Someone Gets Hurt Reprise (Mean Girls)

 This musical in particular is very hit and miss for me. I enjoy about half of the songs offered and will listen to them on rare occasion, but this is far from my favorite musical based on a non-musical film. (I don't think anything can top Legally Blonde; I still have other ones I enjoy but that is neither here nor there). There was a song I heard on shuffle the other day that I feel worth talking about from this show. A reprise that stands along and to some may even outshine the song that it comes from.

This song is forty-seven seconds long, but this song proves that you do not need an overly long ballad to prove a point. The song is a confrontation at an emotional peak that even though it is ended with a classic punchline from the film it is adapting leaves the listener feeling an emotional impact. The lyrics are a flurry of hurt and anger that many, myself included can resonate with, collimating in a revamp of the original song's chorus in a powerful way. 

The song not only propels the plot towards its emotional climax but has the characters going into a point that we don't know where they will end up. Damage has been done and there is no going back, this song does lead to another song that I like for the character with a moral tied to it later on which is great. The song being "I'd Rather Be Me" which I will have to cover at some point in the future. 

But today I wanted to shine a light on this powerful little reprise and show how a song's length does not dictate the impact it can leave. This moment of vulnerability, hurt, and anger wrapped up into this short song is nothing short of well written. There is not a lot to say here as the song is less then a minute but this one is worth a listen. The song is way more impactful then ever expected

Mean Girls The Musical

 October 3rd also known as Mean Girls Day, the comedy classic about navigating cliques, highschool, and finding yourself, all while being incredibly quotable and funny the entire time. I have loved this movie since I was in high school, so when a musical was announced I was beyond thrilled, but then I listened to the album and my thrill died quite a bit. I have not seen this show live yet, but I have decided to give the album another try as there is a film version of the musical in the works. Will I warm up to this musical or was it far too fetch for me? 

The musical for me is still a mixed bag, there is a lot of quality numbers in here but for every "World Burn" or "I'd Rather Be Me" there's a "Revenge Party" or "Who's House Is This". The best way to describe this musical is that it is like a rave, sometimes the crow is all jumping in unison and sometimes it is more akin to a mash pit. With the people in crowd being the lyrics and melodies, sometimes the lyrics are stepping all over each other and do not fit will.

They feel rushed at times or like the songs are trying to cram too many words in one long stretch of the song without many rooms for a break. There are also sometimes where the rhymes, near rhymes, or a line does not rhyme at all and it does not land. Like in the aforementioned "Revenge Party" there is a line that tries to just use the word cake twice to make it fit twice and connect with a line later on and it does not work. The wording sometimes is jumbled, and it feels like those performing it are trying to play catch up. There is plenty of potential in this show though so I feel like if it went through rewrites and stayed in production longer then something truly great could have come out of it.

That being said some of the songs do work, this show is not a complete dud. There are some fun upbeat songs, a killer villain song, and a few in-between. Not to mention one of the best reprises I have ever heard in the show, where the sped of pacing actually works because it fits the emotion of the music and left my jaw on the floor the first time I heard it. It is one of the most powerful reprises I have heard in a long time, so much so I will probably dive into greater detail on it later. This show is not without some decent high points and it would be unfair to it to focus just on the bad.

I hope the movie makes it truly different and works on some different aspects, similar to the In Heights where certain aspects are cut and even edited, in that case I think this show could go from okay, to really good or even great. 

Back From Summer Break!

 After the Tony Awards wrapped up I decided to take the summer off of this blog for a multitude of reasons. The biggest and first was burnout, with this and another blog being updated once a week, I decided to take some time for myself to recharge and let my creative juices return to me. I had some summer-based content planned that will be tweaked and then posted as summer wrap up content, so I did have some plans but decided to take some time for myself. Second was that there has not been a lot of waves made in the world of theater, perhaps a cast album here and there and show closing but theater news has been stagnant as of late. So I have decided that I still will be covering plenty of theater-based properties whether it is live, a book, a movie, pro shot and so on but also adding film to this list and other forms of art. Art is not just on the stage and I think it is time to branch out, theater will be my first love first and foremost but sometimes it's nice to just talk about other things. Musicals and theater will still have a major presence on this blog but also regular music and so on will as well, movies, animation, animated musicals and more. This blog is about to see a major shift and it just means more content instead of just theater content, alongside the theater content. 

Thank you all for understanding and it is great to be back, and now for that summer content as promised. 

The Tony Awards (6/12/2022)

 The Tony Awards are back and during their original June showing. Instead of recapping every piece of the night I will be talking about the night as a whole, and the good, as well as some bad that stuck out to me. Let's start with Ariana Debose, she did amazing, and her opening number will be on repeat on my phone for hours on end. More on her later, but still I had to just begin with how amazing she did. Congratulations to all the winners, but also the nominees there was so much amazing talent tonight. There was no runaway show but rather all the awards were very spread out which was very awesome, at least when it came to musicals and the plays mostly.

Tonight, was also a big night for representation and that is important, to see the stage include so many people from the LGBTQ+ community, and different races. Making the stage brighter by sharing their lives with us, all of the acknowledgment of crew, understudies, and COVID safety workers was also amazing.  All of the shout outs to the understudies, and crew warmed my heart, and some even performed and that was incredible.

The Act One show confused me, I don't understand why the awards are now split in two, let alone the first one has little to no numbers or performances, maybe one or two tops. Angela Lansbury getting a lifetime achievement was a highlight, I still am baffled this isn't part of one show. It makes me feel like some awards are limited to a pre-show which isn't fair because every member of the cast and crew works to bring something to us. 

The performances that stood out to me that will stay with me were too many to count. There were only a couple that fell flat for me. The Stephen Sondheim tribute moved me to tears, and all of the performances were very amazing, except for two. Mr. Saturday Night was fun but dragged on a tad too long, but it still had quality to it. The Music Man on the other hand was the only weak performance of the night, it sounded clumsy and not all the cast was well utilized. 

Arina Debose did incredible, all of her performances were incredible, nothing short of amazing. Every performance was incredible aside from the two mentioned. Every performer brought their all and it led to a mostly unforgettable night. I enjoyed the atmosphere, the speeches were inspiring and great, and it was nice to see multiple shows win. Some of the performances were so powerful and it was wonderful that the Tony Awards might move away from shows sweeping and recognize multiple shows. 

I have seen worse Tony Awards, and this one was very good. Arina Debose should definitely host again, this awards show and the one prior were both incredible and reminders on why I love live theater. Last year and this year's shows were delightful, with only minimal confusion. 

My Favorite Shows That Did Not Win Any Tony Awards

 It's that time of year again, at the time of this post it is almost the night where theater takes the center stage, and as much as I want to make predictions, but I have not seen nor looked into the shows enough to form an honest guess. I am looking forward to seeing the show and the performances and I always enjoy the opening numbers. I instead wanted to cover a different topic, musicals that I really like listening to, that did not win any Tony Awards. These are shows I listen to, have seen a couple of in some form or fashion and really appreciate. All of these shows are worth your time and here they are, shining a light on some stars that deserve it!

Waitress

Well I found yet another reason to talk about this show, and I am sure I will find many reasons more. I adore this show . If you have not listened to it, this musical it is full of heart, charm, and has a very engaging story. The music is beyond upbeat, but also has some incredible and powerful numbers during it's more quiet moments. Infusing relatable feelings into an unforgettable soundtrack. If you ever have the chance to listen to or see this show, take it. It is as sweet as pie!

Seussical 

This is show is a ton of fun, combining a ton of timeless works into a fun and family friendly show. The show has a ton of comedy, a sweet message and is a great time for viewers young and old. The music is super fun and embodies what we love about Dr. Seuss books!

Merrily We Roll Along 

A sometimes-overlooked Sondheim show, that has a unique concept, starting at the end and working backwards. Showing the audience how the story got to where it was and ending on an optimistic yet bittersweet note. The show has some incredibly powerful numbers and a strong message about art, I highly recommend it, especially for Sondheim fans. 

