Putting It Together

 I enjoyed talking about Chip On My Shoulder so much that song discussions are going to be more common, so today I wanted to dive in and cover a song that has many versions. Putting It Together from Act Two of Sunday In The Park With George, a powerful show about love, art, and creativity. This song inspires me that I find myself listening to the many different versions of this show and each one has a way to set it out while keeping the fundamentals the same. Whether it is the song from the show or a cover, this song is about making art at it's core and I will be covering that today. The version I am focusing on is the version from the revival in recent memory which I highly recommend. 

This song greets the audience in act two as we jump ahead in time, to a different George but who is still an artist. He is at an art event showing off his latest piece. The number begins with the thoughts of those attending on the piece as well as the arts itself as a subject. Mirroring both truth and opinion yet still coming back to the same sentiment which is " Art isn't easy". As George makes his appearance, played by the same actor as George from Act One but is a different person with which the show explains the reason for later, everyone greets him. He takes over and talks about the art from his perspective, echoing the phrase from before. George explains the tricky balancing act of making what one wants to make, dealing with others thoughts and opinions, making money, and navigating everything all at once.

" The art of making art, is putting it together" escapes George's lips and the song comes together to show all the behind the scenes behind every piece we see in a museum. From critics opinions, to how to navigate and make connections to socializing. From wants and desires balanced with what is needed to progress and advance in this world. Dealing with trends, the changing art climate and much more. The song from this point until the end is George navigating and rolling with the punches as he tries his best to navigate the environment, make connections and more. George will pause to share his thoughts and feelings often with the audience, the song ending with him putting everything together, every piece both social and as an artist. 

This song may be about art in a museum but still speaks true to creatives everywhere, the message f wanting to make art while balancing others opinions both professional or from friends and families rings true for many art forms. And that is where the covers come in, some of them cover making art in the music industry and balancing those trends and feelings, echoing the same message at its core even if the wording is different. This song proves to be a great inspiration showing that art is not always glamorous and takes a lot of work, but having someone else say it echoes a familiar feeling and makes the song relatable. Whether it be writing, painting, music or another form of art the message and feeling of this song rings true. 

There are so many versions of this song, and I highly recommend the 2017 version from the revival but there are also a ton of well made covers of this song by popular musicians. This song reminds us every great piece of art faces criticism, it faces challenges and that making art requires putting it together. By showing the behind the scenes this song shows the cast on the same level as the audiences a fellow creative that the listener could see through their eyes, being a fictional situation grounded in reality, truly making this song a great piece of art. Bit by bit and piece by piece, from the amazing melody and performances, to the fantastic and relatable lyrics this song is definitely worth a listen. 

Act One Closers

 The curtains rise again, an intermission starts, and the audience chats with each other about the show thus far. In the moments before that breather is important in terms of both narrative and song. The song right before intermission, the act one closer is one of the most important songs in the entire show. So today I wanted to talk about the importance of an Act One closing song and share some of my favorites. This song is some cases a finale, the final to the first act. It leaves you wondering what will come next as well as where the characters will go from there. Perhaps a change in the narrative, an approach of the boiling point of conflict, or a characters reflection. In terms of story it could change the tone of a show or change the mood, taking a moment to breath right before intermission, or going all in to keep the narrative momentum. They can leave the crowd on the edge of their seats or cheering for more. These songs are just as  important as an opening, or finale, meant to hammer in a message of the show or give a moment to reflect. They can move you and the narrative along, or stop things to question events that just occurred. They can wrap up plot lines while introducing new ones, or thicken the plot at hand. So with that being said I wanted to share some of my favorite Act one closing songs and why.

Santa Fe (Newsies)

A powerful end to act one, full of emotion, this song is an emotional valley of the story, beautifully expressed in this unforgettable song. 

One Day More (Les Miserables)

The summation of everything in the show thus far in one epic moment that is equally emotional, powerful, and awe inspiring, leaving the audience wanting more. 

Defying Gravity (Wicked)

A turning point in the plot that the story has been building too, nothing is the same after this number which is incredibly powerful and an emotional victory as the plot progresses. 

You're Nothing Without Me (City Of Angels)

A fun back and fourth, with great big band feel that sums up the feeling of the show incredibly well. 

Nonstop (Hamilton)

A song of pure energy, everything in the show has been pushing to this number and the epic conclusion of act one is not only a brilliant set up for act two, but a powerful examination of the cast and how they feel, their dreams, how their lives are change, and how some strive forward.

Bad Idea (Waitress)

Much like Wicked this is a big turning point, and a powerful moment for two characters, with this turn that can not e reversed, leaving the audience wondering where the story will go next while giving an incredible song.

So Much Better (Legally Blonde The Musical)

An emotion victory for the lead we have been following and cheering for, in an incredibly catchy, super satisfying conclusion to acts one story, making you wonder how far she can go and cheering with and for her. 

Sunday (Sunday In The Park With George)

Beautiful, calm, and packed with emotion, simply beautiful.

