertheatregroup.org/tickets/productiondetail.aspx?id=13732" target="new">Leap of Faith</a> has an equally dynamic and multi-talented actor in <a href="http://www.raulesparza.com/" target="new">Raúl Esparza</a> who plays <i>Jonas Nightingale</i>. Watching and listening to his character...who wouldn't want to follow and believe in him either?<br />
<br />
Have I convinced you that the central storyline in <a href="http://www.centertheatregroup.org/tickets/productiondetail.aspx?id=13732" target="new">Leap of Faith</a> really is similar to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Music_Man_%28musical%29" target="new">The Music Man</a> and that <i>Harold Hill/Jonas Nightingale</i> are the ones who really carry their respective shows? When I think about <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Music_Man_%28musical%29" target="new">The Music Man</a>, I immediately think <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Preston_%28actor%29" target="new">Robert Preston</a> and then I think that though sweet and classic, the show really isn't anything without <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Preston_%28actor%29" target="new">Preston</a>. Actors come and go and while many have played <i>Harold Hill</i>, nobody could nail it like <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Preston_%28actor%29" target="new">Preston</a> did. So when I think about the the entire production of <a href="http://www.centertheatregroup.org/tickets/productiondetail.aspx?id=13732" target="new">Leap of Faith</a>, the show too really succeeded because of <a href="http://www.raulesparza.com/" target="new">Raúl Esparza</a>. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPb-pQ4zjmB39mJRIwre-8WndwIkSALPB_DqNUh2R9gCOhz3_0UufWfZsgROzqcc_BZXWpXwIBma7yhrIGJYT6S1s7fzWJMGD3_KgD9ZmXpDuhm8ZThfub0H6rCuMvPm1EF4DAeQ/s1600/61502_155627881129186_130746636950644_364976_5747027_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPb-pQ4zjmB39mJRIwre-8WndwIkSALPB_DqNUh2R9gCOhz3_0UufWfZsgROzqcc_BZXWpXwIBma7yhrIGJYT6S1s7fzWJMGD3_KgD9ZmXpDuhm8ZThfub0H6rCuMvPm1EF4DAeQ/s400/61502_155627881129186_130746636950644_364976_5747027_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
From the moment he walked onto the stage, dressed completely in black with sunglasses on, <a href="http://www.raulesparza.com/" target="new">Esparza</a> convincingly carried himself as a smarmy, charismatic con-man. This attitude mixed with the words he spoke only reinforced this character. When in the "tent" as the evangelist persona, <a href="http://www.raulesparza.com/" target="new">Esparza</a>'s inflections were spot-on. <a href="http://www.raulesparza.com/" target="new">Esparza</a>'s energy was undeniable and it was hard to tell if he put every ounce in his being to become Jonas or if <a href="http://www.raulesparza.com/" target="new">Esparza</a> <b>was</b> <i>Jonas</i>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjvFnZTgSzsah7k39IarM84TMSJGkgvLaERMzXRUq1o9RxBZbOmA4Rf2kfuNKl7Zj3b9PgDB0s3FXrNqePSIiIyv7sH1JDy6byHNukNvICpQzsVsLvbI5KtKyFEpFoTGiZYzR5jg/s1600/518mj1K3SvL._SS500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjvFnZTgSzsah7k39IarM84TMSJGkgvLaERMzXRUq1o9RxBZbOmA4Rf2kfuNKl7Zj3b9PgDB0s3FXrNqePSIiIyv7sH1JDy6byHNukNvICpQzsVsLvbI5KtKyFEpFoTGiZYzR5jg/s200/518mj1K3SvL._SS500_.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>I have been aware of <a href="http://www.raulesparza.com/" target="new">Esparza</a> as an actor since I bought the off-Broadway cast recording of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Tick-Tick-Boom-Original-Off-Broadway/dp/B00005NQK5" target="new">tick, tick...BOOM!</a> in 2001 in which he played Jon (the semi-autobiographical show about <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jonathan_Larson" target="new">Jonathan Larson</a>). Throughout the years, I have seen <a href="http://www.raulesparza.com/" target="new">Esparza</a> perform on TV and the internet from various roles. Yet, when I saw him as <i>Bobby</i> in the revival of <a href="http://www.playbill.com/news/article/109177-Tony-Winning-Revival-of-Company-to-Be-Filmed-for-Great-Performances-Broadcast" target="new">Company</a> in 2006, I knew that I finally saw the quintessential <i>Bobby</i>. He brought such passion and intensity to the role that I had not seen before or since. His <i>Bobby</i> was darker and more multi-dimensional than I had seen before. But I digress. There are some performances that you know while sitting there in the audience that you are watching an actor playing a role. There are others that completely transform while onstage into the role...whose performance you know is something special (<i>i.e.,</i> <a href="http://www.pattilupone.net/" target="new">Patti LuPone</a> in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gypsy:_A_Musical_Fable" target="new">Gypsy</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alice_Ripley" target="new">Alice Ripley</a> in <a href="http://www.nexttonormal.com/" target="new">Next to Normal</a>; <a href="http://www.raulesparza.com/" target="new">Raúl Esparza</a> as Jonas Nightingale comes pretty close to making this list too). Its quite a grand statement, I know, but the night I saw <a href="http://www.centertheatregroup.org/tickets/productiondetail.aspx?id=13732" target="new">Leap of Faith</a>, I thought he was just <i>that</i> good. The interesting thing is that while both <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gypsy:_A_Musical_Fable" target="new">Gypsy</a> and <a href="http://www.nexttonormal.com/" target="new">Next to Normal</a> hold their place in theatre history because of their respective books, <a href="http://www.centertheatregroup.org/tickets/productiondetail.aspx?id=13732" target="new">Leap of Faith</a> doesn't exactly come close to being a <a href="http://www.playbill.com/news/article/138657-Next-to-Normal-Wins-2010-Pulitzer-Prize-for-Drama" target="new">Pulitzer Prize winning show</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKcY6pBokSQ75LVU3hWp3CEEB5NGawHpgfxDlNNg_KEEQSmwAlMQFEY-naWY2oRzeU73Znp9LyJ2h67oXwxcOYFrrDasHXt4dqimWc12H3l5cAoacM2Pz8J5c6Pq0gEOwGHUlfPw/s1600/59971_154321207926520_130746636950644_356703_7071910_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKcY6pBokSQ75LVU3hWp3CEEB5NGawHpgfxDlNNg_KEEQSmwAlMQFEY-naWY2oRzeU73Znp9LyJ2h67oXwxcOYFrrDasHXt4dqimWc12H3l5cAoacM2Pz8J5c6Pq0gEOwGHUlfPw/s320/59971_154321207926520_130746636950644_356703_7071910_n.jpg" width="217" /></a></div>There are aspects of <a href="http://www.centertheatregroup.org/tickets/productiondetail.aspx?id=13732" target="new">Leap of Faith</a> that weren't amazing - some of the characters were not developed enough which (to me) affected the outcome of the storyline. When looking at the all of the characters in <a href="http://www.centertheatregroup.org/tickets/productiondetail.aspx?id=13732" target="new">Leap of Faith</a>, none is more developed than that of <i>Jonas</i> (which is good and yet...obviously bad). Of the more major characters, every other is a distant second to <i>Jonas - Marva, Sam, Boyd</i>. If it weren't for <i>Ricky Sturdevant</i>, there really wasn't any need to have <i>Ida Mae</i> in the show. Would there be? When <a href="http://www.centertheatregroup.org/tickets/LOF_cast.aspx#lodom" target="new">Leslie Odom, Jr.</a> was onstage, his stage presence was evident which is why the part was memorable. The character though? <i>Ricky Sturdevant</i> wasn't a weak character, only he wasn't strong either. <a href="http://www.centertheatregroup.org/tickets/LOF_cast.aspx#bshields" target="new">Brooke Shields</a> played <i>Marva McGowan</i> well...as I stated in a previous post, she was a perfect mix of strong and sensitive and could be considered to be a stabilizing force in the show; she played safe well. I don't think it was <a href="http://www.centertheatregroup.org/tickets/LOF_cast.aspx#bshields" target="new">Shields</a> who was the problem though; she couldn't have played the role better, it was the character that way dry. One could say that was purposeful...the dry, somewhat-boring character of <i>Marva</i> was a representation of the drought-ridden town of Sweetwater...yes, I think its stretching things too.<br />
<br />
If the story was lacking, the music and lyrics by <a href="http://www.centertheatregroup.org/tickets/LOF_cast.aspx#amenken" target="new">Alan Menken</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glenn_Slater" target="new">Glenn Slater</a> (respectively) and choreography by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rob_Ashford" target="new">Rob Ashford</a> were just incredible. During the Rise Up number, while watching the dancers, I was so taken by the choreography, feeling that it was reminiscent of musicals from days-gone-by; it was gloriously old-school. The rhythmic gospel music was a high point of the show that I can't get out of my head. Days after seeing the show, I still find myself going back to <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/CTGLA" target="new">CTGLA's YouTube page</a> so I can hear at least some of the music and see bits of the choreography again.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEincn1_f_k_VmSfT7F4UCj7FwFKT3N9T6Oc-BLOEyWWaTckkVYRm3sfukSg9thwhZ62O0vgs2CYXskY-bvSlTwse2PqPPT0xVQ9cfS2Jsl11MvGqRJmfQosSWX1byp_SOxctSnDJw/s1600/62409_155627961129178_130746636950644_364983_2754644_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEincn1_f_k_VmSfT7F4UCj7FwFKT3N9T6Oc-BLOEyWWaTckkVYRm3sfukSg9thwhZ62O0vgs2CYXskY-bvSlTwse2PqPPT0xVQ9cfS2Jsl11MvGqRJmfQosSWX1byp_SOxctSnDJw/s400/62409_155627961129178_130746636950644_364983_2754644_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I find great pleasure when musicals make their world premieres in Los Angeles then go on to be successful Broadway shows. Shows like <a href="http://www.centertheatregroup.org/tickets/productiondetail.aspx?id=498" target="new">13</a>, <a href="http://www.centertheatregroup.org/tickets/productiondetail.aspx?id=2568" target="new">The Drowsy Chaperone</a>, <a href="http://www.centertheatregroup.org/tickets/productiondetail.aspx?id=8128" target="new">9 to 5: The Musical</a> and <a href="http://www.centertheatregroup.org/tickets/productiondetail.aspx?id=92" target="new">Curtains</a> made their mark here in Los Angeles, at <a href="http://www.centertheatregroup.org/" target="new">Center Theatre Group</a> before becoming darlings of Broadway. With a little bit of revision, I am certain (and hopeful) that <a href="http://www.centertheatregroup.org/tickets/productiondetail.aspx?id=13732" target="new">Leap of Faith</a> will follow the steps of the <a href="http://www.centertheatregroup.org/" target="new">Center Theatre Group's</a> shows that came before it. </div><br />
<center><object height="295" style="background-image: url("http://i1.ytimg.com/vi/HkGovX4VV5U/hqdefault.jpg");" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/HkGovX4VV5U?fs=1&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/HkGovX4VV5U?fs=1&hl=en_US" allowscriptaccess="never" allowfullscreen="true" wmode="transparent" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" height="295" width="480"></embed></object></center>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3118083.post-84280792164194902372010-10-22T16:51:00.000-07:002010-10-24T17:56:31.738-07:00DO WHATCHA GOTTA DO<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdHDhRGLaPXpWAC905Fg2VizYcoERmwlDwB9MekZ9rxOLm0o7oUbTQswIbaXWq8hGlWo_Ecra3u9kLSEvLntBo5SzudpiUGt6VRp461tzqxXzDxvsaJ095L9D3xdekRgDV3-9oiA/s1600/ECCF-Music-Center-Logo(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdHDhRGLaPXpWAC905Fg2VizYcoERmwlDwB9MekZ9rxOLm0o7oUbTQswIbaXWq8hGlWo_Ecra3u9kLSEvLntBo5SzudpiUGt6VRp461tzqxXzDxvsaJ095L9D3xdekRgDV3-9oiA/s320/ECCF-Music-Center-Logo(2).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
Since the 90s, I have been a very consistent patron at the <a href="http://www.centertheatregroup.org/" target="new">Center Theatre Group</a>'s productions back when I referred to its collective theatres as <a href="http://www.themusiccenter.org/" target="new">The Music Center</a> (before the <a href="http://www.centertheatregroup.org/theatres/douglas/" target="new">Kirk Douglas Theatre</a>) back when <a href="http://www.thephantomoftheopera.com/" target="new">The Phantom of the Opera</a> was in residence at the Ahmanson (and held the record for the longest running musical in Los Angeles' history.) After Phantom closed and the theatre was refurbished, naturally I returned to see the musicals that had finally made their way to Los Angeles from the Great White Way from <a href="http://articles.latimes.com/1996-11-19/entertainment/ca-518_1_show-boat" target="new">Showboat</a> to <a href="http://www.centertheatregroup.org/tickets/productiondetail.aspx?id=508" target="new">The Light In the Piazza</a> and <a href="http://www.centertheatregroup.org/tickets/productiondetail.aspx?id=5624" target="new">Spring Awakening</a> (in which I was lucky enough to get stage seating); I saw groundbreaking productions like <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caroline,_or_Change" target="new">Caroline, or Change</a> and joint productions with <a href="http://www.deafwest.org/" target="new">Deaf West Theatre Company</a>: <a href="http://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=cache:472TbndwA2QJ:www.deafwest.org/productions/br_tourprogram.pdf+big+river,+center+theatre&hl=en&gl=us&pid=bl&srcid=ADGEESiXf2O1H4DWtgHlunk9BkIT9qjoozZajpVbPDhU_gEJW3N05kR2RLHEaCKFW7g51OmbPXi8wIl2SARDuITaKAjvR93QBzoWy56pioH0C46dZuPgT0Kc18f31Z_VStIP8xWVHUJn&sig=AHIEtbQNTutWsY80QGISs5Z4mSfZuXu32w" target="new">Big River</a> and <a href="http://www.centertheatregroup.org/tickets/productiondetail.aspx?id=7702" target="new">Pippin</a>; there have also been Broadway-bound shows like <a href="http://www.centertheatregroup.org/tickets/productiondetail.aspx?id=498" target="new">13</a>, <a href="http://www.centertheatregroup.org/tickets/productiondetail.aspx?id=2568" target="new">The Drowsy Chaperone</a> and <a href="http://www.rnh.com/show_synopsis.asp?id=FD" target="new">Flower Drum Song</a> as well. Shows like these have been feeding my theatre-hungry soul for years. Of course there are some unmentioned productions that I didn't love, yet I am still grateful that the theatre can be so accessible and that I have had the opportunity to see what I've seen, good, bad and ugly.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo2GudcoF2pf1_X038UN_9YPPRtGvX702KYmCvAnu0umpPvK-HOWXL8MuGA5jxzGvpE4xg8TVZ6g07wJRZYpxnUY_OU_MbUeWA-Vmi_A3duN1idQhLCntOtlJ7nQm9FZkyCpKLQg/s1600/58625_154321184593189_130746636950644_356702_1335758_n.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br />
