Bonus Post Valentines Day Special : The Band's Visit

While I am working on the next batch of posts for Flopsurary I decided to slightly diverge for a valentines day special and talk about one of the shows that is perfect for Valentines Day  whether you are single or in a relationship. " The /Band's Visit" is a perfect for the occasion. The plot diverges on some very heavy subjects, but it also mostly revolves around love. Whether it is relationship past or present. The theme of love resonates in every character from the leads to the extra who refuses to step away from the phone hoping to get a phone call from his girlfriend. The show has themes of self worth, identity, and your place in life, but among the other themes, love is woven in thought the performance. If you can not see this wonderful show in person, like myself who is waiting for a tour cast. I highly recommend reading the plot synopsis to get what is going on in the show and seeing where the songs fit in to the story, it does add more trust me. But back to why this album is perfect for Valentines Day, simply the entire album infuses love and relationships so well into it's music and lyrics, it shows relationships from all angles. It shows having a crush, failed relationships, nervous jitters when wanting to step pout in love, the wonders of romance, some of the low points, and hope. This show has at least one song to cover you no matter your relationship status. It infuses heart, drama, and comedy into the music and plot incredibly well. If you have the opportunity to see it before it closes in mid April, but there is an upcoming tour for those like me, who are not close enough to Broadway.  I highly recommend at least listening to the cast album, the love songs will set the mood, are relatable, well written with great lyrics, and wonderfully performed. One song that I absolutely love and relate to is " The Beat Of Your Heart", all of us have someone you only saw briefly but never will forget, and can be powerful memories. "Papi Hears The Ocean" is super relatable to anyone who has ever had nerves when wanting to ask someone out, and " Haled's Song About Love" is simply beautiful,  there are some songs that are not directly about love also some incredible instrumental pieces for some of the tracks. Even if the song is not directly about love, all of the songs are stil. are simply wonderful and set the stage for the songs that are about the main theme incredibly well, the soundtrack is varied. Here are some of my favorites in the theme of love, but I will say I love the entire soundtrack, these are only about love:

It Is What It Is

The Beat Of You Heart ( L) 

Papi Hears The Ocean ( L) 

Haled's Song About Love

Something Different

Something Different Reprise

Answer Me 

( Songs With An ( L) Marked Next To Them Have Language Or Adult Themes In Case You Have Young One's Around) 

That is all for today, maybe check out this album for some Broadway based fun on Valentines Day, speaking of which....  I'll see you again soon ad I hope your day is a showstopper .

Flopsuary: Thoughts On Flops. What Makes Them, And Why We Need Them

Welcome back to Flopsuary  and today I wanted to explore the idea behind flops in general. Is it the lack of financial success that makes a show a flop, or how about how the show s received by critics and the public? Does a shorter run make a show a flop? A flop in Broadway is defined by many things, but what interests me is that flopping on the great white way does not mean it is necessarily curtains for your show. Some go on to become staples in civic or high school theaters, others are revived and see some greater success, some are given rewrites and given changes that they may need. Some unfortunately just fade away. Non of the ways to keep the show alive that were just listed apply to certain productions. The just come to an end . In my opinion a show that truly flops is one that is dropped and never performed again, such as " Spiderman Turn Off The Dark". I also think there are many forms of flops, such as some shows may be flops in the eyes of critics, yet  they live on. Others are financial flops, and some shows end for a combination of multiple reasons. I look back on "Natasha and Pierre, And The Great Comet of 1812" or " The Great Comet" for short,  and how much protentional it had, it was a critical and financial darling,  general audiences loved it too, even after losing so many Tony Awards to " Dear Evan Hansen" the show looked like it would continue to live on much like the similar show in the same season " Come From Away". Yet due to behind the scenes tampering, the show ended long before it was due, and as of this post, no efforts to stage the show or a tour announced, this wonderful show burned out in the heights of its prime. Sometimes a show flops even when it is having a solid run. So as this series continues I do plan on looking at flops of all backgrounds, critical, financial, bad word of mouth, ones that ended in their prime, and everything in between. It's important to look at flops, not only to maybe bring them back, but to learn from them. I think of some flops that didn't even get cast albums like the musical about the making of " Shuffle Along" . But that is a topic for another day, until then I hope your day is a showstopper

Flopsurary

For the month of February, or at least the rest of it as we are nine days in, I have the idea of look at the biggest flops old and new. Thus naming the month Flopsurary, I will be looking at cast albums, discussing certain flops old and new, and also sharing some of my favorite shows and how to be flops, also diving into the ideas of flops and flops in general. so let's all dive into Flopsurary, see you soon and I hope your day is a showstopper

