Be The Hero Of Your Story (Big Fish The Musical)

 An opening number is beyond important in captivating the audience, and also setting the stage for the show coming up. And with there being so many great opening numbers, I wanted to talk about one of my favorites. From a show based on a film, following truth versus fiction and the bond of a father and son. The first song of the show and the message it holds even from just reading the title shows you what adventure lies ahead, so today I am going to cover the opening " Be The Hero Of Your Story".

I have listened to this song countless times after discovering it on the radio one day. The song made a strong impression on me, that I listened to it again, and again. This song is one I still listen to this day, and have added to playlists many times, showing my friends as the show is was not the most well known. 

The song opens and stays with our leads, at a point in time when the Father of this story is telling his son a tale before bed. The line "Be the hero of your story" leading before we dive into the stories that will unfold. A strong message repeated in this song, and throughout the show about taking control of your own life. A uplifting phrase backed with a powerful meaning that is perfectly performed.

As the song continues and the stories begin to come to life, there is a sense of whimsical joy and fun while still keeping the meaning that was introduced. The song breaks into a dance break with a large group before hitting a giant and grand conclusion. The song keeps the message consistent to the last line, and keeps the inspiration and light tone, never losing sight of it.

The pacing of this song is great, and has all the pieces that make a good opening. A strong line, a good sense of fun, and strong group elements that make the song memorable, the lyrics are fun and memorable and the instrumentation is great. This song is fun from start to finish while being uplifting at the same time. 

This song shows that shows that may have not gained a ton of traction may have hidden gems in them. Whether it is an opening, an I Want song, or a finale even. This is proof that every show is worth at least one look because you never know what is waiting when you start, even if it is based on a film. This song is a great listen, and is a great inspiration as well as being a ton of fun at the same time.

Schmigadoon Is Amazing

 Not too long ago I review Come From Away with the version released on Apple TV Plus, and little did I know there were a couple of other musical properties on the site as well, such as Central Park which I covered but there was also Schmigadoon, a star studded cast of Broadway and television alumni, coming together to make a six episode musical comedy series. So was this a wonderful visit, or too good to be true, let's dive in. 

When Josh and Melissa, a couple who are on a retreat gone sour get lost and cross into the aforementioned town the series is named after, they find themselves trapped in a musical. The town is full of many characters each with a set personality, job, and is content with things staying the same, and Josh and Melissa can not leave until they find themselves falling into true love, and all the towns people may have a secret or two about themselves that they hide under their cherry musical facades. The town is a step back in time back before movies were what they were today, and looks like something from the 1950's or even before, and a song is never too far around the corner either.

This show is not only funny, it is heartfelt with great messages about change, love, and embracing yourself among others but it is so well written, and well done. Each song is well performed, and every scene acted amazingly, every performer does amazing in song or dialogue and there is no weak episode, or dull moment. The characters are real, believable, and many are likeable from the second you meet them. The story is well executed to the point that you feel for the stakes, the romance, and drama. Every character has a place and they fit their roles perfectly, in and out of song.

This show is MADE for musical fans, the parodies, references, and jokes aimed at musicals are all done at a place of love. Jabbing at the classic era and paying homage at the same time, while showing how musicals and society has changed since then. References to Carousel, Sound Of Music, Music Man, and more are abundant from the songs, the characters, and jokes, all paying tribute to that era in such a fun way that never comes across as mean spirited. All of the songs are catchy and great listens and are also great references to the classic era in their styles, catchy, full of heart, and sometimes full of references, such as a song that reminds us of how some classic shows had songs that had no meaning, or songs sung by characters who have little to no impact on the narrative and don't have a ton of screen time. The choreography, big group numbers, solo songs, duets, each one is a home run. 

This show is a must for fans of musicals as a whole, doubly so if you love or know classic era musicals and can catch the references. But this is also just worth the watch, it is well written, funny, heartfelt and amazing. The world is warm, bright, and colorful, combined with stellar writing, acting, and music, the jokes land well and are great references to that era of musicals. This series is great, nothing short of it, and I have kept this vague because I do not want to spoil something so amazing and can not recommend it enough. This is a town I plan on visiting, again and again.