</a><br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;">Its amazing that the quality shows that have most recently played at <a href="http://www.centertheatregroup.org/" target="new">Center Theatre Group</a>'s theatres because all have truly been such satisfying productions. I have had the pleasure of seeing shows like <a href="http://www.centertheatregroup.org/tickets/productiondetail.aspx?id=7708" target="new">Parade</a>, (see my gushing blog entry <a href="http://chizi.blogspot.com/2009/10/you-dont-know-this-man.html" target="new">here</a>), <a href="http://www.centertheatregroup.org/tickets/productiondetail.aspx?id=11438" target="new">Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo</a>, <a href="http://www.centertheatregroup.org/tickets/productiondetail.aspx?id=11440" target="new">The Glass Menagerie</a> and most recently, <a href="http://www.centertheatregroup.org/tickets/productiondetail.aspx?id=13732" target="new">Leap of Faith</a>. I'm typically not as big a play-goer as I am a musical go-er, but the last two plays I have seen have definitely struck a chord with me and made me want to see more plays.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOD8WpYoRzhiacNQERWGhhJYtgJWWzMipTEblIqiHksoUBB_qJmYZHzZ3idPtthQix42y7ziDArlrfXHtL6o7_OH8UAVZ1IlOdZdWNzRsH_vYZD3orS5jaBTC-XkXHnXkgY4Zgbg/s1600/6a00d8341c630a53ef011570915cdf970b-500wi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOD8WpYoRzhiacNQERWGhhJYtgJWWzMipTEblIqiHksoUBB_qJmYZHzZ3idPtthQix42y7ziDArlrfXHtL6o7_OH8UAVZ1IlOdZdWNzRsH_vYZD3orS5jaBTC-XkXHnXkgY4Zgbg/s320/6a00d8341c630a53ef011570915cdf970b-500wi.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<a href="http://www.centertheatregroup.org/tickets/productiondetail.aspx?id=11438" target="new">Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo</a> was not the kind of play I typically run out to see for many reasons including that it is somewhat fantasy based and that it is about war...the Iraqi War. I have never been so impressed and so amazed at a story about the aftermath of war that is as hauntingly beautiful as it is tragic and funny. <a href="http://www.centertheatregroup.org/tickets/productiondetail.aspx?id=11438" target="new">Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo</a> opened my eyes and gave me a new perspective that I would have never had if I had missed this show. Prior to seeing this, I had a hard time believing I would enjoy it, but did I ever! For days, I was left thinking about the story and wishing I could see it again though not sure if I had the energy knowing I would be emotionally exhausted when it was over. It kept me thinking about it long after I walked out of the theatre's doors.<br />
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I saw <a href="http://www.centertheatregroup.org/tickets/productiondetail.aspx?id=11440" target="new">The Glass Menagerie</a> next - a play that I had read in high school (I think) and college and though I studied it in depth, I don't know if I was ever that taken by its storyline. This production however, was different and I left the theatre practically in tears because I had finally seen a production of this show that I understood emotionally and I was open to and able to really understand its characters and the purpose of the storyline. <a href="http://www.centertheatregroup.org/tickets/GM_cast.aspx#jivey" target="new">Judith Ivey</a> as Amanda Wingfield was superb and when I finally saw who the characters of Laura and Tom were; I understood who they were - that they were bits and pieces of a lot of people I knew (including myself); I saw that some of the people I knew could (and would) have fates similar to Laura's and it just broke my heart. Every actor in stage was phenomenal and I left the theatre feeling changed by the production. Somehow, in those three or so hours, something changed in me and I had a new perspective on my own life and career. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0xQZP8DDk6A45egVtdJrktg8QbMW0JG8b5hxaChlnWcim5fW0B3BjV-ibzEpdFPljbJWRkTnOFAc4vi3Qcfp4xrJugscGXc01ryaz19pw1S0XlAdiE9ytHnjHV9g4g7xvYjtbLA/s1600/46516_156428961034682_100000027373050_530364_5401999_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="124" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0xQZP8DDk6A45egVtdJrktg8QbMW0JG8b5hxaChlnWcim5fW0B3BjV-ibzEpdFPljbJWRkTnOFAc4vi3Qcfp4xrJugscGXc01ryaz19pw1S0XlAdiE9ytHnjHV9g4g7xvYjtbLA/s200/46516_156428961034682_100000027373050_530364_5401999_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Perhaps it was the idea of hope and faith that drew me to the Ahmanson's most recent production (that I hope goes to Broadway), <a href="http://www.centertheatregroup.org/tickets/productiondetail.aspx?id=13732" target="new">Leap of Faith</a>; maybe it was the beautiful score by <a href="http://www.centertheatregroup.org/tickets/LOF_cast.aspx#amenken" target="new">Alan Menken</a>, but either way, I really, really enjoyed it. I loved the energy of the cast when they sang gospel-y numbers like Step into the Light and Rise Up:<br />
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I thought the dancing evoked dance numbers from the Golden Age of Broadway and I found myself bopping to the beat of the music in my seat with a silly grin plastered on my face throughout most of the show. Typically, I am not the biggest fan of movie turned musicals (however I did enjoy <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dirty_Rotten_Scoundrels_%28musical%29" target="new">Dirty Rotten Scoundrels</a>) but <a href="http://www.centertheatregroup.org/tickets/productiondetail.aspx?id=13732" target="new">Leap of Faith</a> really delivered. At one point as I was discussing the show, I even forgot that this was a movie to musical adaptation. Since I was trying to be open-minded and keep a positive attitude, I walked into the show not really having any expectations. Prior to seeing it, I didn't read any reviews, I didn't listen to or watch any clips online because I knew if I did see it, I wanted to go in with a completely unbiased attitude. Even though I wasn't 100% sure I really wanted to see the show, there were finally two factors that finally made me purchase tickets:<br />
<ol><li>I figured it was likely going to Broadway sometime soon and I didn't want to miss it.</li>
<li>The recent revival of <a href="http://www.playbill.com/news/article/109177-Tony-Winning-Revival-of-Company-to-Be-Filmed-for-Great-Performances-Broadcast" target="new">Company</a> with <a href="http://www.raulesparza.com/" target="new">Raúl Esparza</a> as Bobby gave me a new perspective on him as an actor (ok, I thought he was one of the best Bobby's I've seen/heard) and since then, I have been wanting to see him perform live.</li>
</ol><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo2GudcoF2pf1_X038UN_9YPPRtGvX702KYmCvAnu0umpPvK-HOWXL8MuGA5jxzGvpE4xg8TVZ6g07wJRZYpxnUY_OU_MbUeWA-Vmi_A3duN1idQhLCntOtlJ7nQm9FZkyCpKLQg/s1600/58625_154321184593189_130746636950644_356702_1335758_n.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo2GudcoF2pf1_X038UN_9YPPRtGvX702KYmCvAnu0umpPvK-HOWXL8MuGA5jxzGvpE4xg8TVZ6g07wJRZYpxnUY_OU_MbUeWA-Vmi_A3duN1idQhLCntOtlJ7nQm9FZkyCpKLQg/s320/58625_154321184593189_130746636950644_356702_1335758_n.jpg" width="256" /></a>Ok, there were three factors, the third was that I have been desperately wanting to go to the theatre to see a good musical...and I was hoping that this would fulfill my musical theatre fix.<br />
<br />
Before I go on, I will say that <a href="http://www.raulesparza.com/" target="new">Esparza</a> is nothing short of amazing in this production as <i>Jonas Nightingale</i> and if it goes to Broadway, I am certain that at the very least, he will be nominated for a <a href="http://www.tonyawards.com/" target="new">Tony Award</a>. He was <b><i>that</i></b> good. During the number (the one to the right) <i>Last Chance Salvation</i>, <a href="http://www.raulesparza.com/" target="new">Esparza</a> was so dynamic, I thought he might be getting a standing ovation before intermission. The character of <i>Jonas Nightingale</i> walks a very thin line between brilliant and completely overdone and <a href="http://www.raulesparza.com/" target="new">Esparza</a> was perfectly brilliant - a greasy and smarmy showman in the beginning and transformed into a more sensitive morally aware guy. As an evangelical con-artist with a heart, <i>Jonas Nightingale </i>has to border the overly exaggerated, high energy, showy<i> </i>performer with some humanity (which <a href="http://www.raulesparza.com/" target="new">Esparza</a> does superbly). As <i>Marva McGowan</i>, <a href="http://www.centertheatregroup.org/tickets/LOF_cast.aspx#bshields" target="new">Brooke Shields</a> was a perfect mix of strong and sensitive and could be considered to be a stabilizing force in the show. Sometimes I thought <a href="http://www.raulesparza.com/" target="new">Esparza</a> overpowered her, but I think that he was supposed to. When I think of the brilliance of this show, it is <a href="http://www.raulesparza.com/" target="new">Esparza</a> who clearly steals the show with a great supporting cast including <a href="http://www.centertheatregroup.org/tickets/LOF_cast.aspx#lodom" target="new">Leslie Odom, Jr.</a> as <i>Ricky Sturdevant</i> who also made a pretty substantial impression on me. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipwE4gg9YQUlz2zSuD2v-H9jjUJHFjgbDo1fIVc8wiV6Jls6hwz6SvCrY6cpLbYGb4XzI9VZLnVlDNQGlXHMk9ZEOn4vm4282lhxzLgvJEWoInvQcdlY1srlkO7RV9rLzJlF2Fsw/s1600/61012_154321234593184_130746636950644_356706_4457861_n.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipwE4gg9YQUlz2zSuD2v-H9jjUJHFjgbDo1fIVc8wiV6Jls6hwz6SvCrY6cpLbYGb4XzI9VZLnVlDNQGlXHMk9ZEOn4vm4282lhxzLgvJEWoInvQcdlY1srlkO7RV9rLzJlF2Fsw/s320/61012_154321234593184_130746636950644_356706_4457861_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://www.centertheatregroup.org/tickets/productiondetail.aspx?id=13732" target="new">Leap of Faith</a> isn't the kind of show that will keep you thinking about the story long after you leave the theatre in an attempt to try to better understand it but it is the kind of show that will make you smile and remind you about life and hope and humanity. It is a feel-good musical in the truest sense of the word and I really hope this show goes to Broadway. With a just a smidge of tightening up, I think it will do quite well. It was well received by audiences when I went even with the technical difficulties in which everyone kept spilling liquids onstage, the cast had the audience eating it up (not literally). At one point, <a href="http://www.raulesparza.com/" target="new">Esparza</a> stopped the show to get the spilled lemonade cleaned up since it would be dangerous to dance on a slick stage. Though the fourth wall was broken, the audience didn't care and loved that the actors were breaking on-stage, trying to hold it together. All in all, this show is fantastic with a first rate cast of actors and dancers who all really shine as a company. BRAVO!<a href="http://www.raulesparza.com/" target="new"><br />
</a><br />
<a href="http://www.centertheatregroup.org/tickets/productiondetail.aspx?id=13732" target="new">Leap of Faith</a> closes Sunday, October 24. Such a fun show and this cast isn't to be missed! </div><br />
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<center><object height="385" width="640"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/HkGovX4VV5U?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/HkGovX4VV5U?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object></center>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3118083.post-17345236147946801572010-08-25T20:09:00.000-07:002010-08-25T20:09:58.284-07:00THE RIGHT GIRL<div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjncEEMHHq9H-Y063j_ZSPyhYvT39Xy8DpwcyDWtAkrBbZniejIluNdDUmT_rx7zV0NTlZPpsQu-9ZajKMdMZ2k23TgvRAtwWBeU8vlgYTqbMrq4Dmpe7vneTo1TBwrfm2rytd6Lg/s1600/kimcatbern.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjncEEMHHq9H-Y063j_ZSPyhYvT39Xy8DpwcyDWtAkrBbZniejIluNdDUmT_rx7zV0NTlZPpsQu-9ZajKMdMZ2k23TgvRAtwWBeU8vlgYTqbMrq4Dmpe7vneTo1TBwrfm2rytd6Lg/s320/kimcatbern.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">broadwayworld.com</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>So in a <a href="http://chizi.blogspot.com/2010/08/it-needs-work.html" target="new"> recent post</a>, I mentioned that I would try to be more open-minded when it comes to the casting game. Today I suppose that open-mindedness is being tested. Today, BroadwayWorld.com <a href="http://www.rialto_chatter_peters_cattrall_burstein_dossett_to_star_in_kennedy_center_follies_20100825=/" target="new">reported</a> that <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000326/" target="new">Kim Cattrall</a> was in negotiations to star as Phyllis <i>opposite</i> <a href="http://www.bernadettepeters.com/" target="new">Bernadette Peters</a> (as Sally Durant) in the Washington, D.C. production of <a href="http://www.kennedy-center.org/calendar/index.cfm?fuseaction=showEvent&event=TLTSD" target="new"><i>Follies</i> at the Kennedy Center</a>.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><i>[silence]</i></div><br />
Yes, that was my first reaction too.<br />
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Not to say that this is a <i>bad</i> choice, but is it a good choice? Only time will tell. First of all, I had no idea that <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000326/" target="new">Kim Cattrall</a> was a singer. While most people view her as the over-sexed character, Samantha Jones (from one of my favorite <a href="http://www.hbo.com/sex-and-the-city/index.html" target="new">series</a>), but when I think of <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000326/" target="new">Cattrall</a>, I actually think of another film character:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKDFRCvzb73Okgde7XZaJQZs-07gIySEn73QOTPICS6z4GhmI5KM31HuSb6vHiEQ9kCKv-H8bCwJW34ZY9ADEV14j7A-a27r_tK6wGrMhW8MtJLxIxNKLSVmQMugLf1HEmFeD3sw/s1600/Mannequin_movie_poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKDFRCvzb73Okgde7XZaJQZs-07gIySEn73QOTPICS6z4GhmI5KM31HuSb6vHiEQ9kCKv-H8bCwJW34ZY9ADEV14j7A-a27r_tK6wGrMhW8MtJLxIxNKLSVmQMugLf1HEmFeD3sw/s320/Mannequin_movie_poster.jpg" width="214" /></a></div><br />