NBC Cancels Hair Live

I don't normally delve into the news, but I felt that this was a topic I needed to discuss Amidst all the talk of " Rent" live being the lowest viewed live production, many believe it is tied to NBC's recent announcement to cancel  " Hair" which was their live production slated for spring. This leaves many, including myself wondering where the future of live performances lies, I hope they get rejuvenated and that we can keep putting on shows both classic and modern. I am only hoping that this is temporary, these live shows were fun events, and we need more fun events centered around the theater. Until  next time, I hope your day is a showstopper

Skittles The Musical Review

(image source Time Square.Com)


So instead of doing a super bowl commercial, skittles decided to a thirty-minute musical written and performed by professionals., but they didn't air it on television, but rather have it performed for one performance only in new york. The album was dropped on Spotify for everyone who does not live near New York. The production spends the entire time mocking advertising while being an advertisement while making jokes about Broadway, musicals, and even a slight jab at the future movie adaptation of " Cats".  I wanted to quickly review the album that was put on Spotify, and follow some online reviews of those fortunate enough to see this outlandish concept.  After listening to this album, the songs were very well made for a very elaborate advertisement, The plot judging by the album is that a group of people complaining about advertising, complain about the musical itself, and kill the lead of the show who happens to be Michael C. Hall playing himself . Making jabs about musicals and Broadway, all while reminding the audience that this is indeed a commercial for Skittles, even remarking that the musical has caused skittles sales to increase. The album and performance have four songs and is the first super bowl commercial. I have heard of that was not televised. The songs are catchy and well performed, I was completely surprised at how numbers that had many lyrics pertaining to Skittles was so well performed and catchy. I applaud for this project for pulling off an idea so well for a commercial. The jabs at the upcoming " Cats" film was also incredible, on top of the threat of ruining Broadway, questioning the existence of the musical  and some well-placed quips, all while having well made songs about Skittles of all things was the most interesting thing to come out of a super bowl ad in who knows how long.  The songs had the Broadway-style and were well performed, I am honestly hoping a taped version is put online so people can see this, traction can spread, and more people can see this, musical fans and nonmusical fans alike. All I can say is load up Spotify and check out the four songs, they explain the plot very well and describe what is going on, seeing how it was staged would just be an added bonus. I will say that one of the tracks is just Micheal C.  Hall eating skittles, so probably skip that track, that one is not even a song it is just him dining on the fruity candy, the other three songs are well made and worth the listen for lovers of candy and musical theater fanatics alike. Until next time, I hope your day is a showstopper.

Judging A Book By Its Album Cover : Groundhog Day The Musical ( PART 2)

(Image Source: Gameost.com)

I have been meaning to review this show for quite some time and I finally got around to it, I heard of it around the time of the 2017 Tony Awards but I was so wrapped up in " Dear Evan Hansen" that I even looked over " Come From Away" initially... wait a minute.... this seems oddly familiar. What day is it? I better not give up hope, even if I had my time again I have to keep going on even if I feel stuck on day one, day two, or day three. The night may come but if I press on there will be sun.  Man this feels oddly familiar

Judging A Show By Its Cast Album: Groundhog Day The Musical

                                                          (Image Source: Gameost.com)
 Tomorrow is Groundhog Day, Now is the best time to look into cast album of this 2017 movie based musical.  The plot follows the popular 90's comedy about Phil Connors he is trapped in a never-ending loop, repeating Groundhog Day for what seems like forever in the small town of Punxsutawney, Among the antics, he engages with the locals and grows to love simplicity, and even falls in love, learning to be more content . This rendition does modernize the story, placing it in modern times, adding cell phones and social media.

The first thing that must be addressed is that this musical is very crass, this is not targeted towards families, so if you plan on looking into this album, maybe because you love the film, make sure you have some headphones.

This show tries doing something similar to " Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat" where the songs are multiple genres of music. Sometimes it fits, and sometimes not so much sometimes the genres don't mix well as some songs try changing styles mid song. The comedy of the show mixes well at some points, I found myself chuckling every now and again. Due to the nature of the plot, similar lyrics or musical themes will repeat and can prove to be effective. One thing I must commend this show on is the use of the ensemble, everyone uses them adds more to the song, and many some of the songs even more memorable. The whole cast does wonderful, it's not the performers it's sometimes the lyrics are a tad rough around the edges.  I think this musical could benefit with some edits and rewrites, also maybe toning down the crass jokes and language, then maybe high schools and civic theaters would be more open to performing it.  I try to find at least a song I like in a musical, I believe that a lot of hard work goes into creating, making and staging them in every aspect, that even the worst shows have something of quality in them. Even if it's only one scene or song.  It's interesting because the lyrics stay the same but the style of music changes, I will say that some sytles work better then others.