All of the songs listed are amazing, and must listens, but this is just scratching the tip of the iceberg. What are some of your favorite Act One finales? Let me know, and thank you for reading. 

Chip On My Shoulder (Legally Blonde The Musical) Musical Motivation

 This song has so much character in it, that I have decided to listen to it over and over to discuss it with you. I would have done it anyway because this song is amazing but that is besides the fact. Clocking in at eight minutes and fifty seconds there is a lot of ground to cover so let's get started.

The song opens with Elle defeated when she comes across Emmitt who we have met before in the show but have never heard his story. When asked he tells Elle why he has managed school and two jobs and why. Not only coming from a rough background but also why he was able to get so far, he gets to the chorus and explains the chip on his shoulder. Now when someone first hears that phrase they think someone with something against the world, but Emmitt is different, he uses it as motivation. Using Elle's comment to confirm he is driven and wanting to excel to be the best of the best. He proclaims how he will not waste his chance and so close that he will keep pushing forward.

As the song continues you find out why he does not attend social outings or waste his time chasing popularity like some other characters. He would rather work hard and buy his single mom a big house, then returning to the chorus saying how he told his mom the same and how he will keep striving. This is a great way to not only show a strong and motivated character but one the audience will root for. He is helping Elle who is hitting her all time low, and sharing why. This automatically sets Emmitt apart as his own character in the span of minutes and makes him someone you want to get to know more and watch his story play out.

The song continues as the pair teams up, mixing humor with a montage of Elle getting more in tune with the subject material of school, time passage being represented by different holidays being song by the Delta Nus. Elle is still infatuated with her ex but is getting help from Emmitt and trying, until we get to amazing moment about six minutes into this song. Elle realizes not only her potential but embraces, proclaiming she has a chip on her shoulder and is done fawning over her ex boyfriend but wants to face the world head on. The song concludes with Elle not only showing in class how far she has come that everyone is impressed but so is Emmitt. He ends the song celebrating how far she has come with bigger goals in sight, he is so happy to have helped someone and shows how he is genuinely a good character, helping someone just because it is the right thing to do and because he has been there. This song adds so much for both of their characters, not only showing and establishing one but showing them grow.

The message of keeping motivated and growing is throughout this whole song and not only propels the cast forward but inspires the audience. By showing a character grow and the whole process it shows that progress does not come over night but inspires the audience to keep motivated in pursuit of their dreams. The song shows that you might find a new you and it is better then whatever those around of you say you are, Elle had been this way because so many put her in a box and she allowed herself to be. When she steps out of it she soars and shows she can stand on her own whether with her ex or not. The moment she gets a chip on her shoulder is a great emotional pay of and shifts the story in a way that adverts expectation, she gives up chasing the boy and shows she can stand on her own. The music and instrumentation in combination of the lyrics makes the song incredibly memorable. The lyrics are inspiring and so good, whether it's Emmitt's backstory or Elle stepping forward, the song is fun and inspiring, with so much character and heart, not only moving the plot along but inspiring the audience to keep motivated as well in such an unforgettable way. 

Over the course of this incredibly catching song not only are the characters motivated which then motivates the audience while using a very memorable song. But a character who has been losing constantly gets one of her first major wins and it is an awesome moment. This song introduces a character and establishes him as someone who the audience can root for and identify with as well as getting Elle farther then she has been in the plot so far. The song shows the bond of two characters begin so it can expand and grow later in the show, and has a powerful message. This song is not only fun and inspiring but it is a masterpiece and I highly recommend it. 

Waiting For The Stages Return

 We are about two months away from the lights opening back up on Broadway, the Tony Awards, and more. Though the future of the stage has some peaks and valleys to get through as we all get into a period of readjustment there is plenty to be excited about. For many like me, there will be new albums, new musical movies, and even a live show or two to pass the time. I will be waiting till early 2022 for tours to resume and I am so excited to be back in the theater again in a safe manner that upholds precautions against COIVD 19 as well as other seasonal sicknesses. But there is still some down time so while we wait for the curtains to rise, here are a few suggestions on how to pass the time, some of these I have said before but some ideas are new, this is more of a reminder while I work on some fun content for this blog.

Civic Online And Outdoor Theater

Plenty of civic theaters are doing outdoor shows, not only is it more safe but it is fun and different. From concerts to musicals, plenty are either doing virtual shows that can be rented or having outdoor shows and it is important we support our local theaters. 

Live Shows And Musical Movies

There are plenty of live shows on plenty of platforms including Broadway HD, Youtube through official theater platforms, Disney Plus and more with more on the way! And besides those there is always movie adaptations or original movie musicals to sing along to and enjoy, and quite of few new ones coming soon.

Cast Albums You Missed

One fun thing I have been enjoying is listening to shows I skipped over, and made plans on which shows to see when the stage reopens. It's fun to listen and study a show you may have looked over before, and might now someday soon, I know from experience and have discovered some new favorites myself this way. 