I have no doubts when it comes to <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000326/" target="new">Cattrall</a>'s acting chops, its her singing chops that I wonder about. While some roles aren't known to be heavy singing roles, lets face it, singer or not, it is a <a href="http://www.sondheim.com/" target="new">Sondheim</a> show after all. I can't really think of a single musical (of his) in which a weak singer is cast (and performs well). However if this rumor is actually true, then I am interested to hear/see how she performs in a musical. Stay tuned!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3118083.post-41887598592533692352010-08-22T15:23:00.001-07:002010-08-24T00:12:39.620-07:00[part of it all]<div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLbtz36vFr-VIMvoKc0FmBE4S4n6JMnCEhgxm6JrAr6htP9keralAfTh6jyG1fGqc11vCCCjPZ2YvgFpTRDqn7EfsBSrZQISBD41MK2F4UUmXZZ1M8n2y3lDvch-QM3phRxWBVNg/s1600/titlefeature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLbtz36vFr-VIMvoKc0FmBE4S4n6JMnCEhgxm6JrAr6htP9keralAfTh6jyG1fGqc11vCCCjPZ2YvgFpTRDqn7EfsBSrZQISBD41MK2F4UUmXZZ1M8n2y3lDvch-QM3phRxWBVNg/s320/titlefeature.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Yesterday, I finally had an opportunity to see <a href="http://www.titleofshow.com/" taregt="new">[title of show]</a> at Los Angeles' Celebration Theatre (and it was fabulous). I have been a fan of the show before (the real life) <a href="http://www.titleofshow.com/who.html" target="new">Hunter</a>, <a href="http://www.titleofshow.com/who.html" target="new">Jeff</a>, <a href="http://www.susanblackwell.com/" target="new">Susan</a> and <a href="http://www.titleofshow.com/who.html" target="new">Heidi</a> ever brought the show to Broadway and I was incredibly bummed when the show <a href="http://www.playbill.com/news/article/122230-closing-night-New-Musical-title-of-show-Ends-Broadway-Run-Oct-12" target="new">closed</a> too soon; it was absolutely one of the Broadway shows that I was hoping I would get an opportunity to watch. Unfortunately, when it ended, <a href="http://www.titleofshow.com/" taregt="new">[title of show]</a> only played 102 regular performances and 13 previews on the Broadway, but I am happy to report that it lives on in regional productions.<br />
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<a href="http://www.titleofshow.com/" taregt="new">[title of show]</a> really is a show for anyone who has ever had a dream to create. Sure, its a show about "two guys writing a musical about two guys writing a musical" but at closer inspection, its not <i>just </i>about writing for musical theatre. At its core, <a href="http://www.titleofshow.com/" taregt="new">[title of show]</a> has incredible heart fueled predominantly by the (characters of) Hunter and Jeff as they struggle to create a show for the <a href="http://www.nymf.org/" target="new">NYMF (New York Musical Theatre Festival)</a>. When you sit back and watch the show take shape, you see a show that is funny, well constructed and tells a good story with four pretty solid characters who truly bring their own personalities and contributions to the story (which is a good thing because they are based on the real-life <a href="http://www.titleofshow.com/who.html" target="new">Hunter Bell</a>, <a href="http://www.titleofshow.com/who.html" target="new">Jeff Bowen</a>, <a href="http://www.susanblackwell.com/" target="new">Susan Blackwell</a> and <a href="http://www.titleofshow.com/who.html" target="new">Heidi Blickenstaff</a>). Its more than just a show about writing a musical, its a show about friendship, dreams coming true, the creative process of giving life to an art form and just the right amount of humor and emotional strife. However if you aren't a musical theatre geek, some of the inside-musical-jokes may be lost on you. Don't get me wrong, I think it will still be funny even if you aren't an insider, but will be <i>even funnier</i> if you are well, "in the know."<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhORfSe3qovsdeTWOKDuSikr_lzCz8wAXlwDI-TNkNosM0Al4THMnM92D0yoEP6h_GYrH5tESs19SPTWe8KZbn1NlqiGf2MdvEZEJXfAZpb2oZTBzterQn3Mnvc8RcgnCYpGFkXsQ/s1600/300_tos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhORfSe3qovsdeTWOKDuSikr_lzCz8wAXlwDI-TNkNosM0Al4THMnM92D0yoEP6h_GYrH5tESs19SPTWe8KZbn1NlqiGf2MdvEZEJXfAZpb2oZTBzterQn3Mnvc8RcgnCYpGFkXsQ/s200/300_tos.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>I have been listening to the cast recording of <a href="http://www.titleofshow.com/" taregt="new">[title of show]</a> for over two years now but first discovered it while bored one day at work and perusing the musical theatre annals of <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/titleofshow#g/c/7E2E5DD85F79BDB1" target="new">YouTube</a>. When I came across the first two or three episodes of the <a href="http://www.titleofshow.com/media_show.html" target="new">[title of show] show</a>, I thought it was super campy and quirky and "at first I'll admit I was a little bit, WTF," but somehow it hooked me. The chemistry between the four actors was apparent and it became hard to differentiate between the characters' personas and the real life personas in their series of vlogs. <a href="http://www.titleofshow.com/who.html" target="new">Jeff</a> was more of the straight-laced guy who seemed to keep everyone more (or less) grounded, <a href="http://www.titleofshow.com/who.html" target="new">Hunter</a> was determined and focused, <a href="http://www.susanblackwell.com/" target="new">Susan</a> was super quirky but hilarious and <a href="http://www.titleofshow.com/who.html" target="new">Heidi</a> was the legit professional "Broadway actress." These vlogs were to me, brilliant on so many levels. As I said, they were super campy and yet totally funny but SO smart! How? Well thanks to <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/titleofshow#g/c/7E2E5DD85F79BDB1" target="new">YouTube</a>, the <a href="http://www.titleofshow.com/media_show.html" target="new">[title of show] show</a> was a totally free, grass roots marketing and publicity campaign that really did grow the brand, brought awareness to the show and it took off. The <a href="http://www.titleofshow.com/" taregt="new">[title of show]</a> cast had complete autonomy on how they wanted to be portrayed, how often and when they posted their vlogs and each episode coincided with a number from the show. BRILLIANCE, says I. The <a href="http://www.titleofshow.com/media_show.html" target="new">[title of show] show</a> could also be viewed as a companion piece to the actual <a href="http://www.titleofshow.com/" taregt="new">[title of show]</a> (musical show). Either way, it will make sense if you (carefully) listen to <a href="http://www.titleofshow.com/" taregt="new">[title of show]</a> and then watch the <a href="http://www.titleofshow.com/media_show.html" target="new">[title of show] show.</a> See what I mean? Brilliance.<br />
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As a minor PS, I have to <a href="http://chizi.blogspot.com/2008/08/title-of-show-banner.html" target="new">again</a> discuss that <a href="http://www.titleofshow.com/" taregt="new">[title of show]</a> also has one of my favorite ballads ever in it. I won't be repetitive because I wrote about <a href="http://chizi.blogspot.com/2008/08/title-of-show-banner.html" target="new">A Way Back to Then</a> in a previous <a href="http://chizi.blogspot.com/2008/08/title-of-show-banner.html" target="new">post</a> (so if you are so inclined, you can read it <a href="http://chizi.blogspot.com/2008/08/title-of-show-banner.html" target="new">here</a>). This song is (in many ways) about me and hearing it live (though I didn't love the performer's voice who sang it when I saw the show) it was still emotional because not only does it describe me, but many-a geeked out theatre fans out there too. <br />
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I recently re-watched this (see below). When it was closing, the folks at <a href="http://www.titleofshow.com/" taregt="new">[title of show]</a> reached out to their fans and 600 of us participated in this project - big time Broadway folks and regular peeps alike - all of whom loved and supported <a href="http://www.titleofshow.com/" taregt="new">[title of show]</a>; I think I'm in good company. See if you can find me: <br />
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<center><object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/JtdgvmYUuuA?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/JtdgvmYUuuA?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object></center><br />
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<center>I heart <a href="http://www.titleofshow.com/" taregt="new">[tos]</a>!</center><center><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">If you have an opportunity to see <a href="http://www.titleofshow.com/" taregt="new">[tos]</a> in your town, do it! </span></i></center></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3118083.post-6795239869416847782010-08-19T11:25:00.000-07:002010-08-19T12:16:57.345-07:00IT NEEDS WORK<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj7BA01X-8cqrxiPb5W5hX_hEsxT4BAXrXTv83jd4k3Xo6X98ab1jxeSIxpOKbe-MVB-LAhvD2FLyD7quTLzkJKFhHIJ64ny4X37C5Z-YS6Cq6mSmJspfFLBZQGShIIwYELid6Wg/s1600/Chorus1600.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj7BA01X-8cqrxiPb5W5hX_hEsxT4BAXrXTv83jd4k3Xo6X98ab1jxeSIxpOKbe-MVB-LAhvD2FLyD7quTLzkJKFhHIJ64ny4X37C5Z-YS6Cq6mSmJspfFLBZQGShIIwYELid6Wg/s320/Chorus1600.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507195378592327218" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">When it comes to the musical theatre casting game, I admit I'm super critical. For what reason other than I guess I fear the genre becoming over commercialized and losing (to me) what makes musical theatre so special. I guess I forget that there was a time when show music was mainstream made famous by the likes of the members of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rat_Pack" target="new">Rat Pack</a>. Then I wonder what purpose does it make for me to be <span style="font-style: italic;">that</span> critical about casting choices? Am I that inflexible that I can't accept a new artistic spin on a performance? While some performers might not be ideal, is there anything really wrong with a new perspective? Isn't that new perspective part of what makes this an art form open up to interpretation and such? Back in the day, I was a critic for a Broadway website and I had it in for everyone. Instead of me liking a show until the performance gave me reason not to like it, I thought that a cast had to prove their worthiness to me. Why? How awful. Maybe I'm maturing and being more open minded. Maybe I'm realizing there's really no point in being that critical. Who am I helping by thinking that way? I can still believe there is a standard for a performance to live up to, I just don't have to be such a super biotch about it, right?<br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />When I look at shows I've recently seen like <a href="http://www.intheheightsmusical.com/" target="new">In the Heights</a> (when it was on tour here in LA) I remember being so ecstatic. Sure, I was thrilled to see <a href="http://www.intheheightsthemusical.com/lin-manuel-miranda.html" target="new">Lin-Manuel Miranda</a> reprising his role of <span style="font-style: italic;">Usnavi</span> for the first time since he left the role in New York and he was tremendous. Yet independent of this brilliance, this touring cast was top notch. My fear was that they wouldn't be; my fear was that <a href="http://www.intheheightsthemusical.com/lin-manuel-miranda.html" target="new">Lin-Manuel Miranda</a> would be carrying the show and come on, what kind of faith is that in my favorite musical art form? So for me to feel so impressed and accepting was a big deal (because typically I think touring casts have a lot to prove). This cast proved to me how wrong I could be.<br /><br />Last night, I saw the <a href="http://www.pbs.org/livefromlincolncenter/" target="new">Live from Lincoln Center</a> production of <a href="http://www.lct.org/showMain.htm?id=174" target="new">South Pacific</a> and it too was just amazing. Sure, most of the original revival cast was intact. Noticeably missing was <a href="http://www.matthewmorrison.com/" target="new">Matthew Morrison</a> (Lt. Joe Cable) who was stuck in L.A. for some TV show commitment (haha) and couldn't return to his role. <a href="http://www.playbill.com/celebritybuzz/whoswho/biography/17758" target="new">Andrew Samonsky</a> is currently playing the Cable role on Broadway and was in this Lincoln Center production and he was amazing. To me, he had the chops for the role and even maybe more-so the look (in my mind as a "Lieutenant") than does <a href="http://www.matthewmorrison.com/" target="new">Morrison</a>. The difference is that I gave him a chance. He didn't have to be <a href="http://www.matthewmorrison.com/" target="new">Morrison</a> and not being so was ok. When I saw <a href="http://www.aaronlazar.com/" target="new">Aaron Lazar</a> as Fabrizio in <a href="http://www.ibdb.com/production.php?id=390706" target="new">The Light in the Piazza</a> on-tour, I actually think I might have loved him more than <a href="http://www.matthewmorrison.com/" target="new">Morrison</a>. For some reason though, the touring cast of <a href="http://www.lct.org/showMain.htm?id=174" target="new">South Pacific</a> just didn't do it for me. I really wanted to like it and even when I got irked by certain aspects of the casting and performances, I still really <span style="font-style: italic;">tried</span> to like it. There was something that wasn't so cohesive about the cast as a whole when they sat down here in L.A. in the performance I caught.