This is a show that I did not find myself pressing repeat on many songs, but I see some quality in it, I just think it is rough around the edges, this show also is very pessimistic in many parts, there are blips of optimism but more so later on. The music does show that Phil does have character growth, and becomes less selfish as the show continues. There were many times that I did feel taken out from a song because they tried adding a joke, so I do wish that they pulled back slightly in some points, to have some character driven moments. The character moments that are left as just character moments are some of the best lines in the show. Again I will emphasize all the performers did amazing, and the ensemble is so well used, so even though I didn't love every song.  You may enjoy some more than me, this blog has always been purely my opinion, here are the songs that I did enjoy adding to my playlist.

Day One (L)

One Day (L)

Playing Nancy (L)

If I Had My Time Again (L)

Night WIll Come

Seeing You


So even though this list is shorter then past reviews there are some parts I genuinely enjoyed, I would consider seeing this performed live at a civic theater, but it is not on the top of my list when it comes to shows I want to see. Again I think rewrites could maybe do this show some good, and maybe produce a linger run, some ideas could be cut down, and others expanded. Thank you very much for reading this. have a happy Groundhog day and I hope your day is a showstopper.



Sources:

Groundhog Day The Musical  ( Wikipedia)

Groundhog Day The Musical  Orginal Cast Album

Live shows I Want To See

After thinking more about " Rent" live ( or prerecorded, I don't even know), and now Fox's announcements on their plans of making their own live shows, airing them on T.V., and then giving out rights for them to be staged, I am still processing all the information that has been circulating.  I personally would want Fox to rethink some strategies and still put on preexisting live shows, but who knows, and with NBC planning " Hair" and a few other live shows in the near future, there is hope as well as uncertainty.  Here are some shows that I would love to see given the live T.V treatment, to introduce the audience to new experiences, stage shows that have not been staged in some time, and have more live shows. Here are the musicals I would love to see put on live television.

Music Man

Guys And Dolls 

 Funny Girl

Mama Mia 

Jersey Boys

Into The Woods

Annie

These shows could be fun, some are more mainstream or modern than others, but could still provide entertaining and new experiences, while introducing newer generations to great musicals. Until next time, I hope your day is  showtopper

Rent Live And Live Shows In General

So I just finished watching " Rent" live on Fox, it was not without flaw but there were a few parts I genuinely enjoyed, It was not without issues, but plenty of the heart showed itself when the occasion arose. The set was something else, it was different but it was really cool, and led to some imaginative and awesome choreography. I feel like the microphones could have been louder, there were a few moments too many that the crowd drowned out the performances. The " Will I ?' and " I'll Cover You Reprise", and the original cast performing, was so well shot and acted that they were highlights for me, they were simply beautiful and well done, these were my personal highlights.

Even with the flaws, and the flaws of other live shows. I hope we continue to get more live shows.  Some are in movie theaters, some on streaming services, some on tv, and sometimes multiple platforms. But this way is a great way to make shows more accessible to the public whether in cost or in the case that the show is not nearby or not running. These keep the shows in their purest form, the way they are portrayed on stage. Love shows introduce new generations to shows, inspiring them to create, and it helps if they don't have the funds to go. Even with tech flaws, or performers that were not the best pick for a role, we need them.If they continue, they could very well inspire someone to write the next big musical that will  eventually get a live adaptation  Until next time, I hope your day is a showstopper/

Judging A Show By Its Cast Album: Freaky Friday The Musical

                                                 Image Source: Disneyplus.com 
Finally, after months of procrastination, I have gotten around to listening to and am ready to review the cast album for " Freaky Friday The Musical". The first " Judging A Show By Its Cast Album" of the new year and after two months, I am ready to review some more cast albums and see if I would see the show or not. This is a show I originally planned to review last year, as well as the filmed adaptation on Disney Channel, but alas I was distracted and decided to take some time for self-reflection and refocusing as last year ended. With a new perspective, I plan to review cast albums that I have been putting off, as well as new ones I discover this year, from current shows or from years past, beginning with this one, with a review with the live adaptation sometime in the future.

This Album will be an interesting review because after the Disney adaptation aired, licensing rights for the show went live for schools and other theater companies large and small can take a crack at this show if they choose to. So keep an eye out for civic theater or school productions, if you choose to check out the album you just may want to see it.

