Too many changes pissed me off: Ne-Yo is curious enough, but Ne-Yo writing an original song FOR this? Ugh. Removing “I Was Born On The Day Before Yesterday” and replacing it with a song not even good enough to make the cut of the dreadful movie version, called “You Can’t Win”? Feh. (Though, I do … More Music Box: Nobody Beats “The Wiz”
I’m dazed. Literally. I first saw the off-Broadway production back in February, at the Public, as a birthday present to myself. It was a staggering achievement then, but even more so now. Every so often a work of art descends upon us from the heavens, via the musical theater gods – so breathtaking, towering in … More Music Box: Hamilton the Musical – History Is Happening In Manhattan
How do you mourn a legend who’s lived more than you and me combined? At the ripe old age of 89, the great Elaine Stritch has taken her final bows. To see her in a show was to expect the expected AND unexpected, and to bear witness Broadway royalty non pareil. I’m thrilled, delighted, and … More Legacy: Elaine Stritch Everybody Rise!
Idina Menzel lives in a musical kingdom where she rules as the Queen and her uber-fans are of many facets – her disciples, her defenders, her watchdogs, her court jesters, and her steadfastly dedicated army. Dare, if you will, to publicly state that the Emperor has no clothes, and you will be harangued, and scolded, … More Music Box: Idina Menzel Live At Radio City Music Hall
“A BED AND A CHAIR: A New York Love Affair” was a Stephen Sondheim compilation presented by New York City Center and Jazz At At Lincoln Center, and as longtime Sondheimite, I’m sad to say I missed what promised to be a glorious night at the theater. Another Sondheim revue, you say? Yeah, I know. … More Music Box: The Ladies Who Lunch Medley
I know – I shouldn’t be so highfalutin because they are totally different organisms – but I’m always a little weary about film versions of beloved musicals not living up to expectations (see Les Miz, Hairspray, The Wiz, the Beyonce-ruined Dreamgirls, and so on). So I’m naturally skeptical about the upcoming The Last Five Years, the film … More Reel Life: The Last 5 Years
I remember as powerful a play as a lily-white newly teenaged man/child could comprehend…I vaguely remember being one of very few white people in the audience…and I remember the black woman sitting next to me, tears streaming down her face one moment, her self-affirmative, “Mmm hmm! That’s right!” proclamations the next; her juxtaposition of pride, … More Reel Life: Look To The “Rainbow”?