<br /><br />Nonetheless, these are examples of how replacement roles (and ones on tour) are important and how they really aren't so bad. Replacement casting is something I'm going to be considerate of and I'm going to stop being such a hard-edged-critical theatre snob (unless given a legit reason to be). I of course can still be a theatre snob, I can just stop being so...uber-critical about aspects of it. Right? Give the actors a chance, says I. They deserve it. Indeed.<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3118083.post-61587116555441679602010-08-16T21:55:00.001-07:002010-08-16T22:51:52.951-07:00THE OLD RED HILLS OF...WASHINGTON HEIGHTSThe end of an opening act<sup>1</sup>:<br /><blockquote style="font-style: italic;">God Bless the sight<br />Of the old hills of Georgia<br />The Old Red Hills of Home<br />(Kneel Down to)<br />Praise those who'd fight<br />For the Old Hills of Georgia<br />For those proud and valiant men<br />We'll sing "Dixie" once again<br />For the men of Marrietta<br />For the the brothers of Cobb County<br />For the fathers of Atlanta<br />For the patriarchs<br />Who gave everything for Georgia<br />And the Old Red Hills of Home<br /></blockquote><center><object style="background-image: url("http://i1.ytimg.com/vi/DWYFcu9kaIM/hqdefault.jpg");" height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/DWYFcu9kaIM?fs=1&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/DWYFcu9kaIM?fs=1&hl=en_US" allowscriptaccess="never" allowfullscreen="true" wmode="transparent" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" height="344" width="425"></embed></object></center><br /><br />The end of Act 1<sup>2</sup>:<br /><blockquote style="font-style: italic;">Look at the fireworks...<br />Look at the fireworks...<br />Look at the fireworks...<br />Look at the fireworks...<br />Light up the night sky...<br />Light up the night sky...<br />En Washington--<br />Look at the fireworks...<br />Look at the fireworks...<br />Light up the night sky...<br />Light up the night sky...<br />En Washington Heights!<br /></blockquote><br /><center><object style="background-image: url("http://i3.ytimg.com/vi/rBR7xPKPUdg/hqdefault.jpg");" height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/rBR7xPKPUdg?fs=1&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/rBR7xPKPUdg?fs=1&hl=en_US" allowscriptaccess="never" allowfullscreen="true" wmode="transparent" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" height="344" width="425"></embed></object></center><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Two vastly different shows that take place in eras that spans many, many years; two of my favorite modern musical theatre writers/composers whose styles are so very different. I listen to their work when I need inspiration because these shows elicit such different emotions and reactions in me. These shows never fail to remind me why I admire thes writers of these <span style="font-style: italic;">original musicals</span>, what I love about the theatre and why I have chosen to do what I'm doing: bridging a gap and creating opportunities. Thank you, JRB & LMM!<br /><br /></div><br /><span><span style="font-size:78%;">1.</span></span><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:78%;"> The Old Red Hills of Home from </span></span><span style="font-size:78%;">Parade </span><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:78%;">by Jason Robert Brown</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">2. </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:78%;" >Blackout </span><span style="font-size:78%;">from In the Heights <span style="font-style: italic;">by Lin-Manuel Miranda</span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3118083.post-41051338203040813382010-06-26T17:25:00.000-07:002010-08-16T22:42:54.899-07:00CARNAVAL DEL BARRIO<center><object classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" codebase="http://fpdownload.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=9,0,0,0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" id="InsertWidget_9cb91c2c-35b5-42d3-91c9-47a6e0ebd449" align="middle" height="303" width="336"><param name="movie" value="http://widgetserver.com/syndication/flash/wrapper/InsertWidget.swf"><param name="quality" value="high"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><param name="menu" value="false"><param name="flashvars" value="r=2&appId=9cb91c2c-35b5-42d3-91c9-47a6e0ebd449"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="sameDomain"><embed src="http://widgetserver.com/syndication/flash/wrapper/InsertWidget.swf" name="InsertWidget_9cb91c2c-35b5-42d3-91c9-47a6e0ebd449" quality="high" menu="false" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" allowscriptaccess="sameDomain" flashvars="r=2&appId=9cb91c2c-35b5-42d3-91c9-47a6e0ebd449" align="middle" height="303" width="336"></embed></object></center><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />Being so far away from New York, I find it incredibly gratifying when fantastic shows announce that they are touring and finally come into town. What is even better is when original cast members reprise their roles on tour and particularly when they make their way into LA. Ahh, a perk of living in the 2nd biggest city in the country! There are (naturally) business reasons why these actors choose to reprise their roles and I'm sure glad I get to reap these benefits! Recently,<a href="http://chizi.blogspot.com/2007/06/why-we-like-spelling.html" target="new"> I had the good fortune of witnessing</a> the reunited original cast of <a href="http://www.spellingbeethemusical.com/" target="new">The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee</a> when all nine actors sat for the LA run of the show at the Wilshire Ebell Theatre in 2007. It was an awesome, awesome theatre-going experience and I was thrilled that they came together for our little town. However, when it was <a href="http://www.playbill.com/news/article/139387-No-Me-Digas-Lin-Manuel-Miranda-Jumps-Into-Tour-of-In-the-Heights-for-LA-Run" target="new">announced</a> that <a href="http://www.intheheightsthemusical.com/lin-manuel-miranda.html" target="new">Lin-Manuel Miranda</a> was joining the <a href="http://www.intheheightsmusical.com/" target="new">In the Heights</a> tour during its LA run, I was elated! Ever since I <a href="http://chizi.blogspot.com/2008/11/paciencia-y-fe.html" target="new">discovered</a> this show, I have been a fan of both it and its creator and star <a href="http://www.intheheightsthemusical.com/lin-manuel-miranda.html" target="new">Lin-Manuel Miranda</a>.<br /><br />It was a great sight to see the diversity in age and ethnicity of audience members at LA's Pantages Theatre. Lately, the shows I've been attending consist of an older crowd and seems to lack diversity. Initially I thought that maybe <a href="http://www.intheheightsmusical.com/" target="new">In the Heights</a> was a more modern show which attributed to the mix of audience members. However, I don't even think there was as much diversity in the audience at another modern musical - <a href="http://www.centertheatregroup.org/tickets/productiondetail.aspx?id=5624" target="new">Spring Awakening at the Ahmanson</a> a few years ago (as well as when I saw it on Broadway). Seeing such a diverse mix of ages and ethnicities at <a href="http://www.intheheightsmusical.com/" target="new">In the Heights</a> reminded me that this was a show that was speaking to a wide range of people because of its story and its message. It was lovely to see the excitement from families and groups of friends or couples as they gawked and took pictures in front of the theatre. I saw a small group of high school students giggling, pointing (and swooning?) at photos of <a href="http://www.intheheightsthemusical.com/lin-manuel-miranda.html" target="new">Miranda</a> in the souvenir program and just loved the sight of it!<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcor78phHwhLL6QnAlORO19klAPBET9g1-AO1Yv3uaddHIVAP2qn0JTzqcJnvydr0YOp7l1rFZVNoxtHXlk8-xuV3eXu8YHOIJDAtKiTZ5MFvBHsjnrJTmoWv3IuWJjnJjDO31wA/s1600/200902_in-the-heights-party.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcor78phHwhLL6QnAlORO19klAPBET9g1-AO1Yv3uaddHIVAP2qn0JTzqcJnvydr0YOp7l1rFZVNoxtHXlk8-xuV3eXu8YHOIJDAtKiTZ5MFvBHsjnrJTmoWv3IuWJjnJjDO31wA/s320/200902_in-the-heights-party.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488078483728953154" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Sometimes, the anticipation of seeing a show outweighs what the reality of it is for me. Regarding <a href="http://www.intheheightsmusical.com/" target="new">In the Heights</a>, I certainly was not disappointed. What a <span style="font-style: italic;">fantastic </span>show! In the age of revivals and jukebox musicals (the latter of which I am <span style="font-style: italic;">not</span> a fan), it is rare to find a quality original new musical and when I do, I hold tight. When these shows are really good, I have discovered that I really do embrace the differences that these new works have over the classics. While times change, styles change and music changes, stories do not. If told correctly, these stories can be retold in new, unique ways that have the opportunity to open a new generation or new groups of people to musical theatre. The story of <a href="http://www.intheheightsmusical.com/" target="new">In the Heights</a> is not new; it is about family, love, self-discovery, life and finding your way home. Yet the stories are told using rap and hip hop hand-in-hand with ballads and soliloquies. <a href="http://www.intheheightsmusical.com/" target="new">In the Heights</a> blends the old with the new infusing it with incredible energy that excitement. I have been known to be critical in my reviews of shows - maybe unnecessarily critical at times - but my criticism for <a href="http://www.intheheightsmusical.com/" target="new">In the Heights</a> is (as far as I can tell) nonexistent.<br /><br />When it comes to touring casts of shows, I have seen one too many shows fail because the casts as a whole is lacking. The creative team of <a href="http://www.intheheightsmusical.com/" target="new">In the Heights</a> really cast some first-rate performers in this show. Maybe these actors were more encouraged or fueled by the energy from its creator and original Usnavi (<a href="http://www.intheheightsthemusical.com/lin-manuel-miranda.html" target="new">Miranda</a>), but I think its because they were really just that good. As I stated earlier, I was ecstatic when I learned that <a href="http://www.intheheightsthemusical.com/lin-manuel-miranda.html" target="new">Miranda</a> would be reprising his role of Usnavi for the L.A. run. He did not disappoint one bit and I just loved seeing him live, hearing him perform the character that he created and it was an amazing night. <a href="http://www.intheheightsthemusical.com/lin-manuel-miranda.html" target="new">Miranda</a> was energetic, completely in the moment, on point in his rhymes, his dancing and his overall performance. I found myself bopping in my seat to the music, sniffling and holding back tears during the more emotional scenes and appreciating what kind of work went into the show.<br /><br />I think it is safe to say that I will try to catch one more performance of the show before it leaves at the end of July. I am looking forward to seeing what <a href="http://www.intheheightsthemusical.com/lin-manuel-miranda.html" target="new">Miranda</a> and Kenny Ortega do to <a href="http://www.intheheightsmusical.com/" target="new">In the Heights</a> when it makes the leap onto the big screen. With <a href="http://www.intheheightsthemusical.com/lin-manuel-miranda.html" target="new">Miranda</a> starring in it and having creative control over the show, I can only imagine what he will bring to the newest version of <a href="http://www.intheheightsmusical.com/" target="new">In the Heights.</a> What started out as a small three-day production at Wesleyan University has become taken off into something so fantastic! I am proud to support the show, its creator and really hope that others will feel the same. <a href="http://www.intheheightsmusical.com/" target="new">In the Heights</a> is not your grandparents' musical, it is young, fresh, hip and hopefully will change the way you feel about musical theatre while preserving the traditions of the genre in its golden age.<br /><br />For the record, if you want to love <a href="http://www.intheheightsthemusical.com/lin-manuel-miranda.html" target="new">Lin-Manuel Miranda</a> even more, revisit <a href="http://chizi.blogspot.com/2008/12/dreams-come-true.html" target="new">this post</a> from Christmas 2008. Dreams come true and <a href="http://www.intheheightsthemusical.com/lin-manuel-miranda.html" target="new">LMM</a> & cast certainly made sure of that.<br /></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3118083.post-68147865457514655212010-06-15T23:51:00.000-07:002010-06-30T01:08:03.333-07:00SEND IN THE CLOWNS<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrkPZDwYl73oAgCZPV3GFBjO6IzTWLt3c3GOF5RN2WQRZU5HAGUswt4BBHzwZc8GpQyX7OFnyHfkKS-D6f-GgjWUvQhIhvSyQvFgEamyvcCM_N0v0tAvj4tIRENYg6Wa-cYYkt9A/s1600/2009-tony-awards.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 211px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrkPZDwYl73oAgCZPV3GFBjO6IzTWLt3c3GOF5RN2WQRZU5HAGUswt4BBHzwZc8GpQyX7OFnyHfkKS-D6f-GgjWUvQhIhvSyQvFgEamyvcCM_N0v0tAvj4tIRENYg6Wa-cYYkt9A/s320/2009-tony-awards.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488475215100522418" border="0" /></a>I'm disappointed.<br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />As a rule, I typically avoid reviews and other people's opinions about things I love. So, the more I think about the <a href="http://www.tonyawards.com/" target="new">Tony Awards</a> on Sunday, the more annoyed I feel. I was really looking forward to the <a href="http://www.tonyawards.com/" target="new">Tony Awards</a> because it celebrates theatre and I <span style="font-style: italic;">adore</span> the theatre. Though I blogged during the show, I didn't have a good feeling in my stomach as the night went on and particularly the more I think about it. So...I went to the interwebs to find out what other people thought. At least I wasn't alone...I don't really know anyone who liked it either.