5. (Most Surprising) "School Of Rock": I totally didn't expect to love this show as much as I did. It was the cheapest show that played on a Sunday night. We needed to see something, since we had decided to not stand in line for Shakespeare in the Park. I had seen the movie and thought it was cutesy and didn't really deserve a whole musical - scored by Andrew Lloyd Webber no less. What I discovered was this show was awesome! I was blown away by the kids in the cast. All of which played their own instruments, danced and sang perfectly. The kids and the adults all sang the heck out of the super-fun rock and roll score. It had a great message and some fabulous music - what's there not to like? I judge a musical by whether or not the music makes it onto my iPod and "Stick it to the Man" was most definitely downloaded when I got home, so it was definitely a hit in my book!
4. (Most Bizarre) "The Robber Bridegroom": I knew absolutely nothing about this show, other than I like Steven Pasquale and I wanted to see him sing. Also, it was Off-Broadway which was new for me too. I came away from this show being totally perplexed by the story in general, and never having laughed so hard in a theater in my life. It was uproariously funny! This "southern fried fairy tale" was so, so, so weird. (Just read the IMDB on the plot - I dare you not to think "huh?") But what made the show completely awesome, was the cast that was having so much fun, that they broke on stage 2 separate times. The show itself is very funny, but seeing the cast unable to make it through the funny parts - even funnier! Based on my earlier scale - 3 songs made it to the iPod so it's definitely up there on my all-time faves list!
3. (Most Able to Turn me into a Blubbering Mess) "Falsettos": Just as I've never laughed as hard as I did at "The Robber Bridegroom," I've never cried as hard as I did at "Falsettos." Oh my goodness did I cry. From about right after the curtain came up for Act 2 straight on through to the bitter end, I was crying while attempting to not disturb those around me. It was bad. But it was also so very good! That cast - Christian Borle, Andrew Rannells, Stephanie J. Block, Brandon Uranowitz, Anthony Rosenthal, Tracie Thoms and Betsey Wolfe - every single one of them was perfectly cast for their part. I once again went in knowing not much - other than the inevitable was going to happen and make me cry - but I walked out just blown away by a cast that can get that emotional every night, and then smile and laugh at curtain call. The songs were beautiful. The relationships were beautiful. And most of all the message - family is what you make it - was beautiful and so needed! The soundtrack isn't out yet, so I can't tell you how many songs are on my iPod, however I already have the iTunes cash earmarked for the whole kit and caboodle.
2. (Most Obvious and Groundbreaking) "Hamilton": What can I say about it that hasn't already been said? It is as good - maybe better - than everyone says. What I loved most about it is that it's entirely new. From the set design, to the musical styles, to the cast and the choreography. All of it could have been a mess, but all of it works together to create something that's just gorgeous. Seeing it with an audience that loved it as much as I did, was so energizing. I knew exactly what would happen at the end, and it's never made me cry before. But I think just feeling that energy from the cast and the audience, I admit to tearing up a bit and getting major goosebumps! Number of songs on the iPod - the whole darn album!
*Bet you thought Hamilton would be number one, didn't you? : )
1. (Most Able to Make me Smile Uncontrollably) "Come From Away": Not since "Jesus Christ Superstar" opened my eyes to how amazing musical theatre is, have I been more in love with a single show. I've been talking, googling, watching, singing, and stalking this gorgeous show since I saw it in September. I honestly can't get enough of it and the all together lovely cast. When I first heard about the 9/11 musical - I was completely against it. Too soon, I thought. Then I heard the storyline - 5 days in Gander when the US airspace was closed that day - and I thought, ok that's a bit better. Then I saw it at Ford's (another theatre first for me!) and I fell in love. I laughed. I smiled from ear to ear. I got goosebumps. I teared up. As the kids say, I felt all the feels! It is by far, the happiest show I had ever seen. The message of acceptance, and love and kindness needs to be repeated over and over in today's world. And a show devoted to singing that message 8 days a week - Perfection!
The music is sort of Celtic-rock which works perfectly for the setting of New Foundland. It's played by an on stage band instead of an orchestra which also makes it feel more intimate and more like a bunch of people hanging out in a bar on a Friday night. And the cast! Each cast member plays about a dozen characters each - going in and out of different nationalities or accents constantly - and they do it perfectly. They're all perfectly suited to their particular parts and they honestly look like they're having the best time. I'm sure some shows like Falsettos are rough each night, but these actors get to spread the word of kindness every night and smile and laugh the entire show, and I can only imagine - based on what I've seen - they're loving it! Almost as much as I love them!
Number of songs on the iPod - Nothing, as it hasn't even opened on Broadway yet, but just like Falsettos - the iTunes money is already earmarked. Now if you're basing it on my YouTube browsing history - that's chock full of every single video I can find!
0 comments:
Post a Comment