Tick Tick Boom

The Jonathan Larson musical that is relatable, powerful, and nothing short of amazing. This may not have won any Tony Awards in its day but the movie adaptation that came out last year is a most. Preserving this fantastic show about the life of the mind that brought us RENT, full of relatable stories, memorable songs, and really great unforgettable moments, this musical is one you won't want to miss.

Thank you so much for reading, I hope your day is a showstopper! 

Let's Talk About The SIX Opening Night Album

Some shows last so long that we get original cast albums, revival cast albums, and sometimes covers or compilation albums. Sometimes we might get an album of a show when it is in previews and get a new one with updated songs or different instrumentals. But in this case a live performance album, something that is not the most common thing, one of my favorite Broadway albums of all time is a 25th Anniversary live performance of Les Miserables. I talked about SIX recently and it is one of favorite shows from the new season, I hope to see it live someday but until that day comes, I have this album so let's talk about it.

This album was recorded on opening night of SIX, for those who do not know this is the tale of ex-wives of Henry the 8th but through the lens of pop and showing the world that they were more then just their marital status to the monarch. I have praised already and how the musical is relatable, has great moments of humor, historical importance, while also being songs that reflect real feelings in a fantastic way. I love SIX and now we have another album, and it is fantastic. But the only question is, do we need this album as well when we already have the cast recording?

The answer is a resounding of course we do! This album is incredible and it is awesome for people like me who do not get to see the show to get a peek into what it is like live. Hearing the audience reaction to the parts I laughed at, hearing moments that made me cheer as well made me feel connected to a show that I hope to see someday.  Live albums are not the most common but whenever we do get one it is a real treat, and this is no different. This album was a blast start to finish, making the listener feel as if they were in the theater hearing it themselves. 

This album also has a ton of things the first one didn't, jokes, spoken lines and transitions. This adds so much and does not take away from the other album but rather stands alongside it. I loved this and now having a complete version of SIX has me hoping other shows will follow suit. Such as the Les Miserables album mentioned earlier, that one is essentially the whole show from start to finish in album form. Some of the jokes, improvised bits and more are on here and it makes this experience very much worth going through these amazing songs again.

Hearing the transitions and character introductions are the icing on the cake, adding so much life to the album. This and the first SIX album are not comparable but rather stand side by side, they are both worth the listen for different reasons. This when you want something extra, and the first if you just want the songs without any jokes or audience reactions undisturbed. Both are great for their own reasons and worth at least one listen. But trust me, they each are filled to the brim with bops and are easily to listen to over and over again.

The songs have this great feeling of this historical figures singing about real emotions, heartbreak, betrayal, self-doubt, identity and more bring these queens out of the history books and into our lives today. These songs are easily relatable to anyone who has been hurt by someone they are dating and filled with comedy and empowerment on such an outstanding scale that shows why we love theater. 

Thank you so much for reading, take care and I hope your day is a showstopper!

The Tony Awards 2022 Nominees, And My Predictions

 As of this morning the Nominees for the Tony Awards have dropped, and I am excited, as we approach June 12th where I will be covering the Awards, I will be looking into the cast albums of some of the shows given. It brings me great joy and excitement to see my favorite award show return and in full form, being hosted by the one and only Arina Debose. Seeing her as a host will be nothing short of an amazing treat, and I am counting down the moments to hearing her opening song.

In terms of plays, I will not be able to see any of them, for new and for revivals. That being said I have not been looking into the stage play scene as much as the musical scene. Stage plays are fantastic and are a cornerstone of the world of theater, but I do not have ready access to New York staged productions, I will mostly be going off of the cast albums I have access to, the buzz around each show I have seen, and any reviews.

That being said from what I have been listening to I think "A Strange Loop" is going to sweep, most years one show sweeps the entire time, and this seems to be the one. In terms of best revival, I will be pooling for, and I am predicting that "Company" will be triumphant. I am hoping that "Six" earns at least one award as that show is fantastic and deserves due recognition. 

I am ready for Cast Album releases but until then I am using West End Production recordings or older Recordings for shows like "Mr. Saturday Night". This is a very stacked year in terms of nominees from historical pieces, jukebox musicals, and original shows, I will be looking into many of the shows I can before the awards, and after the night is done. 

I am beyond excited to see not only who wins but the performances, wondering what songs are going to be picked to showcase each show, and it seems unlike last year all the content will be from this current season. I am excited to see the performances as they are peeks into shows that some, including myself might not yet have access to until a proshot or a tour come our way. The Tony awards always brought me excitement, and this one is no different. This time of year is always one of my favorites, new shows to discover, new albums, the awards, and the beginning of Summer. 

Who do you think is going to win? Do you think it will be a sweep or the awards will be spread out? And are there any performances in particular you are looking forward too? Who knows what surprises, jokes, and more will be waiting for us all, but it won't be too long until we find out. Thank you so much for reading and I hope your day is a showstopper.

Musical Memories: Mama Mia

 With Mother's Day coming up this weekend, why not talk about a show I have seen live, via local production, which is the jukebox musical "Mama Mia". Not to mention there is a movie adaptation, and a sequel to the film but not on the stage. The show featuring the work of ABBA but tied to an original story is one of the biggest smashes in terms of jukebox musicals and has also had a long run in term of public productions. When I saw it back in 2018, I remember it being goofy fun, with fun music, so for this post I will be focusing on the stage version, I am sure I will come across the film versions sooner or later. And the first one which I have seen can wait, oh it can wait.

 This show follows Sophie, who is soon to be married and is holding the ceremony at her mother's nice island resort, but there is one problem, Sophie wants her father to walk he down the isle but she doesn't know who her biological father is. So she reads her mom's old journal and invites three of her old boyfriends to the wedding and whacky shenanigans ensue. With the wedding, the mothers friends visiting, past romances, current flings, and tons of flirting, all the while Sophie tries to solve this mystery leads to a zany, light hearted, sometimes touching show. There are so many characters that backstory is minimal as is character growth, leading to a conclusion that left me confused but indifferent. This show focuses on being comedic and as an outlet to play some of ABBA's greatest hits, and in terms of the narrative sometime I laughed, and other times I laughed for the wrong reasons. 

This show is a musical romantic comedy, so this is not some deep think piece, it's more akin to a Hallmark Christmas movie with a much larger budget and set during the summer.  When I saw it live, I found myself enjoying the music, sometimes laughing at how ridiculous things got on stage, and other times laughing because some of the punchlines were actually funny. The song choice is really good, and the performance that I saw was well acted. The slower moments were a tad hit and miss because there are so many characters that I found it hard to grow attached to them, but sometimes I found them sweet and a tad touching.

This show is mostly high energy, the temptation to stand up and dance along was indeed there, but the slower songs were a nice change of pace and gave a little bit of character development. This show is packed to the brim with songs, with very little time before the next one begins. That being said if you are an ABBA fan then this show is great, a goofy plot with fun music numbers. For example there is a scene both on stage and in the film where a group of scuba divers form a chorus line, I just had to accept it and laugh because I could not fathom why we needed it, but it was still hilarious. It just appeared out of nowhere and was done and that was it, as are many aspects of this show. From the romances, to even the backstories, everything in the plot just comes and goes.

The music is beyond fun, there are many high energy picks, with a few slower songs to stand out. They pull many songs from ABBA, so I ended up finding a couple songs I did not know about and enjoyed. The songs many of us know such as "Take A Chance On Me" and "Dancing Queen" are present and they lead to fun group numbers and choreography. The music fits into the plot and works well with it, and the way the production I saw used the title song "Mama Mia" was very well staged and a pure delight.

This show is still enjoyable, as long as you are fine with ABBA music, because if not then unfortunately that is basically seventy-five percent of the show. Tied together with a plot we have seen many times before, but it is so goofy and at times beyond random that is harmless. It can make for a lighthearted and very fun night at the theater. I did not regret going as it left with tunes to hum along too, a story that had me laughing, and stories to tell. It was not boring which is the worst experience one can have in the theater, and I have been bored before. This show is filled to the brim and if your civic theater is playing this show, it is an enjoyable time. The music is light and fun with a plot to match, a good time.