Broadway Books, Behind The Scenes, Interviews, And Documentaries

While you wait, why not learn some fun theater history? Find new facts about your favorite actors and shows or how the show was made. This is always fun and it's fun to learn more whether it is where an actor started or what the plot of the show was before it became the show we know now. There are plenty of great theater books out there, from studying Shakespeare to all the behind the scenes of Wicked. 

Talk With Friends About Theater

This is great way to find new favorites, or even different versions of your favorite cast albums. Hearing a different perspective may shine a new light on a show you thought you knew and could lead to some really fun talks. Or find a show that you never heard of and it becomes your new favorite while you recommend your favorites. It's a win-win! 

There are so many options to pass the time, but with the musical movies coming, it will be time to watch shows on tour once again. Though it will be some time for me, these suggestions and more will help make the wait worth it, as well as the wave of musical movies and live shows we are getting this year. 

Waitress A Show That Is Easy To Love As Pie

 

(Image Source: The News Hearld.Com)

A show based off a movie that I have never, seen but saw the musical adaptation when it was touring. The curtains rose, the lights dimmed, and the cast took to the stage. So how was this new world that I had no idea about, how would this plot unfold? As the story progressed, and the songs were sung, I not only had my questions answered but I ended up loving this show. With the news dropping of this wonderful show returning to the stage and getting a live taped version, I decided to tell why I love this show so much.

This show follows Jenna and her friends as she tries to escape her life, she is miserable and caught in a rut. And when things were not stressful enough as they could be, she discovers she's pregnant! The show has many comedic moments while covering very heavy subject material, and this is reflecting in the music as well. Some of the songs are light and fun, while others are slow and full of heart and passion. There are very few songs in this soundtrack I will not listen to, I will only skip one or two songs, minus the ones that are primarily instrumental. So many of these songs have so much heart put into them and bring the characters as well as their stories to life, while also being incredibly memorable. One of my favorite songs being "Bad Idea" which is incredibly catchy while advancing the story and feelings of those singing it.

The songs that use the background cast or a couple cast members work well, while the duet and solo songs stand tall as well. From beautiful quiet pieces such as " A Soft Place To Land" to super fun songs that left me singing along like " Never Getting Rid Of Me" and especially "When He Sees Me". Each song shows what kind of person the character is and reflects the choices they made and why. The songs progress the narrative so well while standing out and having such a great range. Not every song is my favorite, and there is a part of the show that feels unresolved or not really wrapped up or dived into, but there is so much good in this show, that my gripes are minimal to nonexistent. The music sweeping me into this world and keeping me invested in this cast, some songs may not have spoken to me, but the majority that did speak volumes, not every joke landed but most did. 

When I saw this live I will also say having a live band on stage was a fun, and the sets were not the most extravagant but they set the scene just fine. The environments did lend to some fun dance numbers, while some places like the kitchen were used so effectively to give that warm and cozy feel. The kitchen is a place that Jenna likes to unwind and be herself, and the show reflects that, using the lighting to make the kitchen a place of warmth, welcoming, and a place for those in it to be vulnerable and express themselves. This show is also staged very well, and each set feels like it captures the mood it is meant to convey just as much as the songs. The instrumental pieces set the mood as well.

The writing blends comedy, serious topics, and a ton of heart together so well. This show had me laughing, crying, and cheering as the story went along. I was intrigued as well as excited to see how the music would fit into the plot. I love this show and I can not recommend it enough. The songs will stay with you and the stories are real and relatable, this show is as sweet as the pies being made in the kitchen. 

Rating : Chip On My Shoulder (Really Good, 8/10 Some songs are not the best, some story elments are undercooked, but most are excellent, great humor, heart, and drama, great songs, great variety of songs, good story, amazing show) 

Hamilton Is Still Great (Bonus Post)

 Happy 4th of July, every time this holiday rolls around I find myself listening to 1176 and Hamilton, and I can watch this show any time I want on Disney Plus with the original cast included makes this show accessible and relevant. I have seen this show live twice on tour, and have watched it plenty of times on Disney Plus, so to ring in the holiday I decided to talk about one of my favorite shows once more. 

Hamilton as many know follows the lives of the founding fathers as America was just being formed as a nation, but with a diverse cast it as the press says " America Then Played By America Now" which is so true and one could say, revolutionary. The music of the show lives and breaths life into a subject we often hear about in school, shining a different light on some and focusing on more then just the big names of the American Revolution. The show mixes comedy, drama, with a hefty dose of reality and inspiration all mixed together so perfectly that even people who do not usually attend musicals are fans. May have used Hamilton as a gateway into discovering different shows, while those who have listened to musicals all their lives have now been given something truly new. 

This musical whether listened to or watched live is so moving, and powerful, it never ceases to impress me. Either with the power of the performances, the quotable lines, the unforgettable music, this show is one of a kind.

It is hard to come with things to say about this show that has not already been said, this show will last for ages to come, inspiring shows to try new music genres and bring new ideas and stories to the stage. This show is a must.