<br /><br />Last year, I was super excited about the shows and actors up for awards. Last year, I thought there was some competition and at least there were <span style="font-style: italic;">original</span> musicals up for best musical or best book, right? This year, none of it was very good. As much as I talk about my interest in <a href="http://www.americanidiotonbroadway.com/" target="new">American Idiot</a>, I know its not an <span style="font-style: italic;">original</span> musical. I would rather a really good, thought out, well written <span style="font-style: italic;">original</span> musical win for best new musical; one with substance. And yes, I realize what show won...but is it a <a href="http://www.nexttonormal.com/" target="new">next to normal</a> or <a href="http://www.titleofshow.com/" target="new">[title of show]</a>? No. I'm not even sure what it is, but it does the very opposite that a musical typically does for me. It doesn't inspire or excite me. It bores me (sorry, it does). It makes me yawn and look for something...anything else that is better. Which leads me to...<br /><br />What is happening to Broadway? I don't like to denigrate a show that I've never seen or really a season of shows that I haven't seen and don't interest me. Someone might tell me that I shouldn't criticize something until I've seen it (I certainly would). Maybe I don't understand. Maybe I'm just too critical or have unfair expectations. Last year I was more excited about the awards than I had been in the last few seasons. All because of <a href="http://www.nexttonormal.com/" target="new">next to normal</a>? In part. This year, what were our choices? It was similar to the 1995 Tony Awards when there were only two shows up for best musical - <a href="http://ibdb.com/production.php?id=4275" target="new">Sunset Blvd.</a> & <a href="http://ibdb.com/production.php?id=4286" target="new">Smokey Joe's Cafe</a> (I believe) so they award for best new musical went to the only <span style="font-style: italic;">original</span> musical up (<a href="http://ibdb.com/production.php?id=4275" target="new">Sunset Blvd.</a>) and really, by default!<br /><br />I recently read an <a href="http://www.villagevoice.com/2010-06-22/theater/response-to-tony-awards-shows-business-is-not-business-as-usual/" target="new">article</a> in the Village Voice about the state of NY theater and I really agree with it. There was a lot I saw wrong about this year's <a href="http://www.tonyawards.com/" target="new">Tony Awards</a> as a dedicated supporter of theater. I'm not a professional and don't pretend to be one either. I also understand the reasons why extremely random (but potential draws to the telecast) were asked to be presenters and I understand why certain performers/casts won (though I didn't agree) because its all political. I worked in an industry that was dictated by these politics and it was unfortunate, but it happened. I think that true fans of the theater are really disturbed because it feels like the state of the Broadway theater scene is changing. There has always been something so pure and so real about these people who create theater because they work hard based on the love of the art form. The successes of these folks is not to purely to become rich and famous and targets for the paparazzi, but because they believe in it. Yet when someone comes along and is nominated for a role that they did well enough in and are nominated against other professionals who work just as hard (if not harder) to succeed and gain the respect of critics and fans alike only to be crushed and taken down because they are not as well known or did not pay to campaign for an award as hard, how is that fair? How is it fair that some random "famous" person who happens to kinda like theater can present at an awards show based on achievement <span style="font-weight: bold;">in</span> the theater? Just for ratings? Why is the theater community giving away their awards show? For money? For an ulterior motive? Probably. I was almost a little offended at the big song and dance number from the Glee kids. I appreciate the show and I have long since been a fan and supporter of the folks that were cast in the show from Broadway. But to devote an entire number just to these two - for ratings I presume. Where was this publicity for these actors when they were just treading the boards back in the day? It just doesn't seem fair. There were just so many things wrong with the show this year. Its a shame too...because I was really looking forward to them, but I seem to cringe a whole lot more these days when I hear and read about the shows coming to Broadway. We need more shows that are original, creative and inventive by talented writers and composers.<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3118083.post-13100998463702127592010-06-13T20:43:00.000-07:002010-06-28T12:13:24.187-07:00THE 2010 TONY AWARDS!<div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzJOPzK7817u37931mcGoDmmjrmXvVAxmqdDWVz9nki-IxOXqHAUTv3-YnDeLCygwtVz9KD8Nyu94ccAiACp9bxldMl16IWFva7u2hXuL7h3Hu5W5KSouxU13zNClFvDdFzQZXmw/s1600/tonyawards2010poster.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzJOPzK7817u37931mcGoDmmjrmXvVAxmqdDWVz9nki-IxOXqHAUTv3-YnDeLCygwtVz9KD8Nyu94ccAiACp9bxldMl16IWFva7u2hXuL7h3Hu5W5KSouxU13zNClFvDdFzQZXmw/s320/tonyawards2010poster.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482409243557775266" border="0" /></a>Today is my Super Bowl, my Oscars, my MTV Movie Awards, my Golden Globes...my favorite awards show - so welcome to my annual <a href="http://www.tonyawards.com/" target="new">Tony Awards</a> blog post! I have to admit that I've been neglecting my blog (which seems to happen ever so often) but I would be remiss if I didn't write anything about my most favorite awards show. There are so many exciting things going on in today from <a href="http://twitter.com/thetonyawards" target="new">Hunter Bell tweeting live</a> during the awards show to the many amazing <a href="http://www.tonyawards.com/en_US/tonynight/presenters/index.html" target="new">presenters & performers</a> like the cast of <a href="http://www.americanidiotonbroadway.com/" target="new">American Idiot</a> to Broadway's own <a href="http://www.ibdb.com/person.php?id=70191" target="new">Lea Michele</a> and <a href="http://www.matthewmorrison.com/" target="new">Matthew Morrison</a> (some of you may know them from a little show called <a href="http://www.fox.com/glee" target="new">Glee</a>...). Oh and there's Karen Olivo and <a href="http://www.gregoryjbara.com/" target="new">Gregory Jbara</a> hosting the Creative Arts Awards too...so much fun! Stay tuned for my updates!<br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><http: com="" id="70191"" target="new"><br /></http:><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">The 2010 Tony Awards - </span><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">THE WINNERS!!!</span></span></strong></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><http: com="" id="70191"" target="new"><br />Presented by the Broadway League and the American Theatre Wing<br /></http:></span><span style="font-size:78%;">(as usual, I am only listing winners for Musicals...sorry guys)</span><br /><http: com="" id="70191"" target="new"></http:></div><http: com="" id="70191"" target="new"><br /></http:><strong><span style="font-style: italic;"><u>Creative Arts Awards (Pre-Telecast)</u></span></strong><br /><http: com="" id="70191"" target="new"><br />They're presenting the lifetime achievement </http:><a href="http://www.tonyawards.com/" target="new">Tony Awards</a> <http: com="" id="70191"" target="new">to <a href="http://www.alanayckbourn.net/" target="new">Sir Alan Ayckbourn</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marian_Seldes" target="new">Marian Seldes</a> during the pre-telecast?! Geez...I would think it would have been important enough to present during the LIVE telecast. No? Same with the </http:>Isabel Stevenson Award to David Hyde Pierce!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Best Orchestrations<br /></span><ul><li><span>Daryl Waters & David Bryan,</span> <a href="http://www.memphisonbroadway.com/" target="new">Memphis</a></li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold;">Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre<br /></span><ul><li><span>David Bryan (Music), Joe DiPietro, David Bryan (Lyrics)</span>, <a href="http://www.memphisonbroadway.com/" target="new">Memphis</a></li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold;">Best Book of a Musical<br /></span><ul><li><span>Joe DiPietro,</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><a href="http://www.memphisonbroadway.com/" target="new">Memphis</a></li></ul><span style="font-style: italic;">WOW, look at </span><a href="http://www.memphisonbroadway.com/" target="new">Memphis</a> sweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeping the show so far!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Best Costume Design of a Musical</span><br /><ul><li>Marina Draghici, <a href="http://www.felaonbroadway.com/" target="new">Fela!</a></li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold;">Best Lighting Design of a Musical</span><br /><ul><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Kevin Adams,</span> <a href="http://www.americanidiotonbroadway.com/" target="new">American Idiot</a> (yay!)<br /></li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold;">Best Scenic Design of a Musical<br /></span><ul><li>Christine Jones, <a href="http://www.americanidiotonbroadway.com/" target="new">American Idiot</a> (yay!)<br /></li></ul><http: com="" id="70191"" target="new"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Best Sound Design for A Musical</span><br /></http:><ul><li>Robert Kaplowitz, <a href="http://www.felaonbroadway.com/" target="new">Fela!</a></li></ul><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">***</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">My Thoughts on the Primetime Telecast...</span></strong></span><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);"></span><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">(yes, I know, but I've been blogging through each telecast for the last two years...its becoming a tradition!) :)<br /><br /><br /></span>Ok, what does everyone think of the opening number? It seems so chaotic. I get what they're trying to do, but...I'm not really feeling it as an opening number. I love <a href="http://www.americanidiotonbroadway.com/" target="new">American Idiot</a> and Green Day, but when did this become a rock concert? It didn't get me excited and hyped up for the Tonys, but you can't win 'em all, right? Wow, Matthew Morrison is getting a lot of audience airtime...not a big shocker, but its too bad he didn't get that much attention when he was a nominee a few years back for <a href="http://www.ibdb.com/production.php?id=390706" target="new">The Light in the Piazza</a>!<br /><br />WTF and not WTF. Not a total surprise to see Ricky Martin here, but still weird to me. <span><a href="http://www.milliondollarquartetlive.com/" target="new">Million Dollar Quartet</a> is up.</span><br /><br />I feel like it wasn't so long ago when <a href="http://www.lacage.com/" target="new">La Cage aux Folles</a> was revived. See...a LOT of Matthew Morrison air time. I expect to see more of this in the next three hours. So, I have to admit that I'm bummed everytime I hear "Matthew Morrison and Lea Michele of Glee" in relation to Broadway related activities (like this awards show). I know that Glee is the current project for both, but...I think the entire Broadway community knows where they've come from. I'm glad though that they at least are supporting the community they came from.<br /><br />Sean Hayes, so funny in his Billy Elliot get-up. HA!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Best Direction of a Musical</span><br /><ul><li>Christopher Ashley, <a href="http://www.memphisonbroadway.com/" target="new">Memphis</a></li><li>Marcia Milgrom Dodge, <a href="http://www.ibdb.com/production.php?id=484345" target="new">Ragtime</a></li><li>Terry Johnson, <a href="http://www.lacage.com/" target="new">La Cage aux Folles</a> - <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">(WINNER! Wow, I was really off on that one!)</span><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);"></span></li><li>Bill T. Jones, <a href="http://www.felaonbroadway.com/" target="new">Fela!</a><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><br /></li> </ul><span style="font-weight: bold;">* My Pick: </span>Though I didn't see it this time around, I loved <a href="http://www.ibdb.com/production.php?id=484345" target="new">Ragtime</a> the 1st time around. That is the <span style="font-style: italic;">only</span> reason I'm going with Marcia Milgrom Dodge.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">* My Prediction:</span> I think it'll be Christopher Ashley for <a href="http://www.memphisonbroadway.com/" target="new">Memphis</a>.<br /><br />I love how versatile <a href="http://www.briandjames.com/" target="new">Brian d'Arcy James</a> is - he can be Shrek in <a href="http://www.shrekthemusical.com/" target="new">Shrek</a>, Dan in <a href="http://www.nexttonormal.com/" target="new">next to normal</a> and in a straight play like <a href="http://www.mtc-nyc.org/current-season/time_stands_still/default.asp" target="new">Time Stands Still</a>. That's one of the reasons why we love him. So awesome!<br /><br />Awww, <a href="http://www.ibdb.com/person.php?id=48943" target="new">Angela Lansbury</a>! Congrats on becoming the <a href="http://americantheatrewing.org/" target="new">American Theatre Wing</a>'s first ever honorary chairperson!<br /><br /><span><span style="font-weight: bold;">Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a a Musical<br /></span></span><ul><li>Barbara Cook, <a href="http://www.roundabouttheatre.org/54/index2.htm" target="new">Sondheim on Sondheim</a></li><li>Katie Finneran, <a href="http://promisespromisesbroadway.com/" target="new">Promises, Promises</a> - <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">(WINNER! Wow, again I was WAY off!!!)</span> </li><li>Angela Lansbury, <a href="http://www.nightmusiconbroadway.com/" target="new">A Little Night Music</a></li><li>Karine Plantadit, <a href="http://www.comeflyaway.com/" target="new">Come Fly Away</a></li><li>Lillias White, <a href="http://www.felaonbroadway.com/" target="new">Fela!