Tina: The Tina Turner Musical (Cast Album)

 I may not be able to see this show just yet but the cast album is online so I decided to take a look at two of the shows that were contenders at the Tony Awards this year, one being Moulin Rouge and the other is today's topic. So I sat down and decided to share some initial thoughts on Tina : The Tina Turner Musical. Jukebox musicals based on artists have been springing up more lately, from Cher to Carole King with more announced for the coming future, I have even seen a couple such as " Mama Mia" or "On Your Feet" so let's give this one a look. 

Since I do not have the ability to see the show live I will only be covering the album. If I have the ability to see the show or a recording of the show in the future I will then be able to judge how the music fits into the story and how it may or may not work. At this time I can only judge it based on being an album and the music it contains.

This album is great, a great selection of Tina Turner's work ranging from across her career. The album has a great range of upbeat and slow songs, encapsulating her range. And it has been well performed as well, every singer keeps the energy at the right level while performing these songs. I found myself dancing, swaying, and enjoying song after song. There were some that I liked more then others but overall this album is a great collection, "River Deep Mountain High" being one of my favorite for how well performed it is, and also the energy the song conveys. 

There are pieces of dialogue peppered throughout the album to help show the mood of each scene, showing aspects of the story. These are not common enough to pick up where intermission happens or the pacing of the narrative but they are present in the album to show those what mood is being conveyed or a sneak peek at some of the story that would be shown live.  

The way this album is performed it makes me hope to see how each song fits into the narrative, because I found myself enjoying this album and picking a few favorites even. The cast that recorded this album did fantastic, making a great impression song after song. Each performance carrying the energy of each song that was needed and making this album a great listen, for those familiar with Tina Turner's work and those who are not. 

Here are some of the songs that I will find myself listening to again and again, and would recommend. 

Don't Turn Around

It's Gonna Work Out Fine

A Fool In Love

Let's Stay Together

River Deep Mountain High

Proud Mary

I Don't Wanna Fight

Disco Inferno

Open Arms

I Can't Stand The Rain

What's Love Got To Do With It

We Don't Need Another Hero

(Simply) The Best

This album is great for people who love jukebox musicals, but also someone who want a great showcase of an artist's work. This album has so many great picks that are wonderfully performed and stand tall, full of life and emotion. This album is a great listen and if I can whether on tour or in a community theater someday would love to see how these great songs fit into the narrative. 

Don't Rain On My Parade

 This song is not just a showstopper, it is anthem that embodies giving your all no matter what the world around you has to say about you. This song is a classic, and It has been a little bit since I talked about a song, so here we are. From the hit show Funny Girl which is due for a revival in the near future at the time of this post, now seems like a great time to dive into why this song is so iconic.

I have not seen the show in any capacity or the movie it is tied to, I have only listened to this song countless times. This song speaks to me on many levels, it is a mood booster and an encouragement for several reasons. From relatable and uplifting lyrics, a kinetic and unmoving energy with memorable lyrics and score, and reasons I could list all day, this song is a must listen

Each lyric has an air of pure confidence but not that of arrogance. This song stands up and says " Do or die, this is my time" from start to finish. This song has so much soul from the catchy lyrics, perfect pacing, and masterful instrumentation. This song is vibrant and full of life from beginning to end. The song has a instills an encouraging spirit showing that no matter what happens, you have to try to chase your dreams and let no one stop you.

The use of comparison is perfect saying " Whether I am the rose of sheer perfection or a wrinkle on the nose of life's complexation.." shows what is at stake, and makes you root for the performer. The one performing the song shows what could be which is true to life and art, a huge success or a giant flop, but she wants to at least try. Saying "Do not send a cloud to rain on my parade.." shows that no matter what, or who gives or does not give support they are trying. This song is like giving yourself a pep talk, believing in yourself till the finish no matter what.

This song is not only incredibly catchy, warranting multiple repeats but it also embodies what we all should do a little more, believe in ourselves. Too many times we let others opinions weigh us down and matter in places they maybe shouldn't be. This song is a reminder to live your life to the fullest and keep striving, a great message for a great song.

This song is multiple decades old but has a relevant message while still being a fantastic song, making it timeless. The song can be used to pick yourself up, get you excited before your work day, or just something to dance to, this song is fantastic and will continue to entertain and inspire for ages to come.