Something Rotten

 A couple days ago was the birthday of one William Shakespeare, last time we covered ta show that featured him and his wife, as the two of them reworked on of his most famous pieces in "& Juliet". Today I am going to cover the album of a show that I hope to see someday, a comedic love letter to theater fans alike where the bard is in fact standing in the way of the leads and their dreams. Let's see how many musical references, Shakespeare references, and egg puns we can find as I cover "Something Rotten".

The show "Something Rotten" follows the Bottom brothers, Nick and Nigel, both aspiring playwrights, the only problem is that the only plays that are catching the publics eyes are that of Shakespeare, as this show is set in the height of his career. With help from a new, unlikely friend, Nick peaks into the future to see that musicals are what rule the stage, and tries to finally dethrone the beloved, rockstar playwright. This musical is packed with references to Shakespeare's many works, tons of musicals, and is packed with some fun comedic elements. Aside from the references that characterization is infused with tons of modern forms of writing that make them stand out, yet all of the characters are aware of the time period they are in. From Shakespeare being like a rockstar, yet secretly struggles with his job, Nick's wife who longs to be more than just a housewife, and Nigel falling in love with someone whose family is quick to disapprove. They infuse the classic setting with fun and relatable stories, packed with comedy to make a lighthearted time. I would say the comedy is not only historically accurate but would be in the vein of a PG-13 movie, this show is for older audiences.

Going off of online plot summaries, and the album, this much like "& Juliet" are shows I would both want to view after listening to album, or at least get pro shot of. The comedy seeps into the music, with plenty of lyrics that had me laughing and singing along. The music for me was mostly great, I did not press repeat on all of the songs, but a good number of them. The lyrics and instrumentation lead to a fun, comedic, and even at times touching story about wanting to make room for yourself in the world of art, making your art, following trends, and falling in love. 

Unlike the last show covered, Shakespeare is ever present and less of a side character, being more of an obstacle to the leads, yet he is so charming and funny you end up cheering for him. Both shows offering different yet highly entertaining versions of the historical figure, and both worth viewing. This one enjoys being famous yet has a showstopping song in act two of the trials of being a playwright. This incredible song has him comedically lamenting on how it is "Hard To Be The Bard" in a relatable way to fellow writers, while showing he is not perfect. Much like the entire cast, Christian Borle makes Shakespeare stand out in the best way, every one has stellar performance in the album.

The show is filled to the brim with references so I would say this best enjoyed by theater fans, musical fans, and Shakespeare fans. Not knowing does not take away from the fun plot or great music, but there is some missing out to be had as the show uses these from start to finish and does not lighten up. There are plenty of jokes in the song's lyrics, and plenty of non-reference based zingers but there are so many that I felt that I had to acknowledge them, as they are also in the music. These songs are great even without knowing, yet there is an added bonus for those who know. 

Some of the songs that stand out to me are "Welcome To The Rennaissance", "Right Hand Man", "Will Power", "It's Hard To Be The Bard", "We See The Light" and "To Thine Own Self", just to name a few. With "Hard To Be The Bard" being my favorite, whether the listener is writing a paper for class or for their own art, this song hits close to home in the best way possible. The ensemble comes together for great background vocals in many songs, and each lead gets some great moments to stand out. After the bard himself, Nigel is my other favorite character, his side story, optimism, and the moral he delivers all are super well done. I can not talk about this show without talking about "A Musical", an over seven minute showstopper, filled to the brim with musical references and jokes. The song is super fun and it is real treat to look for all the references in it.

Overall, this show is a fun, comedic romp, where not all of the jokes or songs land, a good portion do. It is comedic, and has the right level of self-awareness to work, and plenty of the songs are toe tapping, good times. The instrumentation, lyrics, and vocals hit a bullseye when they land, infused with comedy and tons of charm, wrapped up in good music. This is a piece that makes for good writing inspiration with its themes of love, art, and finding your own artistic identity. Set in the past with some fun modern easter eggs, this is a show that may be called "Something Rotten" but is mostly fresh. 

& Juliet (Cast Album)

 

(Image Source: Amazon dot com)

(Plot Source: Wikipedia)

Every once in a while, I peek into what is going on in The West End, to those who do not know it is London's biggest theater output and sometimes a musical may premiere there before coming here. One show that is getting a ton of positive press over at The West End that many wish will come to Broadway stages and tour is a show called "& Juliet". A tale of the Anne Hathaway, Shakespeare's wife, retooling the classic narrative of the star-crossed lovers to which Juliet survives and finds a new life, and maybe new love. I went to Wikipedia and got the plot synopsis as this show is not available over here in the states and I only had the album to go off of. So how does this change the bard's famous love story, let's have a listen.

This show takes us to alternate timeline where Shakespeare and his wife, but mostly his wife pen a new tale for Juliet. The plot has romance, and many twists and turns while having overlaying themes about love for both the characters of the classic play and those writing it. The plot has many wonderful modern ideas infused into this classic tale while keeping things light and fun. The tone is heartfelt with plenty of room for inspirational self-discovery, comedy, and romance. Reading the plot had me interested, but what of the music that followed with it?

This is a jukebox musical with pop songs from the late 1990's and early 2000's, with some songs from a more recent time. Hits like "Larger Than Life", "I Want It That Way", "Oops I Did It Again" and even "Teenage Dream" and "Love Me Like You Do" are sprinkled throughout this show. Combining a time long gone with music we can still hear on the radio or in grocery stores to this day. These are all well performed by the cast and had me listening time and time again. Each performer brings their all and is completely invested into bringing these songs in a new way to the stage. 

Some of these songs have never seen the stage but they fit because the instrumentation and performers sync well into combining them. Songs about love, break ups, self-discovery, and more fill this album to make it more than just a glorified mix tape. It makes me beyond curious and interested to see how they fit into the plot and are used. A sign of a good cast album is making the listener want to see the show, and after listening I would enjoy seeing this show make it stateside. This show stands out with jukebox powerhouses like "Moulin Rouge" and the countless biographical musicals summarizing a musician's career. I do love when a jukebox musical uses an original plot and this one combine familiar and new in a way that just works.

The album has sold me on the show, I may know these songs, but a good jukebox musical reminds you why these songs are so great. The styles, performances, and the mashups used work so well, and are so well performance. The different pacing and tempos can add a new flavor to a song that brings it a breath of fresh air. Combining it with the fun plot seems like a great night at the theater, and I hope it comes our way or at least is given a proshot. 

This is the first time I ever have covered a show from the West End, but certainly won't be the last. My eyes have been opened to see what some shows entail, such as the "Back To The Future Musical" and others that either premiere there first or never make it to the states. Different styles of cast recordings in some cases with shows like "Mary Poppins", show how many possibilities await, and I can not wait to find more. All the songs of this album may be familiar but are so well performed with such great instrumentation that they are a pure delight.

I had so much fun with "& Juliet" and there are plenty of songs to listen to, a good amount all standing out. Using the works of multiple artists work in this shows favor, making the song a showcase of the artists, and in this case the more the merrier. There are some fun twists and turns in this show that lead to many fun moments, and many sweet ones as well. A tale of love, what matters, growing as a person, with plenty of great representation in it. The bards work glows and is given such a great plot and fun soundtrack that make this an absolute blast. I hope to see this someday, and until next time, I hope your day is a showstopper.

Shakespeare

April 26th is the birthday of one William Shakespeare, so for the next couple weeks, I will cover a couple musicals that involve the bard. But before I dive into those, I wanted to talk about him and my experience with his work. Though there are many writers of his time, his work is still the most celebrated still getting many stage productions, films and is still relevant to be in pop culture. His work is a cornerstone of theater that sees performances all these years later, so lets find out what is to be or not to be, and talk Shakespeare.

Like many, I first encountered his work in school, from "Romeo & Juliet" to "Hamlet" and I always enjoyed the units covering his work. As a theater fan who was only discovering his love of the arts, these sections always felt less like work and more fun. From his tragedies, romances, and comedies, I was always welcome to learning more. I was familiar to references made in pop culture or parodied in shows and movies. These plays are still timeless, and are being performed to this day. 

