Songs That We Love: Right Hand Man ( Something Rotten)

This is an amazing female lead song, it has comedy, heart and great lyrics. the song I'm talking about is " Right Hand Man" from " Something Rotten" . This show has plenty of great songs but today I wanted to focus on a solo number.

This song is incredibly catchy, and there were moments in the song that left me laughing when I first listened to it and I still love listening to many times over. The idea of being so supportive and being a strong female met with the juxtaposition of being in the Renascence is a great concept alone, and the lyrics do not disappoint. It's fast paced and bouncy which fits right alongside many songs in this show and is full of charm. the lyrics have speed but they fit the melody like a glove.

The back and fourth , with her giving a perfect rebuttal leads to great comedy, and shows her devotion as a wife. The song shows someone wanting to help, wanting to jump in and save the day,  even if they were never asked. This song is not one pass to by, it may not be the longest , nor grandest, but the emotions it portrays are not only you can relate to, but this is a very fun song. Until Next time, I hope your day is showstopper .

Favorite Lyric:  There's no problem that's to big
                             When your'e married that's the gig
                              So don't be a sexist pig 

Judging A Show By Its Cast Album : Mean Girls the Musical

As the Tony Awards draw closer and closer, It is time to look at the nominees and this a musical I have anticipated greatly, the musical adaptation of " Mean Girls" but would I see this show, based on listening to the album, is this show fetch? Let's find out.

The show follows  the film Cady as she goes from living with her parents in Africa on safaris, as she transfers to an American high school she discovers all the cliques as well as the top clique helmed by Regina George, this group known as the plastics is not only the most popular group but also the most mean. Cady befriends social outcasts Damien and Janis and try to take down Regina after she hurts Cady over a boy Cady likes, making Cady come off as mean girl to get close to Regina, until she becomes one. There are differences from the film to make the show unique, while still carrying over plenty of hilarious moments from the film

The music is pretty good, I am not a fan of every song but the songs that I enjoy I really enjoy, there are many different styles depending on the character but I enjoyed many of the songs and have listened to many of the songs multiple times, some more then others. I will say that the script transitions into some of the lyrics very well, so major fans of the film will know some of the lyrics just by quoting the movie, and that is incredibly smart.  And the original lyrics are hilarious, catchy, or both. Here are my favorite songs, that I recommend looking into for your playlist.

It Roars

Where Do You Belong (L)

Stupid With Love

What's Wrong With Me

Stupid with Love Reprise (L)

Revenge Party (L)

Fearless

World Burn (L)

I'd Rather Be Me ( My Personal Favorite)

Do This Thing ( L)

I See Stars ( My Other Personal Favorite)

So would I see this show if the opportunity arose, yes i would. Even if I don't like every song, the songs I listed are incredible, and the ones I didn't list , you may like. I really enjoy the movie, and this transitioned over very well, the message of being  yourself and being decent to each other still stands strong, now told with amazing songs. There is also still plenty of hilarious moments, and I bet seeing it live would be even more funny with dialogue, facial expressions, on top of the lyrics that are comedic.  I would see this show, until next time I hope your day is a showstopper

Sources

Mean Girls The Musical Original Broadway Cast Album

Wikipedia : Mean Girls The Musical 

Themed Playlist: Vacation

As summer approaches it's time to get away whether for a week or just a weekend. Here are some of my favorite show tunes for the car ride, plane ride, boat ride, or when you are relaxing there.

Put On Your Sunday Clothes ( Hello Dolly)

Seize The Day (L) ( Newsies)

Dancing Queen (Mama Mia)

Up On The Roof ( Beautiful: The Carole King Musical)

Beautiful ( Beautiful : The Carole King Musical) 

Merrily We Roll Along ( Merrily We Roll Along)

When Your'e Home ( In The Heights)

Schuyler Sisters ( Hamilton) 

I'd Rather Be Me ( Mean Girls The Musical)

Screech In ( Come From Away) 

One Short Day ( Wicked) 

I Got Rhythm ( An American In Paris) 

Until next time, I hope your day is a showstopper

Songs I Skipped: Franklin Shepard Inc.

Here is a new post idea I like to call songs I skipped, where I look at songs I may have glanced over  before.

After I looked at  the cast album to review " Merrily We Roll Along" , I decided I wanted to see it and I have continued to listen to the show and add my favorite tracks to my playlists. There was a song that I skimmed over as I was wrapped up in other tracks about dreams and such. But recently I was listening to some of the tracks that I didn't listen to as much as others , then I listened to " Franklin Shepard Inc." a few more times and grew a new appreciation for it.