I have some memories of the movie from 2003, but with one look at pages for both on Wikipedia, there are multiple differences in them both. Fans of the film will be surprised and may be baffled by the changes made, I for one wasn't the most attached to the film, there were other live-action Disney films from that era I was more attached to.

The plot revolves around a mother and her daughter on the eve of the mother's second marriage learning to walk a mile in each other's shoes literally as they switch bodies, and learning to appreciate each other along the way as wacky shenanigans ensue.

This album was hit and miss for me, There were some songs that I really enjoyed, but others that I was fine listening to once and then was done. A decision I found odd was that there were songs dedicated to some characters that I felt could have benefited others. For example, the soon to be step dad to our lead may have needed another song or two to expand on his character it also could have added an outsider perspective, there is also this focus on a scavenger hunt that was not in the original movie that takes away for a character moment or two. Some songs I will say add comedy, some have good emotional moments very well on top of being catchy, but I didn't find myself getting hooked on every song. But as I always recommend, listing to the cast album and you may enjoy songs that I didn't. Here are the ones that I found myself enjoying.

Just One Day (L) 

I Got This

Busted

Just One Day ( Reprise)

No More Fear

Today and Ev'ry Day

This was not my favorite musical, but it could be a good first musical, maybe even for middle schoolers, there are some jokes that only adults will understand, but the lack of language and heavy themes could be perfect for a younger audience. Judging by the album the story is light and full of comedic and sometimes touching moments about family, there is even the live version which I have seen on DVD, if you want to see the album played out. And those were my thoughts, it felt good to review a cast album again. As stated earlier I hope to review more in the future, some from last year, some form this year, some I have been putting off, and some I have yet to discover from years passed. Until then I hope your day is a showstopper


Sources

Wikipedia
. Freky Friday ( 2033 Film)
, Freaky Friday ( The Musical)
. Orginal Cast Album, Freaky Friday The Musical

5 More Amazing Opening Songs

I was thinking about some more opening songs not mentioned in my old top ten, and I wanted to discuss more opening I have discovered since that post. Openings are important, they can grip the audience and introduce you to the world of the show or maybe show important themes in the story soon to play out. So I picked 5 more openings that are a perfect way to start your day, start a project, or just relax.


5. What I Was Born To Do ( Bring It On The Musical): Introduces the cast well, has a great mix of comedy with great energy

4. Live In Living Color ( Catch Me If You Can The Musical): This one is a great introduction to the character in an unforgettable upbeat song.

3. I Got Rythm ( An American In Paris): Giant, wonderful tope tapping song, that makes you want to get up and move.

2. Waiting ( The Band's Visit): This song is beautiful, simple and great way to show off the cast and open this fantastic show, also showing off the beautiful, unique musical style. 

1. Carrying The Banner ( Newsies): With this show being one of my absolute favorites I will continue to find reasons to talk about it, I don't know what I was thinking this really should have been on the original list. This opening has character, heart, amazing choreography, wonderful lyrics, and a sweeping score. Even though it is not the very first song performed it is an opening number that really shows off the world and cast well.

There is another list down, I am certain I will revisit the topic as I discover more incredible openings.  Until then I hope your day is a showstopper

Brief Update

All of the title of the posts known as  " Judging A  Book By Its Album Cover" has been changed to " Judging A Show By Its Cast Album " I came up with the new title and thought it felt better, also it summed up the purpose of the series. That is all, until next time I hope your day is a showstopper

Musicals To Fight Winter Blues

It's January and we are two weeks into the new year but in many areas of the world including mine, the weather is completely dull in gray as we approach the second month of winter. So to keep people motivated including me to keep pushing on and not settle in for a long winter's nap. Here are a couple of musical soundtracks I recommend to bring some sunshine to this gray season. The shows listed contain predominantly upbeat songs. My reasoning is that these shows can help you stay upbeat and motivated even when the weather inspires an overall feeling of being passive. Enjoy the shows, some modern, some classic, and some with multiple adaptations.

Mama Mia

Newsies

Hairspray

Hamilton

In The Heights 

Bring It On

The WIz

Mary Poppins 

Aladdin

Music Man 

Until next time I hope your day is a showstopper

Musicals About The Arts

I was listening to " Sunday In The Park With George" yet again ( I promise I will listen to something new and review it soon), as I listened to it I realized that I love shows about creating and making art. Whether it is writing and producing a play, making art, or following an artist's life real or fictional is pure joy. I love songs that talk about the joys of creating or the struggles of creating. A song that details balancing your work with your personal life, the struggle of making something new, or the wonderful moment when the lightbulb goes off as you create something you are proud of. 