One aspect that stood out to me as that the settings are so vague that you can be as historically accurate or set the show in a different time period without diverting. Such as a take of "Much Ado About Nothing" but set in the 1980's or "A Midsummer Nights Dream" set in the future. The writing is the same yet it can be told anywhere, showing the versatility of these works. 

From musicals that take inspiration from his works such as "West Side Story" or "The Lion King", the work of William Shakespear appears in more places then some expect. Many modern films even adapt a love story of his in a modern setting, as with thirty seven plays to pick from, there are plenty of options. Many works also whether it's a television show, or documentary like to dive into what it was like being Shakespeare as well. Some movies have done this as well, whether it is exploring who he was, or if he was a stage name for a large group of people.

As for me, I personally believe that Shakespeare was one person who wrote all of his plays, with some of them being collaborations, and he also penned a fair number of sonnets. But the stage is no stranger to exploring him as a person either or an aspect of his life whether it is his marriage in the pop, rock recent hit of the West End "&Juliet". Or perhaps the comedic take done in "Something Rotten", the two musicals I will be exploring to celebrate his Birthday.

Shakespeare is a pillar of theater, his work still relevant and is still continued to be performed to this day, whether as it was or in a different style. He is a part of theaters history and a staple that is mentioned in pop culture even to this day. So next time, we will dive into a couple musicals starring the bard, until then I hope your day is a showstopper.

Welcome To Accessible Arts!

 For those who are new, welcome for those who have stuck around over the years, thank you so much, writing for this blog is an absolute treat. Today I am going to establish what Accessible Arts is for those who are new and create a proper introduction to share, as the last one was more of an update and less of an introduction.

Accessible Arts is a place for all things musicals, from cast albums and proshots, to movies and more! This is coming from the angle of someone who does not get to see shows often, as I live in an area where tours and local theater are the norm. I have to wait for a new show to get a touring cast and come to my area in order to see it, so to pass the time I like covering movies, proshots, the live performances I can see, whatever is on streaming services, and cast albums.

Recently I have been diving into my favorite songs, discussing why they stand out to and are worth a listen. Other times I will review a whole cast album and decide if I want to see the show or not. There are so many ways to find musical theater where you are, and I want to share it in this blog. I want to share my favorites, find new favorites, and just enjoy theater as a whole.

I plan to post once a week, primarily on Tuesdays but sometimes I will post on other days based on life events, and sometimes I might post more than once as well, whether for a large release or a special event. There is plenty of content to read up on while you wait if you are new here, and I will see you again soon. I hope your day is a showstopper.

Rodgers The Musical

 Spoilers ahead for the Hawkeye Disney Plus series!

Some musicals inspire, others make us laugh, and some make us think. This one embodies why we love musical theater in so many ways. The expert songs, the performance from Broadway Alumni Adam Pascal, and the message of standing up for what is right, this is Rodgers The Musical. I never have wanted to give a proshot a standing ovation before but this might be it, this is the future of musical theater. I would not be surprised if we see this show at the Tony Awards. 

The hit song from this show "Save The World" is a real showstopper, it stands out so much and has so much heart. Showing the avengers in the midst of a heated battle, this song embodies what we love about these heroes. Even though it may not be exactly like the source material it is inspired by, Ant-Man may have not been in the original play but he is a perfect addition to the musical adaptation.

The melody of this showstopper is catchy, with deep and inspirational lyrics. Showing a deep love for the place you live and being willing to fight for it, a strong moral. The lyrics are catchy, and the chorus is memorable. This may be the only real stand out song, but it sells the audience on the entire show. 

The costume design is nothing short of amazing, the masks and costumes are incredible. The set design and costumes are also paired with incredible on-stage effects. The sets and design combining with the song to make this show a certified hit. This show is incredible, never before has one song sold me on the entire experience but now that has happened. 

If you want to be inspired listen to hit song Save The City, or watch the proshot is amazing and worth your time. When the Hulk sings the word smash I get chills every time, it is incredible to see the use of wires and the incredible costumes to make this show immersive. 

Check it out, or have a... Happy April Fools Day! 

Come To Your Senses (Tick Tick Boom)

 Even though it was not nominated for best picture at the Oscars "Tick Tick Boom" was without a doubt my favorite movie from last year, and I will definitely be talking more in depth about the film, its themes, as well as its songs. I still have not sat down and watched "West Side Story" but I will say I am beyond overjoyed that the incredibly talented Ariana Debose won. Today I wanted to dive deep into the song "Come To Your Senses" from "Tick Tick Boom" a song that moves me whether watching in the context of the film or on its own. This song is powerful and I want to dive and talk about it. Spoilers are ahead for the movie and if you have not yet seen it, I can not recommend it enough, for fans of theaters, artists, and people who love movies. 

This song is nothing short of an amazing, in the context of the story our lead Jonathan Larson, yes, the mind behind RENT, Jonathon Larson has been struggling with creating the one song he needed to write to complete the show. Through the writer's block he was also dealing with problems arising in real life, in his relationship and more. As his workshop begins and this song is performed, he realizes what or should I say who he is letting go for his art. The song is his art reflecting real life and how he finally can see how his girlfriend has been feeling about him, and the mistakes he is making. 

In the case of the film this song is so well shot, flashing back and forth between the performer singing this song in the workshop, and his girlfriend singing this just to him in the space of his mind. The settings flashing between a crowded room to an intimate rooftop with only two people. It is so well cut, and the settings are so drastic that much like all the songs in this movie, make the songs stand out even more. The songs were already incredibly memorable and stood out, this was going the extra mile in the best way possible and is a fantastic watch or listen. 

The song itself is full of powerful lyrics, whether listened to on its own or paired with the amazing visuals in the film. The song is full of authentic emotion from start to finish. A lover calling for the one they love to open their eyes and see them. That love is sometimes all we need and that sometimes the dreams we are looking for can change. A deep and true call that relates back to the person listening whether they have been the one calling, who the one who is being called to, in my case I have been both in life. Seeing the songs from both perspectives also helps bring the narrative to an emotional head that left me awestruck the first time I listened to. 

The song is a not calling out of a place of desperation but rather hope, hope that the one you love can see all that you two can have together if they just look up. As the beauitful instrumentation pairs with it, the melody sweeps and soars with the song. The film version is so incredibly sung that I have chills still even after repeated listens. With many of the songs focusing on John's art, this one focuses in deeper. This isn't through his eyes, the song is for him, thus still pushing the narrative but giving another performer time to shine. The lyrics are intimate, carrying a heavy weight that will imprint on the heart of the audience.

Sometimes shows have grand, sweeping, love songs that make our hearts soar, this is a song that makes you think. It makes the listener reflect on their priorities while still being wrapped into a beauitful song about love. This is indeed a love song, but far from your traditional confession between the characters, it shows wants, desires, and sacrifices made along the way, embodying some of the many themes in the show or film. 

Give this song a listen, or the movie a watch, not only to see this masterpiece of a song, but the masterpiece as a whole. The song is powerful, full of amazing lyrics, and an unforgettable melody. Great instrumentation make this song something to keep on your mind long after it has finished. 

The SpongeBob Musical Is Awesome

 A long time ago, I reviewed "Spongebob Squarepants The Musical" on this blog. I enjoyed some of the music, but I went back and thought on it, and it is much better then I initially gave it credit for. Is every song my appreciate? No, some things still hold up, but I have come to appreciate it a lot more, listening to the album over the course of my hiatus from blogging. For the longest time I let people in the theater community influence my opinion and think that just because this show is goofy and based on a television show, that it can not be good. My tastes have changed, where a super serious musical is not the only art form I want to take in, and I want to discover as many shows as I can, whether they are based on a film, show, whether they have all the awards or none. With that new point of view I went back to this show, for this post I am still going off of the album, but I know there is a proshot available on a streaming service or two, for purchase, and on DVD. I even own the DVD so I will have to cover it, perhaps sooner then later.

One look at this show and you will see all the talented people who had a hand in bringing the music of this show to life, including David Bowie, Sara Bareilles, Steven Tyler, and more. The plot akin to a really long episode of the show with many plotlines, and time to shine for many fan favorite characters. Even from just listening to the cast album, the songs have a good amount of heart, relatable emotions, as well as a good amount of jokes. Like before not every song made it to my on repeat playlist, but the a good amount did. Also music is subjective so a song that didn't land with me may land with you. Even the songs I did not feel like revisiting are still super fun and great.