</a></li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold;">* My Pick: </span><span>Barbara Cook! Need I say more?<br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;">* My Prediction: </span><span>Angela Lansbury<br /><br />Katie Finneran...we love you (and your speech). Yes, focus on what you love - that is so true, so amazing and I so agree!!! I hope more people follow your beautiful heart-felt words!<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim89IgjMwZFgmZmawoYmzsEqXQzq0o0zVCqmcKDNLtedl3caCcfiMsY9r5aLt75wJNWFIyEFpnCW54WbsC9R7DorDOe-s3GcGdoIbUqySQf0LfmslB1i5_YP92zXkxc_mUUpTclg/s1600/b_TC009_KatieFinn_001.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 212px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim89IgjMwZFgmZmawoYmzsEqXQzq0o0zVCqmcKDNLtedl3caCcfiMsY9r5aLt75wJNWFIyEFpnCW54WbsC9R7DorDOe-s3GcGdoIbUqySQf0LfmslB1i5_YP92zXkxc_mUUpTclg/s320/b_TC009_KatieFinn_001.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482503796146809826" border="0" /></a><span><br />Haha, Mark Sanchez - apparently, he's a NY Jet - on the </span><a href="http://www.tonyawards.com/" target="new">Tony Awards</a><span>? What?!<br /><br /></span><a href="http://www.memphisonbroadway.com/" target="new">Memphis</a>...I think I have to see it to appreciate it.<br /><span><br />Everytime I see Jay-Z and Will Smith & Jada Pinkett-Smith in the audience I have to remind myself they are the producers of </span><a href="http://www.felaonbroadway.com/" target="new">Fela!</a>. Though...its <span style="font-style: italic;">really</span> odd to see Jay-Z there!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Musical<br /></span><ul><li><span>Kevin Chamberlin, <a href="http://www.theaddamsfamilymusical.com/" target="new">The Addams Family</a></span></li><li><span>Robin De Jesus, </span><a href="http://www.lacage.com/" target="new">La Cage aux Folles</a></li><li><span>Levi Kreis, </span><span><a href="http://www.milliondollarquartetlive.com/" target="new">Million Dollar Quartet</a></span> - <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">(WINNER, told you I had no idea!)</span></li><li><span>Bobby Steggert, </span><a href="http://www.ibdb.com/production.php?id=484345" target="new">Ragtime</a><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold;">* My Pick: </span><span>I am a fan of Robin De Jesus' work, so I'll go with him.</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">* My Prediction: </span><span>I think this is a toss up because I have <span style="font-style: italic;">no</span> idea!<br /><br /></span>I have been waiting to see/hear Catherine Zeta-Jones in <a href="http://www.nightmusiconbroadway.com/" target="new">A Little Night Music</a> since she was cast in the role. She does Send in the Clowns well enough...I think...not really. I mean, I didn't get the whole shaking her head back and forth while she sang, "maybe next year" nor did I like the huge gaps like..."Isn't it...[and then you wait some more]...rich" she did that through the entire song. Really? Like...SS approved that? I wasn't a big fan of that interpretation.<br /><br />Christiane Noll - LOVE!<br /><br />Wow, look at all those people watching the Tonys in Times Square!<br /><br />Viola Davis, what a lovely speech. Congratulations!!! Look at how gracious those other ladies in her category reacted (I'm talking to you Linda Lavin and Valerie Harper...you looked genuinely happy, now that's class)!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.felaonbroadway.com/" target="new">Fela!</a> - those peeps have got some energy!<br /><br />Wow, look at that choreography! <a href="http://promisespromisesbroadway.com/" target="new">Promises, Promises</a> looks amazing!!! I know some people haven't loved the show, but if that number doesn't describe the beauty of <a href="http://promisespromisesbroadway.com/" target="new">Promises, Promises</a> from the choreography to the music, I don't know what does. LOVE!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Best Choreography<br /></span><ul><li>Rob Ashford, <a href="http://promisespromisesbroadway.com/" target="new">Promises, Promises</a></li><li>Bill T. Jones, <a href="http://www.felaonbroadway.com/" target="new">Fela!</a> - <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">(WINNER! Finally I called one correctly!)</span> </li><li>Lynne Page, <a href="http://www.lacage.com/" target="new">La Cage aux Folles</a></li><li>Twyla Tharp, <a href="http://www.comeflyaway.com/" target="new">Come Fly Away</a></li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold;">* My Pick: </span>Bill T. Jones, <a href="http://www.felaonbroadway.com/" target="new">Fela!</a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">* My Prediction:</span> Bill T. Jones. <a href="http://www.felaonbroadway.com/" target="new">Fela!</a> has been getting a lot of attention. I think its a favorite.<br /><br />In Memoriam.<br /><br />So how many people who never watched the <a href="http://www.tonyawards.com/" target="new">Tony Awards</a> are watching it now because of <a href="http://www.matthewmorrison.com/" target="new">Matthew Morrison</a> and <a href="http://www.ibdb.com/person.php?id=70191" target="new">Lea Michele</a>? I'll be interested to see if ratings were affected or if all of a sudden young viewers have to download "All I Need Now Is the Girl" from iTunes in hopes of somehow reliving their Tony moment with <a href="http://www.matthewmorrison.com/" target="new">Matthew Morrison</a>. If memory serves...the last time he "performed" at the <a href="http://www.tonyawards.com/" target="new">Tony Awards</a>, all <a href="http://www.matthewmorrison.com/" target="new">Matthew Morrison</a> did was walk around <a href="http://www.kelliohara.com/" target="new">Kelli O'Hara</a> and her hat in the opening scene from <a href="http://www.ibdb.com/production.php?id=390706" target="new">The Light in the Piazza</a>. He's proving he can really sing and dance (you can hear him panting) and that's he's really quite good (but we all knew that, even before Glee...WAY before Glee)! In all seriousness, I really do hope these performances by <a href="http://www.matthewmorrison.com/" target="new">Matthew Morrison</a> and <a href="http://www.ibdb.com/person.php?id=70191" target="new">Lea Michele</a> will help the ratings.<br /><br />Ok, <a href="http://www.ibdb.com/person.php?id=70191" target="new">Lea Michele</a>, I will say what I said when you were doing Eponine at <a href="http://www.hollywoodbowl.com/" target="new">the Hollywood Bowl</a>...please, don't try so hard. You have an amazing voice, you are a fantastic performer, but you do something when you go overboard to be good...you aren't. Please...please don't do that again because you're really, really, <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">really</span> good as is...but you over enunciate, over scream instead of sing when you're trying to be good and we know it, we can tell and its just plain uncomfortable.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Best Revival of a Musical</span><br /><ul><li><a href="http://www.finiansonbroadway.com/" target="new">Finian's Rainbow</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.lacage.com/" target="new">La Cage aux Folles</a> - <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">(WINNER, again I'm off...WAY off)</span></li><li><a href="http://www.nightmusiconbroadway.com/" target="new">A Little Night Music</a></li><li><a href="http://www.ibdb.com/production.php?id=484345" target="new">Ragtime</a></li></ul> <span style="font-weight: bold;">* My Pick: </span><a href="http://www.nightmusiconbroadway.com/" target="new">A Little Night Music</a> - for obvious reasons.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">* My Prediction</span>: <a href="http://www.nightmusiconbroadway.com/" target="new">A Little Night Music</a> - for similar reasons.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.americanidiotonbroadway.com/" target="new">American Idiot</a> - look at the energy of that cast! Nice bleeeping, CBS. Ha. Hope people know about the strobe lights. I don't understand why I think this is so amazing since I'm usually so against shows that aren't considered a true "original musical." For some reason though, the way this show tells a story is different, unique and acceptable to me. I love the energy, the music, the staging, all of it. Too bad it isn't going to win (I say that without knowing the outcome...I just don't think Tony voters are going to choose it).<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical<br /><br /></span><span>Kate Baldwin, </span><a href="http://www.finiansonbroadway.com/" target="new">Finian's Rainbow</a><br />Montego Glover, <a href="http://www.memphisonbroadway.com/" target="new">Memphis</a><br />Christiane Noll, <a href="http://www.ibdb.com/production.php?id=484345" target="new">Ragtime</a><br />Sherie Rene Scott, <a href="http://www.roundabouttheatre.org/aat/" target="new">Everyday Rapture</a><br />Catherine Zeta-Jones, <a href="http://www.nightmusiconbroadway.com/" target="new">A Little Night Music</a> - <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">(WINNER, at least I sort of predicted this one).</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />* My Pick: </span>Christiane Noll for her portrayal of "Mother" in <a href="http://www.ibdb.com/production.php?id=484345" target="new">Ragtime</a>.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">* My Prediction: </span><span>Montego Glover or Catherine Zeta-Jones.</span><br /><br />HA, I love how shocked she looks and that she jumped up when she won and still looked dumbfounded.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical<br /></span><ul><li><span>Kelsey Grammer, </span><a href="http://www.lacage.com/" target="new">La Cage aux Folles</a></li><li>Sean Hayes, Promises, <a href="http://promisespromisesbroadway.com/" target="new">Promises, Promises</a></li><li>Douglas Hodge, <a href="http://www.lacage.com/" target="new">La Cage aux Folles</a> - <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">(WINNER, again I'm off...WAY off)</span> </li><li>Chad Kimball, <a href="http://www.memphisonbroadway.com/" target="new">Memphis</a></li><li>Sahr Nagujah, <a href="http://www.felaonbroadway.com/" target="new">Fela!</a></li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold;">* My Pick:<span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span></span><span>I really like </span><a href="http://promisespromisesbroadway.com/" target="new">Promises, Promises</a> as well as Sean Hayes.<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;">* My Prediction</span>: I don't think Sean will win...I'm going with either Chad Kimball, <a href="http://www.memphisonbroadway.com/" target="new">Memphis</a> or Sahr Nagujah, <a href="http://www.felaonbroadway.com/" target="new">Fela!</a><br /><br />Ok, I'm SO off because I didn't think that any of the La Cage peeps were even considered to win. I'm really surprised but congrats to all of them! Wow!<br /><br /></div></div><span style="font-weight: bold;">Best Musical<br /></span><ul><li><a href="http://www.americanidiotonbroadway.com/" target="new">American Idiot</a></li><li><a href="http://www.felaonbroadway.com/" target="new">Fela!</a></li><li><a href="http://www.memphisonbroadway.com/" target="new">Memphis</a> - <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">(WINNER, this was easy!)</span> </li><li><span><a href="http://www.milliondollarquartetlive.com/" target="new">Million Dollar Quartet</a></span></li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold;">* My Pick: </span><span>I am a fan of </span><a href="http://www.americanidiotonbroadway.com/" target="new">American Idiot</a> but I don't think its best musical material. I am afraid though that the future of the show will depend on how it does in tonight's awards show. If it doesn't win...I fear it might close. So...please win!!!<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">* My Prediction: </span><span>Based on the number of awards it has won thus far...I'm going with </span><a href="http://www.memphisonbroadway.com/" target="new">Memphis</a>.<br /><br /><span>Its too bad this year's awards were so...so-so. I Who the hell is this guy screaming his acceptance speech for </span><a href="http://www.memphisonbroadway.com/" target="new">Memphis</a>? What an ANNOYING voice (sorry, I don't care who the heck you are, I can't listen to you). THANK YOU Sean Hayes for cutting him off! Its the best thing anyone could have done as host. Ok...I was told to make sure to catch the end of the awards show...but...for this? That wasn't so worth it, I'm sorry.<br /><br />Ok, all in all...a very disappointing show this year. Sorry guys.<br /><br /><br /><http: com="" id="70191"" target="new"></http:></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3118083.post-1440376051513929002010-06-13T19:17:00.000-07:002010-06-28T23:54:47.888-07:00BEING A GEEK<div style="text-align: justify;">Since I'm waiting for the <a href="http://www.thetonyawards.com/" target="new">Tony Awards</a> telecast to air on the West Coast, I figure why not write about another amazing theater-related event I recently had the privilege of attending. Yesterday, I attended <a href="http://www.playbill.com/news/article/140104-Jason-Robert-Brown-Georgia-Stitt-Concert-to-Feature-Taylor-Trimm-Pulver-Ryder-Chapman-Callaway" target="new">a benefit concert with Georgia Stitt and Jason Robert Brown</a><a> where the duo presented and performed their songs as a benefit for the Pasadena Presbyterian Church. </a><a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0152543/%22" target="new">Tracy Nicole Chapman</a>, <a href="http://broadwayworld.com/people/Ty_Taylor/" target="new">Ty Taylor</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lara_Pulver" target="new">Lara Pulver</a>, <a href="http://www.allietrimm.com/" target="new">Allie Trimm</a> and Dan Callaway also performed with JRB & GS.