" Merrily We Roll Along" begins with an ending of a story and works backwards to see how the characters reached that moment, as things move backwards the tone goes from dramatic to more inspiring, this song is earlier in the show as Charley and Frank hit the point where they break off their friendship. 

Not only is this song catchy but there is so much depth to it. Since the show gives you the friendship at the end, it still has the impact as if you had watch the friendship grow before hitting that breaking point, even if that part does come later.  

The lyrics entail so much about friendship and what can be thrown away in pursuit of your dream. It deals with real situations like growing apart and selling out, all while providing an upbeat tune and lyrics you can sing along to, the contrast is fascination g yet it works so well.  Even as the song slows down near the end, you feel that Charley has very valid points, and with the song " Growing Up" you see Frank's side earlier on as well as a turning point. 

This song has emotion in it too as you feel Charley is not only in a place he does not want to be, but he is making a plea for a friendship he misses. my favorite part isn't even a lyric, it's a spoken line 

Charley: Listen, Frank does the money thing very well. But you know what?  Other people do it better, and Frank does the music thing very well. And you know what? No one does it better. 

The mention in the line speaks it all, the added bonus is the great song surrounding that, I'm glad I went back to it. Until next time, I hope your day is a showstopper. 

Judging A Show By Its Cast Album: Beautiful The Carole King Musical

Welcome to another edition of Judging A Book By It's Album Cover, where I decide if I want to see a show live based on reading the plot synopsis as well as listening to a cast recording, the show I am looking into today is the jukebox hit " Beautiful The Carole King Musical". I have never listened to Carole King's music, will this show sell me or will I be taking this locomotion elsewhere.

The plot follows the life and career of the musician Carole King, as well as her relationships and music. The plot is simple, but by reading the plot synopsis there are a few twists and turns, someone who has been a fan of Carole King will know what happens but I was surprised.

The music is great, It definitely makes me want to look up her music, I definitely liked the second half more then the first, but there were some songs I found myself listening to multiple times, I will say I liked it more as I went along. There is one minor complaint, after doing some research, this show cut some songs short, and it left me wondering if maybe they could of used less songs and then used the full versions of these very good songs. But those two notes are my only complaints, these songs may be short, but they are still good. short but sweet. There is a good mix of slow and fast songs, songs to reflect and songs that make you want to boogie.  If you are curious to add some of these to your next playlist or to look into for yourself, here are some of my favorite songs from the show.

Will You Love Me ( 2nd Version)

Up On The Roof

On Broadway 

The Locomotion

You've Lost That Lovin

One Fine Day

Walking In The Rain

Uptown

It's Too Late

You've Got A Friend

Beautiful

I Feel The Earth Move

As I listened more and more, I thoroughly enjoyed this soundtrack, I want to read and learn more about Carole King, and I want to see this on stage to see how the songs are incorporated with the story, when I listen to soundtracks first, it's always a treat to see how it plays out on stage. This is a very different musical, and now I am more open to the idea of more jukebox musicals based on musicians and showcasing their work at the same time. Until next time, I hope your day is a showstopper.


Sources 

Wikipedia , Beautiful The Carole King Musical ( Synopsis/Photo)

The Original Broadway Cast Recording 

Songs That We Love: Bikini Bottom Day

This song is a great opening and the whole cast welcomes the audience into the world it has created so well, This song is " Bikini Bottom Day " from " Spongebob Squarepants the Musical".

The song has a great melody, but as the first song it does such a great job introducing each character, showing their personality types, and sets up some plot lines, all with catchy and fun lyrics as well.
The song is fun and light, full of cheer and optimism. It introduces the lead and the rest of the cast giving each of them a moment to shine, whether your'e a fan of the show or not. Fans of the show will note that the song has lyrics  that make the show feel like an extended episode of the show, but also makes it enjoyable for someone who has not.. The lyrics are full of joy and optimism, showing the how the lead faces the day, and it left me smiling from beginning to end.