I hope to discover more shows that revolve around the arts or creating them, old and new. Two songs I recommend that embody the themes I just suggested would be: 

Opening Doors ( Merrily We Roll Along)

Putting It Together ( Sunday In The Park With George) 

There are many version of these two songs as well as a cover or two as well. These two songs really capture the high and low points of creating, they are two of my favorites, the former talking about writers and the latter following an artist at an exhibit, both song shaving the singers navigating trails and both written by Stephen Sondheim. 

Until next time I hope your day is a showstopper 

Crash Course Theater

Just as a heads up,  the wonderful education based youtube channel " Crash Course" has had a drama unit for some time now, I have finally got around to looking into it and it is great entertaining fun as well as education on drama history and styles. I highly recommend it, and who knows, if you check it out you may find enjoyment on the plethora of subjects that they have just completed or are currently covering. Until next time, I hope your day is a showstopper

Some Extended Thoughts On Disney Musicals

With the debut and the release of rights to " Freaky Friday" last year, I wondered if Disney will release any other musicals based on animated or live action movie whether it is a musical, to begin with, or not.  I wonder if we will see a revival of " Mary Poppins"  with the success and acclaim of "Mary Poppins Returns" So I figured I would discuss this idea and then some shows that I think we may see for one reason or another.

At the moment Disney is having a very successful Broadway run with it's adaptations of " Newsies" even more so with the filmed version hitting movie theahters twice before going to netflix and digtal stores. " Aladdin"  " The Little Mermaid", " Beauty And The Beast"  " Lion King" and now " Frozen" all proved that animated features could make a transition to the stage adding new songs or story elements to give the show a longer run time yet also retaining why everyone loved the originals. " Mary Poppins " had a good run as well on stage, but I was interested when " Freaky Friday"  did not go to a New York stage, but instead was playing in select cities, had a version taped for Disney channel, and released the performance rights all in the same year despite glowing reviews. I wonder if Disney will adapt and give smaller shows the same treatment as " Freaky Friday" saving larger scale productions fro the great white way.  Disney is also a unique factor to Broadway because they are able to have multiple shows running at once.

So with my summary out of the way, what stories do I think will get an adaptation? Here are a few as well as my thoughts on why they would be as well as the scale of the production. This is all just blind guessing, but why not, it's fun to guess sometimes.

Mulan: I feel like this would have enough nostalgic value, plus benefits with a longer running time to flesh out characters and add a couple more songs to make an unforgettable stage experience. The choreography would also be top notch, and yes there are some large-scale effects that could prove to be challenging but with the right team, I feel like this would fit right in with other animated adaptations.

Parent Trap: Yes I have mentioned this idea multiple times, but I really feel like it would work and be a cute family show. I would at least be interested to see the songs, what was changed, and what was kept the same. I could maybe see this going the same route as " Freaky Friday"

Tangled: This is one that I am very surprised has not been announced or tried yet, there would need to quite a few more songs added since the original only clocked in with eight songs and three of them being a reprise, there would be a lot more needed to fill out a three-hour show, but I feel the sets would be amazing and the movie is quite beloved so I am sure many people would love to see it on stage.

Alice In Wonderland: This story has been adapted multiple times and is quite beloved, why not the musical route... also the sets would be insane

So those are my thoughts, I am sure this will not be the last time I discuss Disney I love the company, bbut until next time I hope your day is a showstopper

January Broadway Recommendations

January, ushering in a new year and a feeling of freshness as goals are strives towards, discovered, it picked back up. With all the new years resolutions we need some musical songs to keep us going, so here are the songs I will be welcoming the new year with as I work towards my resolutions

Watch What Happens ( Newsies) 

Seize The Day ( L) ( Newsies)

Watch What Reprise ( L) ( Newsies)

Once And For All ( L ) ( Newsies) 

My Shot ( L) ( Hamilton) 

Schuyler Sisters ( Hamilton)

Nonstop ( Hamilton) 

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

I See Stars ( Mean Girls The Musical)

Me and The Sky ( Come From Away)

Don't Rain On My Parade ( Funny Girl)

Open A New Window ( Mame)

Oh The Thinks You Can Think ( Seussical)

Opening Doors ( Merrily We Roll Along) 

Our Time ( Merrily We Roll Along)

Something's Coming ( West Side Story) 


Here are some classic and modern songs that are sure to inspire you, whatever your resolution is, I hope your day is a showstopper