This show is fun and has a ton of heart, and that is what theater as well as the world needs right now, in my opinion. Drama that makes us think is also important but now more then ever light stories, with comedy and heart. The real world is full of uncertainty and sometimes current events can weigh us down and even scare us, much like some of the characters in this show. The messages of facing your fears, finding your gifts, and friendship are not new, but well done. This show is good clean fun, and theater is so amazing that there is room for all types of shows, and this show much like the Disney Broadway adaptations would be a good first musical to introduce family members to musicals. 

The show embodies themes of finding your own voice in times of crisis, and that rings true. Not knowing your gifts but wanting to help is also very real and rings true to many in these times. The show at face value looks like a cash in based on a television show so many of us know, but when you listen to it there was so much effort put into it. After looking at some screen shots and watching trailers for the production video, the show fits the look of the show it is based off. The songs are full of lighthearted fun, while still being catchy and having a good amount of heart. 

The world needs lighthearted shows now more then ever, though there will always be a place for heavy pieces that explore humanity, we need shows like SpongeBob. Fun escapes, fun music, and just to sit back, laugh, and smile. Real life can be stressful and when it got stressful I realized how important shows like this are. This show, "Legally Blonde", "Something Rotten". "Aladdin", some are more family friendly then others but these shows are escapes. They make you laugh while still being relatable, having compelling characters, real situations in different environments, and amazing music. 

Never let someone tell you theater should be one way, because if you think that way you will end up missing something that might end up becoming a new favorite. I recommend this show if you want something that is pure fun, there are so many fun moments even just within the songs.

Thank you so much for reading and I hope you have an amazing day, soon enough I am going to have to look at the taped production of this show to see how the music fits into the story. But until then, I hope your day is a showstopper. 

Musical Memories: Seeing Waitress

 This week was Pi Day and there is no musical that embodies pie better than "Waitress" so much so that I ate pie when seeing it. So today I wanted to talk about my memory of seeing this show in 2019. From memories to newer performances, I plan on covering more live performances, admits the albums, proshoots, and movies. I even have some fun surprises planned for later this year. But for now, it is time to take a trip down memory land to a show I never ever ever wanna get rid of, let alone forget.

I saw this show in the spring and saw it a month before the first time I ever saw "Hamilton" live. I went because some content creators i follow, and a couple friends recommended it to me, and I am so glad they did. I knew of a couple songs, but neither the plot nor the fact that it was based on a film. Also, much to my surprise was discovering that Sara Barellis penned the music and oversaw this show being brought to life, and that for a small fee I could buy a jar of pie to eat during the show. This was an amazing experience and I had not even taken my set yet.

I sat in the balcony for a matinee performance, and every performer knocked it right out of the park. The music was great, and I was engrossed from start to finish. The story, the heart, the characters, the comedy. The show was a perfect balance of lighthearted while still having serious moments, conveying real and relatable emotions, with three dimensional characters. So many of the songs had me wanting to dance along, some had me laughing, and some moved me. The lyrics went hand in hand with the music so well, and the instrumentation was amazing.

Sometimes even a small band would play on stage, adding a cool touch to the atmosphere. As the song "Bad Idea" closed out act one, it easily became the song I would listen to again and again after seeing the show, among many other songs, and many times the album. The songs had such range that it gripped me and never let go, I loved many of these characters, I felt like I knew them by the end with how well written they were and how relatable their stories and emotions could be. 

The set design was full of charm, and the choreography was great as well, the times that the show included it. The slow moments were powerful, and the upbeat songs full of life. The song "You Matter To Me" in the way it is integrated into the plot, and how powerful it is, always moves me. It is so quiet, so beautiful, and incredibly strong.

I knew nothing about this show going in, but coming out I loved it, and would see it again easily, and have wanted a proshoot for the longest time. The music, the story, it all wrapped together into a very sweet and great time. If given the chance I would see this show a time or two again, it is that good. I highly recommend listening to the album and if the opportunity ever arises to see it, see it

Loving this show, is as easy as pie. With great messages about love, life, change, and finding your inner strength, this amazing show is a perfect combination akin to sugar, butter, and flour. I still even have the pie jar from that day, and am so glad that I saw it.

SIX: Giving History A Royal Glow Up

 Today is International Women's Day, and even though I have some future content involving some of my favorite female led musicals such as Waitress, Legally Blonde, and a few more, I decided to talk about one that I have not yet covered yet. Why talk about one female lead, when I can cover six of them! I have been listening to the album of this show since 2020 and I hope to see it performed someday. This show follows the tales of the lives of the wives of Henry The 8th, some divorced, one survived, and a few who met a tragic end. But this is not your typical narrative structure, each wife has their own song and covers a different style of pop. On top of that are some fantastic group numbers, and as each of the women takes over for a solo, the others provide great back up vocals. 

The cast album is a must, it is the closet thing for people who can not see the whole show, and get the whole story. I love almost every song in this show, and even the ones that I do not listen to on repeat that often is still really well made. Each of our queens brings a different type of pop music in the mix that will stay in your head over and over. Each one of these songs is worth at least one listen, but trust me these are worth way more and are very easy to keep on repeat.

Each character in this cast of six stands out, their songs defining so much of their personalities and lives over the course of these songs. Staged as an informative concert that teaches, entertains, and inspires the audience. From break up songs, to life stories, each one real and full of heart as well as being incredibly catchy and at times moving. The story line follows the wives the history shows but gives us their stories and shows how they were so much more and who they were and shows us what could have been if the self centered monarch they were wed too wasn't in the picture. Dropping facts and dropping beats, the lyrics are deep and these songs are absolute jams. There are a few slower songs that definitely change the pace up and bit but most of this soundtrack is high energy and I find myself dancing to these songs often. 

Each one done in a style that stands out, my favorite being the very self-love filled song "Get Down" done by Anne of Cleaves in the second half of the show. The show is filled with great music and tons of heart as well as some group numbers that wrap things up in a nice bow. Every singer may help each other with their solo pieces, but when their voices unite for the opening number and finale it is nothing short of amazing. The music of this show is incredible and I hope to see it live someday whether it be in a proshot or on tour, after listening to the album many times over, this show is a must. It has good history, great writing, great music, empowering songs, and a fantastic use of a small group to make an experience I will not soon forget. 

Give the album a try or go and see it if you can, and you may find yourself listening to songs on loop and seeing why this show is worth all the hype it gets. SIX is full of stories worth telling infused with relatable feelings and lyrics that apply to today. 

We Don't Talk About Bruno (Song Talk)

 There is a good chance you know this song lyric by lyric. One of the amazing songs from Encanto that people cannot stop singing, because every single song in this film knocked it out of the park. And even though it has been a couple months since the movie came out, people are still singing the songs, doing covers, making memes, and so much more of the film and soundtrack, this film is a bonafide future classic.  But there is one song that I feel like has come up the most in conversation, one that many say pops into their heads multiple times a day including myself. It's about time we talk about "We Don't Talk About Bruno".

As her aunt, cousins, uncle, sister and even the town itself rallies around the lead to explain their reason of wanting to forget Bruno, the audience is brought into a grand mix of comedy and music. From great deliveries of lines to building to a finale that is fantastic. Combing almost every previous part into a grand medley and then coming together for the final notes, each part of this song builds into making it so great.  The lyrics and score combining into something that gives you information while being incredibly entertaining, making you wonder the truth about Bruno who has only been mentioned once or twice before the song. 

This song appears in the middle of the film and adds not only exposition, and character building but use of characters that have not had a song in the film yet. The song is a great use of side characters and the ensemble, adding comedic layers and fun lighthearted moments while building a character up for an eventual reveal. All of this, combined with a catchy melody, lyrics that will remain in your head rent free for hours and you have a song that is worth talking about.