Favorite Lyric: Ensemble: It's a typical
                           Spongebob : Incredible
                            Ensemble : A regular
                            Spongebob : Exceptional 
                            Ensemble : An ordinary 
                            Spongebob : Extraordinary 
                            All: Bikini Bottom Day

Until next time, I hope your day is a showstopper

Broadway Break Up Songs

Originally this was a post  I intended for around valentines day, but  I decided to leave it on the back burner among a few other ideas, until I found enough material or really thought about a topic in depth. And now I am ready to share some of my favorite Broadway songs for breaking up. What show tunes do you think are good for break ups? There are so many Broadway love songs, yet what about the other side of the coin. Here are my picks .

Goodbye " Catch Me If You Can "

I'm Not A Loser " Spongebob Squarepants The Musical"

On My Own " Les Miserables "

Mama Mia " "

Burn " Hamilton"

So Much Better (L) " Legally Blonde "

Legally Blonde Remix " Legally Blonde "

 Find My Way ?Finale " Legally Blonde "

You've Lost That Lovin " Beautiful The Carole King Musical

Sandy " Grease"

Hopelessly Devoted To You " Grease"

Until next time, I hope your day is a showstopper

Songs That We Love: Waving Through A Window

This song is amazing, "Dear Even Hansen" has many fantastic pieces but today we will focus on the showstopping  " Waving Through A Window".

Songs like this in other shows would be right before intermission this show only decided to blow everyone away right after the introduction, it has an excellent display of character, with powerful lyrics that are undeniable to relate to. This song has so much depth and emotion, coupled with the upbeat melody this song is nothing short of unforgettable.

The feelings displayed are real, on top of brilliant lyrics as Evan opens up to audience as the great use of the ensemble showed how even someone in a crowd can feel isolated.  The ensemble add  so well to the theme of the song by being there but not interacting with Evan, thus showing his outsider status from yet another angle on top of the lyrics.

This song is one that should not be skipped. Until next time, I hope your day is a showstopper

Favorite Lyric: Cause I'm tap, tap, tapping on the glass
                              I'm waving through a window

Five Broadway Songs To Start The Day

Mornings can be rough, whether it's school, work, projects, or lack of sleep. Here are some of my favorite songs to start the day off with. And feel free to share yours, It's always fun to discover new songs and even new shows. Here are my picks for five songs to welcome the new day with.


5. Open A New Window (Mame) : Why not begin the day by opening a new window, singing a new song, this song inspires and reminds that sometimes trying something new, though unfamiliar can lead to great experiences.

4. Sunrise ( In The Heights) : One of the more calm songs in the show, is a great way to start up a day, slowly winding into a beautiful melody, and hoping to stay past the sunrise.

3. Carrying the Banner/ Seize the Day (L) ( Newsies) : Two songs, both make you want to jump into your day and give one hundred percent, one fun, and one inspiring. I just couldn't pick, both of them will have you wanting to seize the day, humming along all the way.

2. Good Morning Baltimore ( Hairspray): Why not start off the day with a fresh outlook,, a great beat also helps, as the city wakes up and new day begins, greeting it with optimism and speaking of which. 

1. Bikini Bottom Day ( Spongebob Squarepants the Musical) : This song inspired this post, much like the song listed before, greeting a new day with optimism is great to add to your morning routine. This song greets the day with a great melody as well as great use of the entire ensemble to make a great beginning to the show and your day.

Until next time I hope your day is a showstopper

Songs That We Love: Seventy Six Trombones

Sometimes a reprise sums creates a short yet catchy take on a familiar tune, and sometimes they are more such is the case with " Seventy Six Trombones" from the classic show " Music Man"

The song opens with a reprise of the song " Ya Got Trouble" but instead of just being a simple reprise the song changes completely into a new song. Starting with a comedic edge and transforming into a ballad you can march along to. The words and melody are interwoven perfectly, This song as shows how likable the lead is.

" Seventy Six Trombones" has the perfect speed, melody, balance of solo and ensemble singing, comedy, and a lot of heart. this song is fantastic and is classic for a reason.

Favorite Lyric: Seventy six trombones caught the morning sun 
                           With a hundred and ten cornets right behind
                            There were more than one thousand reeds springing up like weeds
                             There were horns of every shape and kind 


Until next time I hope your day is a showstopper.