<br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />It had been some time since I had seen <a href="http://www.jasonrobertbrown.com%22/" target="new">JRB</a> in concert and I had never heard <a href="http://www.georgiastitt.com/" target="new">Georgia's</a> music live before. <a href="http://www.georgiastitt.com/" target="new">Georgia</a> played some songs from her recent off-Broadway show, <a href="http://nymusigal.blogspot.com/2010/05/making-of-mosaic.html" target="new">Mosaic</a> as well as songs from other shows like <a href="http://www.georgiastitt.com/music_shows_thewater.html" target="new">The Water</a> as well as music from her album, <a href="http://www.georgiastitt.com/cd_thisordinarythursday.html" target="new">This Ordinary Thursday</a>. What I like about <a href="http://www.georgiastitt.com/" target="new">Georgia</a>'s music is that her lyrics are intelligent, carefully crafted and her always honest music has a gentle calmness about it. As I was sitting in the sanctuary listening yesterday (and as I am listening to her album now), whether her music is based on a sonnet by Shakespeare or President Obama's inauguration speech (which I absolutely loved - what a great idea) or "My Lifelong Love," there is such diversity and range in what she does.<br /><br />I think it is safe to say that everyone (including <a href="http://www.jasonrobertbrown.com%22/" target="new">JRB</a> himself) knows how I feel about his music. so I will try to refrain from singing his praises. The highlights of the show for me were a few...hearing <a href="http://chizi.blogspot.com/2006/05/music-of-heaven.html" target="new">Music of Heaven</a> <span style="font-style: italic;">live </span><span>(with a 20 or 30 person choir to boot was just fantastic)</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span>because <a href="http://chizi.blogspot.com/2006/05/music-of-heaven.html" target="new">this song</a> describes the awkwardness of my relationship with religion and hearing it in a church was (for me) even more thought provoking. I also loved hearing the opening number (<a href="http://www.jasonrobertbrown.com/theatre/lyrics.php?showID=parade&songID=parade01" target="new">Old Red Hills of Home</a>) from <a href="http://www.jasonrobertbrown.com/theatre/parade" target="new">Parade</a> again but the best was hearing songs I've not heard before like All Things in Time & Caravan of Angels.<br /><br />I am always intrigued when I have an opportunity to hear composers play their music. There is something so intriguing and yet vulnerable about listening and watching a composer perform their work. Last night was no different and maybe even more intriguing to witness the dynamic between two obviously talented composers who also happened to be married. Both Georgia and JRB have their stylistic differences but it is still really magical to be in the presence of such talented songwriters and performers. I know that sounds cheesy, but it really was a fantastic experience and night of music.<br /><br />Thank you <a href="http://www.georgiastitt.com/" target="new">Georgia Stitt</a> and <a href="http://www.jasonrobertbrown.com%22/" target="new">JRB</a> for a really amazing evening of music last night!<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">* </span><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.jasonrobertbrown.com%22/" target="new">JRB</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> just published the </span><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.jasonrobertbrown.com/weblog/2010/06/the_georgia_stitt_jrb_concert.php" target="new">set list</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> for the show on his blog!</span><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3118083.post-91277387329346990332010-06-05T21:30:00.000-07:002010-06-13T21:41:21.589-07:00DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiG3l3gARuVKcb2cYKo7MHu-rfy2vwwU0oBu4ehYoP8HgblKxTS64iGurBfnNE7aUdaKBnMFrHI2DTjoOj0IY7RY_DsdSARIgsIk9xqqubnChTtxJvJUWNdNA8Q1uzzkTik79vOQ/s1600/john_wooden.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 271px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiG3l3gARuVKcb2cYKo7MHu-rfy2vwwU0oBu4ehYoP8HgblKxTS64iGurBfnNE7aUdaKBnMFrHI2DTjoOj0IY7RY_DsdSARIgsIk9xqqubnChTtxJvJUWNdNA8Q1uzzkTik79vOQ/s320/john_wooden.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482483756788973826" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Rest in Peace <a href="http://www.johnwooden.com/" target="new">John Wooden</a>. You were the ultimate definition of a man and certainly one of my personal heroes. The legacy you have left will last for generations. Thank you for being a shining example of what it means to have character, how to love and may we all aspire to be more like you.<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3118083.post-18112623413745987282010-03-31T14:34:00.000-07:002010-03-31T18:29:06.381-07:00I GOT LIFE<div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoVvP_GbPo5JLDKtZ-py3S81Avy8JLWeM24BOnacGeZb8ZzgBtgHWQKbp0bOY0iThVU1AYpgWrOW9SBuuNXRAoGM7KHmVKdqGlx0Dth8Ho84EGxk8317GLimqET_rbFWtLVn7Tag/s1600/hair-broadway-_7.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 207px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoVvP_GbPo5JLDKtZ-py3S81Avy8JLWeM24BOnacGeZb8ZzgBtgHWQKbp0bOY0iThVU1AYpgWrOW9SBuuNXRAoGM7KHmVKdqGlx0Dth8Ho84EGxk8317GLimqET_rbFWtLVn7Tag/s320/hair-broadway-_7.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454916580787359410" border="0" /></a><a href="http://hairbroadway.com/" target="new"><i>Hair</i></a> is easily the one show I didn't know that I loved until this revival came along. There is something so incredibly freeing, motivating and loving about the show, that it has actually made me a better person. Since I was young, I have always believed in the power of the arts - I love & support it everyday and am a huge advocate for arts education. Yet when I heard (this revival) and saw the tribe, it literally changed me. Not because of the theatricality of the show or even the talent and energy of the actors - but because of the message the tribe sends on stage and off. I think I've always been one to strive for positivity, change and love...and that has become even more-so of a choice to live by now, even if I'm having a bad day.<br /><br />When I hear "Let the Sun Shine In," I always feel better (no matter what my mood) and when I see what the tribe is doing for equality, I feel inspired to find ways to make some kind of difference somewhere, in my own life. Though the show has reached an incredible and well deserved 1-year anniversary milestone, the best part of all of this for everyone, is <a href="http://www.broadwayimpact.com/" target="new">the huge difference they're making in society</a>...and I celebrate them for doing that above and beyond all else. Its amazing. Congratulations to all!!!<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><center><object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/nLMRsBPmut4&hl=en_US&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/nLMRsBPmut4&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="385" width="480"></embed></object></center>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3118083.post-62306744579414865612009-10-30T17:25:00.001-07:002009-10-30T18:26:34.357-07:00PS: YOU DON'T KNOW THIS MAN<div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEippvkDQccWEOzlDQKa-K3l7vBAgS5hjp0dyZDJjBbAFo_tmguR7Nm2pvGEvKzp9P5Y8MQQYS-26rj_l6V7zTugI4Fz_Rp3amlX3pM-TZbaCAgIrFSZBB5GWostscQ66SkoMKqqdQ/s1600-h/Parade480x240.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 158px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEippvkDQccWEOzlDQKa-K3l7vBAgS5hjp0dyZDJjBbAFo_tmguR7Nm2pvGEvKzp9P5Y8MQQYS-26rj_l6V7zTugI4Fz_Rp3amlX3pM-TZbaCAgIrFSZBB5GWostscQ66SkoMKqqdQ/s320/Parade480x240.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388538297436291970" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">This post is a PS to </span><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://chizi.blogspot.com/2009/10/you-dont-know-this-man.html" target="new">YOU DON'T KNOW THIS MAN</a><br /></span></div><br />I saw <a href="http://www.centertheatregroup.org/tickets/productiondetail.aspx?id=7708" target="new"><i>Parade</i></a> again. I loved it that much, yes I did. I haven't done something like this in literally years but then really there really hasn't been anything here in LA that was that good, that compelling to me and <a href="http://www.jasonrobertbrown.com/" target="new">JRB's</a> score is that gorgeous that I can't help but to go. Its a heavy subject matter, sure, but the acting is phenomenal and the music is intricately melodic.<br /><br />As much as I loved <a href="http://www.centertheatregroup.org/tickets/productiondetail.aspx?id=7708" target="new"><i>Parade</i></a> when I saw it in previews, there were some minor issues I had with the show. One of those issues belonged to <span style="color:silver;"> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/T._R._Knight" target="new">T.R. Knight</a></span>. Even though he more than impressed me, I thought his voice wasn't quite there yet...he was a little wail-y when belting, but I heard a definite improvement this time around. I didn't think he struggled vocally to hit or sustain notes as he did earlier on in the run. The other issue I had was in thinking that some of <a href="http://www.jasonrobertbrown.com/" target="new">JRB's</a> intricate piano riffs weren't heard (or even being played). I know the show has been tweaked throughout the run and with that I'm sure musically, changes have been made. This time though, I heard every one I expect or wanted to hear.<br /><br />I am so thrilled that <a href="http://www.centertheatregroup.org/tickets/productiondetail.aspx?id=7708" target="new"><i>Parade</i></a> is here in LA...at least until November 15.<br /></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3118083.post-33158173182557277742009-10-19T17:33:00.000-07:002009-10-19T17:33:52.433-07:00ANYTHING YOU CAN DOA lovely quote I recently read:<br /><blockquote><span style="font-style: italic;">Don’t ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what you love. Because when you do what you love, the world will need it.</span></blockquote>LOVE.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3118083.post-86136200487751737172009-10-02T23:59:00.000-07:002009-10-30T18:28:10.290-07:00YOU DON'T KNOW THIS MAN<div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEippvkDQccWEOzlDQKa-K3l7vBAgS5hjp0dyZDJjBbAFo_tmguR7Nm2pvGEvKzp9P5Y8MQQYS-26rj_l6V7zTugI4Fz_Rp3amlX3pM-TZbaCAgIrFSZBB5GWostscQ66SkoMKqqdQ/s1600-h/Parade480x240.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 158px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEippvkDQccWEOzlDQKa-K3l7vBAgS5hjp0dyZDJjBbAFo_tmguR7Nm2pvGEvKzp9P5Y8MQQYS-26rj_l6V7zTugI4Fz_Rp3amlX3pM-TZbaCAgIrFSZBB5GWostscQ66SkoMKqqdQ/s320/Parade480x240.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388538297436291970" border="0" /></a>Whenever I go to the theater and see something so beautiful, smart & moving the endorphins somehow kick in and I get giddy with excitement. Tonight, seeing <a href="http://www.jasonrobertbrown.com/" target="new">Jason Robert Brown</a>'s Tony Award Winning <a href="http://www.centertheatregroup.org/parade" target="new"><i>Parade</i></a><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span>at the <a href="http://www.centertheatregroup.org/" target="new">Mark Taper Forum</a> was one of those amazing nights. Sure, I happen to think <a href="http://www.jasonrobertbrown.com/" target="new">JRB</a> is just a phenomenal talent and I seem to connect to some facet of his work more than with any other composer, but...<a href="http://www.centertheatregroup.org/parade" target="new"><i>Parade</i></a> is really, really, really good. I've <a href="http://chizi.blogspot.com/search/label/parade" target="new">blogged</a> about <a href="http://www.centertheatregroup.org/parade" target="new"><i>Parade</i></a> before but this is a newer version of the show that has been downsized from the original production when the show was staged at the <a href="http://www.donmarwarehouse.com/pl60cast.html" target="new">Donmar Warehouse</a> in 2007.<br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />I have been impatiently awaiting <i><a href="http://www.centertheatregroup.org/parade" target="new"><i>Parade</i></a> </i>since the Taper <a href="http://www.playbill.com/news/article/120457-Taper%27s_2009_Slate_Has_Donmar%27s_Parade_Deaf_West_Pippin_Chekhov_Culture_Clash" target="new">announced</a> it as part of the 2009-2010 season. This is another show that I never got to see (until now), but discovered and fell in love with it through its <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Parade-1998-Original-Broadway-Cast/dp/B00000IMFL/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1254721081&sr=8-1" target="new">cast recording</a> (for which <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Parade-Original-London-Cast/dp/B0010RD3EC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1254723057&sr=1-1" target="new">another</a> was made following the <a href="http://www.donmarwarehouse.com/pl60cast.html" target="new">Donmar Warehouse</a> production). In the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Parade-1998-Original-Broadway-Cast/dp/B00000IMFL/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1254721081&sr=8-1" target="new">original cast recording</a>, I liked <a href="http://www.ibdb.com/person.php?id=34817" target="new">Brent Carver</a> quite a bit as Leo Frank and wondered who might be cast in this LA version. I had no real reaction when I read about the casting of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/T._R._Knight" target="new">T.R. Knight</a>.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdipl2PuL6T-o53kdhu3D_nm1-mvuJbTN70RbuSAWqE4t5Ib54mdCo4v6EA6c-iIzg2ilyqSTIM7kwGnx60egfXSWF14-6Ypi4ERKU2L3e2lJKoLi4aG0CTtzaCRCLSakQ1U_eDg/s1600-h/Parade+Photo+12.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 340px; height: 272px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdipl2PuL6T-o53kdhu3D_nm1-mvuJbTN70RbuSAWqE4t5Ib54mdCo4v6EA6c-iIzg2ilyqSTIM7kwGnx60egfXSWF14-6Ypi4ERKU2L3e2lJKoLi4aG0CTtzaCRCLSakQ1U_eDg/s320/Parade+Photo+12.