Some exposition songs fall flat, where they just end up breaking the pace or not being a good standalone song out of the context of the production. This is not one of those songs. This song is great whether watching it in the movie with the great animation or listening to it on its own. The lyrics and use of the ensemble and side characters established them, a character who has not yet appeared in the film. When viewing this, the animation much like the rest of this movie lends to the song being unforgettable. When listened to on its own the lyrics and melodies come together to make the song just as unforgettable.

This song is going to be played for years to come, from the fact that it moves the plot in an entertaining way to the great lyrics and animation. This song setting the stage does it in such an unforgettable fashion that it will be worth talking about, time and time again.

If The Glass Shoe Fits: Conclusion

 Thus ends the retrospective, this has been nothing short of fun... most of the time. Revisiting old favorites and discovering a new favorite or two. The clock approaches midnight and there are other topics to cover. Now I feel is a good time to end this one, but perhaps someday I will revisit this topic. For now, there are other shows to discuss, films to cover, live shows perhaps, and proshots, as well as albums and so much more. I have another retrospective planned for the near future. This has been super fun and thank you so much for joining me on this journey. I hope you found a new film, a new song, or something new to enjoy out of this. But it seems the clock has hit twelve on this, and time for a new morning, for new dreams and new ideas, I hope your day is a showstopper. 

If The Glass Shoe Fits: The 1997 Special

Here we are, this is my favorite adaptation of Cinderella, ever! This made for television special in 1997 starring Brandy, Whitney Houston, and so many more in an amazing star-studded cast is the version of Cinderella I go to when I want to show someone or watch this classic tale. Adapted from the version created by Rodgers and Hammerstein, adding new songs that have even carried over to the revival tour, and performed perfectly. This is the version that just fits perfectly for me.

This version has a Cinderella take the helm who is quiet and keeps to herself but is a big dreamer, and who is kindhearted. Every character is as if the story book came to life, and told the tale as you know it, but in such a great way that it is still groundbreaking. Though never given a theatrical release, this version has the scope, the songs, and choreography of a film that does. It is pure fun from start to finish, the songs are upbeat and grand, as well as sometimes quiet and somber, but the pacing is nothing short of fantastic. 

The message about dreaming, and how to not give up because someone will never know when the impossible will become possible is simple yet powerful. The songs turning this into a tale for all ages to enjoy. I have been through many versions, and it feels so refreshing to not see someone try to fix what doesn't need fixing by adding extra edge, or three storylines that end up going nowhere. This story has no twists, no surprises, but rather does what it sets out to do so well that it is one of the best. 

Each song not only fits into the narrative but is a delight and is so well performed. The costumes, the sets, everything invoking a warm, welcoming story that is worth hearing. This version is on Disney Plus and is an absolute must if you have not seen it, for the amazing music and fantastic performances. There may be many adaptations of this version that came before it, and some that came after, but this is my absolute favorite. Rewatching, it filled me with joy, from the songs not having one out of place or breaking to pace, to the amazing performances, the great sets, and simple yet powerful message. This is one of, if not the best version of this story in my opinion. It is on DVD, digital, and Disney plus and is one hundred percent worth your time. 

Every song, every performance, the writing, the jokes, they all land one after the other into a great telling, of one of the best Cinderella adaptations out there, adding new songs that have since been kept shows how amazing this version is.  This is one wish come true that is worth the watch again, and again. 

I Saw My First Musical Live In 2 Years..

 The last show I saw before the lights went out was Hamilton in February of 2020 on Super Bowl Sunday, I had an opportunity or two to see a show, but life got in the way, and I would not be able to make those local performances, outdoor theater and concerts, or even a tour of Hairspray. But now the wait is over, I have seen a show since the lights went dark and that in fact was Hamilton, on Super Bowl Sunday in 2022. This is the best case of de'ja' vu I have ever had. So, this week we are taking a short pause from our retrospective and having processed the unreal feeling of seeing a live show again. I decided to recount my experience. 

The venue I went to require every patron to be fully masked, and have either a negative covid test, and for the sake of the future of the arts, I say yes. There are many reasons to get vaccinated, from helping protect others and yourself, and one reason to add to all the others is help save the public arts. I will do what I must, and I gladly wore a mask the entire time, it did not stop my enjoyment. It did not hinder me from watching the show, from hearing the wonderful performances, or buying souvenirs. 

I saw the Phillip Tour, which was the touring cast I saw before the lights went dark on the stage for almost two years. Every performer did wonderful and, the choreography was nothing short of amazing, all of it was amazing. The show was amazing from beginning to end, I am glad that it is available to watch as many times as possible and whenever a viewer wants on Disney Plus, but even with that this show is fantastic live. And since I have seen this show multiple times live, it must be stated that it was as amazing as it was the first time, I saw it. If it is not coming to your area the Disney Plus version is fantastic and has the original cast, this show is nothing short of amazing. Hamilton is worth all the hype it gets, with unforgettable music, a gripping story, and fantastic characters. 

 I was filled with such joy and happiness to be back in the room where it happened. There is nothing quite like seeing live theater. It felt like seeing an old friend who had been gone too long. I cried, tears of joy traveled down my cheeks as the lights went dim, and the music began. I was at home and have felt so happy. This filled me with such joy that I am on cloud nine, seeing this had me looking into all the local theaters, both those who were local and those who host musical tours. 

Theater is back, and even with bumps in the road, I hope it stays. Seeing a show live again filled me with such joy that only live theater could give. Settling in, having the lights go down, the music come on, and the cast bring me into a world not my own. Seeing Hamilton as my first show back was extra special, worth the drive, and worth everything. Do what is necessary to see live theater and support it, and to keep it going. It has been gone but seeing it return is nothing short of breathtaking, and to finally be a part of it again, made me smile ear to ear even after the final bow. 

If The Glass Shoe Fits: Rodgers And Hammerstein

 Now we have arrived at a version of this narrative that is very much beloved. The classic from two giants of the golden age, the version that has been done time and time again. This one has many adaptations within this adaption, so let's not waste a moment more and dive right in. 

This telling of the tale is as classic as the Disney animated original, made in the 1950's and winning over audiences both on television and stage many times, this version stands the test of time. Older versions having less content than newer versions to expand into a longer yet still enjoyable experience, both versions are enjoyable. This version of the narrative is lifted straight from the pages of the story book, though with some violence toned down, this is a fun, inspiring, and enjoyable version. The story is as you know it, finally no twists, modern takes, or ideas that take away from this wonderful story.

A story of kindness, determination, and dreams. A message of the impossible becoming possible, and to never give up hope. This version has seen multiple television specials, and quite a few tours on stage. If you wish many of the television specials from the 50's, 60's, and 1997 can be found on DVD or online. The album of the 2015 revival of this show also is a great listen start to finish. I personally recommend the 1997 version and adaptations that follow after as there are more songs, that extend this fun and uplifting narrative in the best way possible without overstaying it's welcome, dance numbers, more songs, and just more fun in general. 

Why look into this? To put it simple, it is fun, inspirating and has an amazing score. No song falls flat, the tone is always just right, and each song fits the scene it is like a glass slipper. This version is a great way to tell the story, while adding a dynamic cast, great music, and unforgettable songs. This is as classic as it gets for me, so much so that I think I want to discuss my favorite one. The 2015 album is worth your time if you are curious, give it a listen and enjoy it perhaps. It is worth your time, but it is my second favorite version of this tale, my first being one that you can find not only on Disney Plus but in my next post. 

If The Glass Shoe Fits: The 2021 Amazon Prime Edition

 As we continue our journey through this retrospective our next stop, much like the version made by Andrew Llyod Webber thar I covered recently was released last year. This one as an Amazon Prime exclusive starring a myriad of talented people, and some Broadway alums as well. This version much like a work I have delayed covering "Diana The Musical" on Netflix has garnered much disapproval, criticism, and ranked as some of the worse musical media in recent years. But I have to cover and cannot put it off any longer! Is this truly as awful as people say? The only way to find out is to view it so let's go on this carriage ride we may or may not wish to forget.