Broadway Songs For Graduation

It's that time again, time for a new of fresh albeit tried from finals graduates to take on the world. and I searched through my musical library to find some songs for the occasion


For Graduating With Your Friends 

For Good ( Wicked)

Our Time ( Merrily We Roll Along)

Come So Far Got So Far To Go ( Hairspray)

What I Did For Love ( A Chorus Line)

When Thinking of Your Own Graduation/ Future:

My Shot (L) ( Hamilton)

If Only My Friends Could See Me Now ( Sweet Charity)

The Impossible Dream ( Man of La Mancha)

Open A New Window (Mame)

Growing Up Part 1 (First Half) ( Merrily We Roll Along)

What songs would you pick for graduation. Until next time, I hope your day is a showstopper

Broadway Songs For Moms

Mothers Day is here, and there are plenty of  songs from musicals that are themed around moms, whether it is to our mothers or mothers singing about their duties. Here are some of my favorite Broadway songs for moms.


Piano Lessons " Music Man" : This song reminds us of what moms do, tell us as it is, even if we don't want to admit things. The melody is also nice and there are some fun jokes in this song

Proud of Your Boy " Aladdin" : A touching song that is also a  great ballad, packed with emotions that echo a truth, we all want to make our mothers proud.Just

Welcome To The 60's " Hairspray" : A great song that shows a great mother and daughter relationship as well, with a great catchy melody and a message to love who you are. Moms are fun to hang out with too and this song proves it

What A Mother Does " A Christmas Story The Musical" : This song and the follow up song later " Just Like That" show what moms do. showing the chores, the meal preps, having to talk kids through difficult situations, all the nitty gritty that comes with being a mom. Two great songs.

Right Hand Man " Something Rotten" : Our moms are the " Right Hand Man" to our dads, a fun song, with some very funny moments that is a very sweet song, showing someone who want to support their spouse in any way.

Hope you have a great mothers day and until next time, I hope your day is a showstopper

Songs That We Love : You Can't Stop The Beat (L)

In this new style of post I wanted to try the idea of looking not a set of songs but just one. Today I decided to pick a song that I listen to quite often as of late " You Can't Stop The Beat"(L) from ""Hairspray" .

This song is one of the best finales, It uses every character well. It also displays story and morals in such a good a catchy way. This song also has funny lines, inspiring lines, and even redemption for the antagonists of the show. This is also a great song to show what the cast has learned, with lyrics that the audience could use to describe themselves.

Whether the Original Broadway Cast, the live adaptation, or the film. This song is one worth adding to every playlist.

Favorite Lyric: You can't stop today as it comes speeding down the track.
                            Child yesterday is history and it's never coming back.
                             Cause tomorrow is a brand new day and it don't know white from black!


Until next time I hope your day is a showstopper

Musicians That I Would Like To See Get Musicals

" Summer : The Donna Summer Musical" is opening to critical acclaim and financial success, and I was thinking of musicians that I would have musicals based off of their lives, where I would not only enjoy the music but their story would be cool to hear but their stories could be shown to a mass large crowd. What musicians would you like to see musicals of? Here are my picks:

Selena : With the success of " On Your Feet", I would love to see Selena get a show, though a tradgic story her music still inspires to this day

Elvis : The king of rock n roll, this could be a fun show akin to the likes of " Jersey Boys"

Stephen Sondheim : A show about a iconic Broadway writer, with songs from all of his shows, that would be a treat .

Rogers and Hammerstein: Much like the idea behind what I said about Sondheim this Broadway duo story is one I would love to hear , with all their greatest hits.


Barbara Streisand : This could be a mix of her show tune and other work making a great show, about a phenomenal musician that would surely inspire

Until next time I hope your day is a showstopper.

Themed Playlist: Creative

Now that summer is here it is time to get to passion projects that have been on the back burner, and why not a themed playlist for when you are writing, drawing, or a fun project to hang around the house . Here are some of my favorite Broadway songs for those late nights when inspiration strikes


Oh The Thinks You Can Think ( Seussical)

Having A Hunch ( Seussical)

Our Time ( Merrily We Roll Along)

Opening Doors ( Merrily We Roll Along)

Here's To The Fools Who Dream ( La La Land)

You Can't Stop The Beat ( Hairspray)

My Shot (L) ( Hamilton)

I Believe In You ( How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying)

A Million Dreams ( The Greatest Showman)

Pure Imagination ( Charlie And The Chocolate Factory) 

What are your favorite Broadway songs for when you are writing, drawing or doing something creative? Until next time I hope your day is a showstopper

Tony Nominations

A couple days ago the nominations for this coming tony awards were announced, I plan to look at a couple of the shows nominated and I have some fun Tony based ideas as we draw closer but all I can say about the awards at the moment is .... I'm ready, I'm ready, I'm Ready....