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388545797650317890" border="0" /></a><i><a href="http://www.centertheatregroup.org/parade" target="new"><i>Parade</i></a></i> however, was discussed (more than it would have) since <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/T._R._Knight" target="new">T.R. Knight</a>'s casting (his first gig post-<a href="http://abc.go.com/shows/greys-anatomy" target="new"><i>Grey's Anatomy</i></a>). A well-known celebrity blogger who I don't particularly care for even discussed it which I guess makes it a "big deal". I had no idea what to expect of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/T._R._Knight" target="new">Knight</a> though and went into the show with an open mind. After all, if <a href="http://www.jasonrobertbrown.com/" target="new">JRB</a> had any say in the casting of his male lead, he wouldn't have agreed to a schlub of an actor with no singing chops, right? For the record, I haven't seen a single episode of <i><a href="http://abc.go.com/shows/greys-anatomy" target="new"><i>Grey's Anatomy</i></a></i>, so I didn't have any opinion towards <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/T._R._Knight" target="new">Knight</a> as an actor much less a singer. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/T._R._Knight" target="new">Knight</a>'s performance was actually quite good - he played a cold yet vulnerable & definitely quirky Leo Frank who opened up by the end of the show (its amazing what an intermission can do, huh)? I completely bought into his character and there were moments when I was completely taken with his performance. There were other times, when I realized that belting isn't so much his forte. There were moments during "Come Up To My Office" and "All the Wasted Time" where he was really selling his performance, singing it incredibly and then...he belted and it was actually a little distracting and pulled me out of the moment. For the most part though, he was fantastic!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwPt8FF8VtixPxZWSXN6AG5QklWgSrUJfIhxhWt0uZUncI19eJtstlFSiReo-8fz1EPPD5P4gxidh2Njk7Zy27V4KkF2Gky5jjnCMIl4POXjFJLhWLuoOZfgmnbsn8C0GSVhyNqA/s1600-h/Parade+Photo+26.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 352px; height: 281px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwPt8FF8VtixPxZWSXN6AG5QklWgSrUJfIhxhWt0uZUncI19eJtstlFSiReo-8fz1EPPD5P4gxidh2Njk7Zy27V4KkF2Gky5jjnCMIl4POXjFJLhWLuoOZfgmnbsn8C0GSVhyNqA/s320/Parade+Photo+26.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389001594191704498" border="0" /></a>In addition...what a cast!!! Wow, wow, wow! I recall being impressed when I read the final casting for the show, but I totally forgot until I took a look at the program. The cast boasts: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lara_Pulver" target="new">Lara Pulver</a> (who returns to the role of Lucille Frank from the <a href="http://www.donmarwarehouse.com/pl60cast.html" target="new">Donmar Warehouse</a> production) who I just loved (and loved more than Carolee Carmello from the Broadway production), <a href="http://www.christianhoff.com/" target="new">Christian Hoff</a> (Tony Award winner for <a href="http://www.jerseyboysinfo.com/broadway" target="new"><i>Jersey Boys</i></a>) who makes evil look so good, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phoebe_Strole" target="new">Phoebe Strole</a> (Anna from the Broadway production of <a href="http://springawakening.com/" target="new"><i>Spring Awakening</i></a>), <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Berresse" target="new">Michael Berresse</a> (director of my personal favorite, <a href="http://www.titleofshow.com/" target="new">[title of show])</a> who reunited with his <i><a href="http://www.achorusline.com/" target="new"><i>A Chorus Line</i></a> co-star</i> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charlotte_d%27Amboise" target="new">Charlotte d'Amboise</a> (Tony nominee for her role as Cassie in the revival of <a href="http://www.achorusline.com/" target="new"><i>A Chorus Line</i></a>) and <a href="http://www.davisgaines.com/" target="new">Davis Gaines</a> (who was a pleasant surprise to see and ended up being my personal favorite from his long run here in LA as the title role in <a href="http://www.thephantomoftheopera.com/" target="new"><i>The Phantom of the Opera</i></a>). I just can't believe what a strong & amazing cast this is! This production with its high energy, amazing voices and ridiculously talented cast, undoubtedly belongs on the Broadway stage...again. Though I've never seen the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harold_Prince" target="new">Hal Prince</a> staged version of this show (and I am quite an admirer of him), I think <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rob_Ashford" target="new">Rob Ashford</a> did a hell of a job directing and choreographing the show. There was something so perfect about the dancing throughout the show that emphasized and and captured the meaning that I loved and worked so well.<br /><br />If you have any doubt...check out the clips of the show courtesy of the <a href="http://www.centertheatregroup.org/" target="new">Center Theatre Group</a>:<br /><br /><center><object height="310" width="400"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/5pUkmlrK2Cs&hl=en&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.centertheatregroup.org/_swf/ctgla_flvPlayer.swf?menu=false&flvWidth=400&flvHeight=266&flvPath=http://www.centertheatregroup-content.net/video/parade/broll-400x266.flv" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="310" width="400"></embed></object></center><br /><br />The only problem that I found with the show was that it was extremely hard to hear some of <a href="http://www.jasonrobertbrown.com/" target="new">JRB</a>'s intricate piano riffs. I could hear them so clearly in cast recordings (and even in the clip above) but found them either difficult to hear or heard what I thought were simplified versions of the music tonight. There was also the issue of almost every actor (except maybe <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/T._R._Knight" target="new">Knight</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lara_Pulver" target="new">Pulver</a>) who played multiple roles which made the show just a little bit confusing (particularly if you weren't familiar with the storyline). I quickly got over that fact because I thought almost everything else about the show was so strong.<br /><br />I guess at this point I should also mention that though my enthusiasm is high for <i><a href="http://www.centertheatregroup.org/parade" target="new"><i>Parade</i></a></i>, it is a very, very dark show and perhaps it isn't what people think it will be. As stated from <a href="http://www.centertheatregroup.org/" target="new">Center Theatre Group</a>:<br /><br /><blockquote style="font-style: italic;">"A shameful event in American history and a poignant love story are at the heart of Parade…[which] follows the true story of the arrest, conviction and lynching of Leo Frank in post-Civil War Atlanta, Georgia. Mary Phagan, a 13-year-old factory worker, has been murdered on the day of the 1913 Confederate Memorial Day parade. Frank, the factory's superintendent and a Jewish outsider, is immediately cast as a suspect. As the media frenzy ensues, with journalists thirsting for news to boost circulations and ambitious politicians seeking votes, Frank — the transplanted Yankee — becomes the scapegoat. His wife, Lucille, passionately works for her husband's release from jail but public hatred continues to rise to a fever pitch. Despite the terrible circumstance, Leo and Lucille find a renewed commitment to each other as well as a moment of transcendent grace in their tragedy."</blockquote><br />I knew this going in, I knew that it wouldn't end happily (its not a spoiler, its a tragic historical fact) and I also figured this show wouldn't be for everyone, but the people who were there I assume wanted to be. Yet when after intermission, I saw huge gaping holes in the theater, I was a little bit surprised. Its hard to say what patrons were thinking walking into <i><i><i><a href="http://www.centertheatregroup.org/parade" target="new"><i>Parade</i></a>. </i></i></i>I felt like more people returned after intermission when I saw <a href="http://www.centertheatregroup.org/tickets/productiondetail.aspx?id=5624" target="new"><i>Spring Awakening</i></a> at the Ahmanson last year (and there were some pretty graphic scenes) particularly when I looked out and saw that the majority of the audience were 60+ years old). An entire second row I think emptied out after intermission and I really, really didn't understand that. I haven't walked out of any show (I might have <span style="font-style: italic;">really</span> wanted to with some shows) but I guess I don't understand how deeply <a href="http://www.centertheatregroup.org/parade" target="new"><i>Parade</i></a> affected some audience members to warrant leaving. Personally, I didn't leave the theater feeling somber and horrified (though I was horrified at the fate of Leo Frank and this tragic story). I left the <a href="http://www.centertheatregroup.org/" target="new">Taper</a> feeling revived and grateful to be able to support some of the best musical theater I think LA has seen in years!<br /><br />At the end of the day though, I think it is it fair to say that for me, aside from thinking that <i><i><a href="http://www.centertheatregroup.org/parade" target="new"><i>Parade</i></a></i></i> was fantastic and grateful for it fueling my theater-deprived soul, seeing <a href="http://www.davisgaines.com/" target="new">Davis Gaines</a> back on stage also brought back some kind of reminiscence of my youth. As much as I adore <a href="http://www.jasonrobertbrown.com/" target="new">JRB</a> and <i><a href="http://www.centertheatregroup.org/parade" target="new"><i>Parade</i></a></i>, there is also something familiar and comforting seeing <a href="http://www.davisgaines.com/" target="new">Davis Gaines</a> back at The Music Center...which kind of makes me love the show that much more. All and all, this was quite a satisfying evening spent at the theater...partially because of being seated front row center, but mostly because of this amazingly special show.<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3118083.post-37103299903231606382009-09-21T22:22:00.001-07:002009-09-21T23:13:11.948-07:00NOTHING BUT A GOOD TIME<div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpbIhwjoL3RPsV8cISEsjbyjGZMb0860yqkwTuRFwSQJ0ZntDAnY-vunFkcVNgbnmcV2_NlxgurTDG3Of4TOjA_AhayrtwznsJvZechtZvvvLgVhtJ9ZvvJcUwTe-1sodMGW8xbg/s1600-h/RockOfAgesmusical.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpbIhwjoL3RPsV8cISEsjbyjGZMb0860yqkwTuRFwSQJ0ZntDAnY-vunFkcVNgbnmcV2_NlxgurTDG3Of4TOjA_AhayrtwznsJvZechtZvvvLgVhtJ9ZvvJcUwTe-1sodMGW8xbg/s200/RockOfAgesmusical.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384169892470476146" border="0" /></a>In the past, I admit that I've been prejudiced against "jukebox musicals" insisting that I could not categorize them as real musicals. I never saw them as being quality theater...really, ever. Being the theater snob I was, I refused to go to anything that I deemed of that quality. Never say never, right? Yes. Well, I have to say, a tide has turned and things have changed because I think I'm a new found fan and supporter of <a href="http://www.rockofagesmusical.com/" target="new"><i>Rock of Ages</i></a>.<br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><i><a href="http://www.rockofagesmusical.com/" target="new"><i>Rock of Ages</i></a></i> is no <a href="http://nexttonormal.com/home" target="new"><i>Next to Normal</i></a>, but it is light-hearted, fun and certainly doesn't take itself seriously. The show stars <a href="http://www.americanidol.com/contestants/season4/constantine_maroulis/" target="new"><i>American Idol</i></a> Alum <a href="http://www.constantinemaroulis.com/" target="new">Constantine Maroulis</a> and a string of actresses playing the lead female role of <span style="font-style: italic;">Sherry</span> (from the <a href="http://www.amyspanger.com/" target="new">Amy Spanger</a> controversy to its current <span style="font-style: italic;">Sherry</span>, <a href="http://www.kerrybutler.net/" target="new">Kerry Butler</a>. <a href="http://www.constantinemaroulis.com/" target="new">Maroulis</a> who despite being known for AI, is a theater boy at heart and always had aspirations for the Great White Way (and was in RENT pre-<span style="font-style: italic;">Idol</span> and got his degree from the <a href="http://www.bostonconservatory.edu/" target="new">Boston Conservatory of Music</a> & <a href="http://www.berklee.edu/" target="new">Berklee College of Music</a>). Lately, I've noticed the more I prematurely prejudge shows that have gone to the Broad-way, I tend to rediscover them later anyway and see the good qualities, the fun and the need to explore them. So yet again, I will say...I am wrong. I was wrong in thinking <i><a href="http://www.rockofagesmusical.com/" target="new"><i>Rock of Ages</i></a></i> was a poor show and had no respectable qualities.<br /><br /><center><object height="240" width="460"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/8uUYvQBLeb4&hl=en&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/8uUYvQBLeb4&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="240" width="460"></embed></object></center><br /><br />The show does a great job of writing a story around the <a href="http://www.rockofagesmusical.com/setlist.php" target="new">songs</a> from hair-bands of the '80s and the actors all seem to be having so much fun with the show.<br /><blockquote><span style="font-size:85%;">From the show's synopsis:<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">In 1987 on the Sunset Strip, a small town girl met a big city rocker and in LA’s most famous rock club, they fell in love to the greatest songs of the 80s. It’s ROCK OF AGES, an arena-rock love story told through the mind-blowing, face-melting hits of </span><strong style="font-style: italic;">JOURNEY, NIGHT RANGER, STYX, REO SPEEDWAGON, PAT BENATAR, TWISTED SISTER, POISON, ASIA, WHITESNAKE and many more</strong><span style="font-style: italic;">. Don’t miss this awesomely good time about dreaming big, playing loud and partying on!</span></span></blockquote><i><a href="http://www.rockofagesmusical.com/" target="new"><i>Rock of Ages</i></a> </i>is such a fun show, I can't stop listening to it and I highly recommend it to everyone who wants to be rocked!<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0