This is so bad... that is worth a watch, it is so bad that it's good. I was laughing and in a confused state the entire time for all the wrong reasons, so let's cover the true positive aspects. Billie Porter is amazing as always and he steals every scene he is in. Every performer is a great singer, and the songs, though this is a jukebox musical are enjoyable they are fun. Unlike the album I covered a couple weeks back, I actually joined the musical, they were songs we all know like "Somebody To Love" and "Material Girl" but it is fun. 

The story adds a bunch of modern additions that do not work, including the music being a jukebox musical, it is well performed but it always breaks the pace of the show. The comedy falls flat, and they try to add new story lines like businesswoman Cinderella, arranged marriages, status, the prince being viewed as stupid and being with the bros all the time, a princess who is not allowed to govern and more.  All these storylines mean and lead to nothing as they just keep returning to the tale we all know, they are not additions because many of them never land, if you wish to be different then you must commit. But this version has so many different storylines all with a world that is ho hum that we have seen so many times before that they are just extending the length without investing the audience.

As for the dialogue, it is a mess, a mix of flourish and modern lingo that will make you laugh but not at the jokes. Every joke falls flat, and the characters are one dimensional as the pages of the story book they are adapted from. They try to make it modern and raise questions and make statements, but they never land.  The worst character being the king played by Pierce Bronson, he is so irredeemable that every scene he is in makes you hate the character. The only ones that could give him a run for his royal money are the mice who not only add nothing, are not funny, and add annoying screeches to songs, but are also made with terrible CGI. The film is shot well enough, but the effects are laughable. The songs all being recognizable making this a jukebox musical is super distracting, but the music is fun. The choreography is great, and this is well performed, but the music doesn't fit, and the writing is terrible.

The jokes, modern story lines akin to a workplace comedy or drama and modern lingo never fit and make for a ton of laughs. This film is so bad that it makes for a great watch with friends to enjoy. Nothing in this film works aside from the performances and singing and even those don't fit. This has to be seen at least once just to see how poorly made an adaptation can get. Adding modern elements and current songs to date a timeless tale. So even though it doesn't work there is entertainment to be had here and tons of fun, with some great covers of songs we all know, I can say I enjoyed this much more and laughed much more than I did with the Andrew Llyod Webber version, even if for the wrong reasons. This may not be good but is worth an enjoyable watch with friends and talking about way past midnight. 

If The Glass Shoe Fits: The Animated Disney Classic We All Know, The Sequel, And The One You Should Know About

 We cannot do a Cinderella deep dive without mentioning the classic animated film. To this day many see it as the definitive way of telling the story, fun visuals, memorable songs, as if the story came to life. This story has reached generations and is still being shown today. It is timeless and will probably continue you on for years to come. Disney saw this and even rebooted this story and given it a sequel or two, so let's dive into this adaptation, it is a must when talking about Cinderella. Before I dive in, I will not be covering the reboot because I have not seen it, and it is not on Disney Plus for some odd reason, but all three animated versions will be. 

The First

What can be said about this timeless film that has not been said? This is to many the best Cinderella adaptation and if they said so I can see why. This film holds up in terms of quality and the way it tells the story. Yes, it adds the talking mice, and some songs, as well as toning down the violence of the original but that is just fine. This adaptation keeps the spirit of the original while showing Cinderella as a kindhearted, dreamer who longs to be something more. Though not note for note with the original story, the heart of the tale surges through this adaptation. The songs are timeless favorites that can still be performed today, this film holds up, and all the praise it has garnered still stands. This film is as good as it was back then as it is now. The animation and look of this film has such a classic look, the songs a sound that is hard to forget. The versions of these characters such as the Stepmother, Sisters, Fairy Godmother, and even Cinderella herself here are the versions that most people think of when they hear the name Cinderella. That makes perfect sense for this tale is truly timeless. It holds up and the best way to describe this film is a timeless classic. A great trip down memory lane and to spend an afternoon, a timeless, feel-good story. 

The Second

"Dreams Do Come True" is the title of this direct to DVD follow up and dreams will happen because this film is an absolute snooze. This is NOT how to follow up the timeless classic that proceeded it. Three mini stories tied together none of them interesting aside from the final story where Cinderella helps one of her sisters find love in a surprisingly sweet story. The jokes never land, the writing is super simple, and this entire sequel is as pointless as a smashed pumpkin when the clock is at 12:15. The music is all pop songs and not fun ones either, they were in one ear and out the other. Aside from the last story, and good animation for direct to DVD, this is story worth skipping in its entirety. The characters who are still great don't have much to do and that is why this plot drags. Definitely don't give this dream come true a single thought. 

The Third

A film titled Cinderella 3 A Twist In Time feels like a joke, but it's not, and this movie is incredible. I will not dive into the plot because this one is really worth a watch, but I will say that it involves time travel, a sinister plot, true love, and plenty of funny and even heartwarming moments. There are some plot points that are not the best, and some are a tad contrived. But the good outweighs the bad in spades. There are elements that carry over from Cinderella 2 even surprisingly, but I recommend just looking up the easter eggs, though one of the plot points from the second film is acknowledged and dealt with. This one makes the second film necessary in more ways than the entire second film ever did. The songs are fun and better the second one, there are some great jokes, and a ton of surprisingly sweet moments. This film is a must, and each character has something to do to advance the plot, the animation spectacular for direct to DVD. This one is worth watching time and time again.

If you wish to watch these, all three are on Disney Plus, but we are not done with this platform just yet, but that will have to wait for another night. 

If The Glass Shoe Fits: Andrew Llyod Webber's Cinderella

 

Image Source: PR Newswire

Info Source: Wikipedia

There are a few newer takes on the tale that I plan on covering, among some of my favorites we got two new adaptations of the classic tale last year, one on Amazon Prime and a delayed American production, but a West End Production and Album for Andrew Llyod Webber's take on this story. Though it has yet to come stateside, the plot synopsis is on Wikipedia, and I will sum up part of it but let me just say you are going to want to know the plot or at least a general idea for this show. The album mentions parts in the songs that you need a knowledge to fully understand, so let's see where this show stands just based off of the songs when the clock strikes twelve. 

Without giving a full-on synopsis, the town and kingdom is perfect, there were two princes but now just one, Cinderella doesn't wear makeup and she always speaks her mind, everyone has to be perfect, the fairy godmother is a plastic surgeon, and everyone has to be perfect and is obsessed with their status and looks. The plot is wild and even after reading about the events and listening to songs multiple times, it is not the best take on the tale. It is super mean spirited, complicated in places where it didn't need to be, and that is with me leaving parts out. The show is super mean spirted and has a jaded cynical edge, for every single character. Even though the plot did not bode well with me. There are some twists that did not fit for me, such as crass jokes or ideas of the outfit from the godmother being too painful to wear that Cinderella would pass out by midnight. To a prince and Cinderella giving into what others say in very out of character moments. I can only hope the music don't by Andrew Llyod Webber fares better for me.

The music for this was a mixed bag, and actually reminded me of Webber's last work "School Of Rock The Musical" as in the genre and tone are all over the place. This show is a mixture of like three different genres of music, from traditional Broadway, to punk, to acoustic and more. And some of these songs are great. Albeit Cinderella has three ballads that all sound the same that are all about the same thing of being a loner and outcast. Some of these songs are stupid fun, like one with all the "Hunks" of town and how they feel about the prince. Some of the songs are fun, but even in the songs I like not all of the lyrics hit.

Some of the lyrics took me out of the experience or enjoyment of the song, on top of the songs even having a sad or cynical edge. This story is a Cinderella tale about marrying for love, not being ashamed of who you are and being yourself. But a ton of the songs are about giving in, being picked on, or how sad or unnoticed the character is that I feel like this loses the spirit of the classic tale. It is so negative, and the constant genre hopping had me confused, so much so I went back and listened to "School Of Rock" a show I covered on this blog a LONG time ago and they sounded super similar. Constant genre swapping, tons of cynicism, jumbled lyrics, unclear motivations, tons of characters and giving all of them a song. They felt like the same shows with only a different set piece.  The leads dejected outcasts, with love interests too scared to step out of the box (The prince even worse because he takes everything the wrong way), a huge ensemble with a ton of group numbers that start and stop the plot constantly. It was hard to tell the difference after a while.

That being said, some of these songs are beauitful, some of the ballads are great, some of the song's fun, and some are great listens. For me personally the jokes being included, and negative edge took me out of the experience as I found myself tired of the constant negativity and occasional crassness. The songs I did like were good, and if you want a bunch of genres mixed together give this show a listen. There is about two hours' worth of music, but you may find yourself moved or entertained, so give the album a listen, and if you enjoy the show and music that's great! 

For me this Cinderella was hard to root for, she was constantly negative, down, or giving up. She is always wanting to run away, give in, and giving into being like those around her when her and her prince have songs about how they love being different. This shows dour tone, uninteresting leads, and a soundtrack that is all over the place, matching the plot appropriately, all tied together with a weak and muddled message had me wanting more. There are good songs, good ideas, and a good show buried in here, but as is, I was okay skipping this ball and staying home. 

If The Glass Shoe Fits: Into The Woods

 We start with a very different take on this tale, as she has to share the stage with many more than just her evil stepsisters. The version of Cinderella found in Into The Woods, the classic musical written by the late great Stephen Sondheim. And warning for those who have not seen this masterpiece, for these work and future pieces I will be going into spoilers, and in this case, there is massive twist. Also for this version I will be covering the stage version as I have not seen the film. 

The first act follows the story we know and sticks to the classic route of the original story, so birds attacking the sisters among other grim and violent parts included. It is the standard meeting a nice yet super goofy and aloof prince whose brother pines for Rapunzel, to falling in love, yet this version does not come with a fairy godmother, but the rest of the pieces are there. It seems all perfect for our new princess as the cast sings the song "Ever After" and the curtain falls and ends act one. But as act two begins she questions her life as a princess and a love that is fading, unfortunately even more so for her royal husband who has an affair and eventually leaves her alone, with a rampaging giant none the less. He even leads to the death of another character, on the prince scale, he stinks. She then helps save the day and helps the baker care for his child, as she finds a new family of friends in the ravaged world as the curtain closes with its impactful message. 

This adaptation of the character is kind, gentle, and very intelligent. She has a great emotional range and is a character I find myself rooting for as she finds less and less of her identity in love and more in herself. She cares for the world around her, and is a empathetic character who you will want to see succeed. She has a solo song or two, and they are delightful. "A Very Nice Prince" adds a very nice emotional layer as from the beginning she questions if this is true love or just an emotion. All the songs in this show bring a great taste of relatability to the characters of this fairy tale world while still remaining whimsical. The emotions and conflicts relatable in many cases as the cast ventures into the woods with their dreams in tow. 

This is a great version for the amount of time she has, she stands out among all the other stories she has to share the stage with. She has moments to her own and to interact with the vast cast of this show and this character stands out amazingly. She begins as someone who wants to go to a festival that you meet to someone who just wants love without having to earn it. She helps the world around her because she truly cares and is looking for a place to belong. This version of the tale adds some much-welcomed twists and turns that make it stand out and breath air into the classic tale. Enough is similar but enough is different that makes this a great story that is already being told in the same narrative with more the one tale that intertwine. Enough time is spent with the story to keep you invested and is told fantastically with some pieces missing but not the major story beats and some incredibly well written themes, and well asked questioned. 

This version of the tale is a great FIT among the good Cinderella adaptations. But this is only the first glance, and there are many more coming, so stay tuned.

If The Glass Shoe Fits! A Deep Dive Into The World Of Cinderella (Introduction)

For as long as many of us can remember the story of a girl who longed to go to the ball, a fairy godmother, and a glass slipper all have echoed in our minds and hearts for years. Whether the classic Disney animated feature, the remake of said classic, one of many adaptations in a modern setting (and keep getting made), or musicals the story of Cinderella is told time after time, and in so many ways. I want to look into that, and so many versions, especially the musical albums and films, some more modern than one would expect. 

Why do so many people from modern films to the stage adapt this tale. A girl who dreams of a prince and a better life, who is miserable at home who gets a fairy godmother and meets the prince of her dreams. Yer the spell is wearing thin and only one clue is left behind, which leads to a PERFECT FIT and a happily ever after. A timeless story with a message of " do the right thing and someday you will hit your lucky break" written all over it, in the case of this story, true love.

This fairytale that all these adaptations draw from I would argue gets the most versions of this story, and I will say it has fewer sleeping protagonists as other tales, with the stakes of living in misery alone forever instead of an evil witch who may or may not turn into a dragon based on the version of the story you see. So a tale that is slightly more grounded by still has stakes, a likeable protagonist, and enough magic and whimsy to keep the audience engaged. 

With this narrative being in the public domain leads to many adaptations in film, television and even the stage. And that is where I come in, I will be looking at all of the musical adaptations of this character old and new, popular and obscure. But also taking a look at the films both musical and nonmusical alike. This is going to take some time and at least consume all of this month.

So, join me for this fun deep dive into this story we have seen that entails a glass slipper or in some cases a sneaker. You never know what is possible when looking at this classic tale, what we can learn from it, and how so many people have put their spins on this story. Consider this the introduction as we find out the old, the new, the best and the ones we hope turn into a pumpkin when the clock strikes twelve. 

Songs To Start The New Year With

 It's a new year and with that comes new things, from resolutions to things to look forward too and new surprises, including musicals. I will be covering plenty of content old and new, whether stage, movie, album or other. While I work on those, I need some motivation, we all do sometimes, whether it's for a project or just to get going at the start of the day. And to motivate myself sometimes I like to listen to some very upbeat or inspiring songs from musicals. So, in no particular order here are some songs to help you with your next workout, project or as you begin your new year's resolutions, here are some great songs to start this new year.

Watch What Happens (Newsies)

We do not know what the future holds, but we do know how to do what we love, and what our dreams are, and this song embodies that. The melodies and lyrics build off of each other and prove to be a very motivational song. The score and performance work hand in hand to get anyone in the mood to get work in the best way possible.

I Don't Want To Be Here (Ordinary Days)

Going off of the last song, this song is also about pursuing your dreams, namely about finding about where you need to be, even if you have no idea where to go. Inspiring and comedic at the same time, this song is very real and relatable, conveying great jokes, memorable and funny lyrics, and ton of heart with a great use of piano. 

All Your Heart (Schmigadoon)

This one will put you in the mood to give your all while dancing along at the same time. A great message wrapped in a tune that will stay in your head longer that reminds the listener that staying with something is far more worth it. 

Chip On My Shoulder (Legally Blonde)

Sometimes you have to motivate yourself, starting a lower point and working hard to get to your dream. This song talks about motivation, finding your fire, and shows the turning point of the lead, all while being super inspiring. Sometimes to see your goal through you need some motivation or a chip on your shoulder with the chance you have been given.

Don't Rain On My Parade (Funny Girl)

You need to sometimes tell all naysayers to stand aside, succeed or fail you have to try. Not letting anyone stop you, whether you make it or not, holds true with this infectious masterpiece of a song. 

Opening Doors/Putting It Together

 (Merrily We Roll Along And Sunday In The Park With Geroge)

The inspiration for all the artists out there, two amazing pieces from the late, great, Stephen Sondheim. Each of these songs has a ton of the navigating the world of art while keeping an optimistic tone, showing the challenges artists face but inspiring the listen to keep going. Showing that art is not always easy but how perseverance can help you make it through. 

Paciencia y Fe (In The Heights)

Dreams are not an overnight thing, we work towards them, as Abuela Claudia recounts her life you feel inspired as she never wavered. Hearing how she did all she can all while holding on to who she was and not letting society wash over her, until she makes it to one life changing moment, pursuing goals is sometimes super hard, this song shows that is still worth it. 

My Shot (Hamilton)

This song inspires every time I listen to it, I have been listening to this song for years and it still fires me up. The call to action to seize the moment is powerful and the beat partnered with the lyrics leads to something that will inspire you like it does me. The song is unforgettable and super catchy while not just being a great song but also incredibly motivational to take control of your life and pursue your dream.

I hope these songs inspire you, and that you have a great 2022, I am so excited to share what I have planned and see what musicals we get this year. Thank you for reading and take care!