I Am My Father's Son: The New Villain of 'Anastasia'

The stage adaptation of Fox’s beloved 1997 film Anastasia opened on Broadway on April 24, 2017 to a slew of sold out performances and rave reviews. Previews had been running since January, but before the show hit the streets of New York, it had a short run at Hartford Stage in Connecticut to test the changes. The biggest change was the decision to ground the show in realism and take out the mystical characterization of Rasputin. In his place is a Bolshevik officer, Gleb. Without the fantastical elements, Gleb is a common villain, with an interesting arc that’s more impactful than a manic curse and a talking bat. However, like Rasputin, he is focused on something akin to revenge and, perhaps to a greater degree, eliminating the past.

The main storyline, that of Anya and her journey to rediscover her past, remains the same at its core: an orphaned young woman with amnesia who is looking for someone in Paris and who is swept up in a masquerade pretending to be the real Anastasia. While songs have been tweaked and new ones added, the ones specifically written for Gleb tell the other side of the Romanov story.

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Hartford’s Gleb, Manoel Felciano, looks very much like a Russian version of Les Mis’s Javert, and the character holds a similar role. Gleb’s father was a part of the firing squad that was in charge of disposing of the Romanovs ten years prior. The role falls now to Gleb as rumors swirl that Anastasia is alive and headed to Paris. It’s an eerie parallel as he encounters Anya, warns her later about her scheme, and then follows her across country borders in order to intervene just before the press conference that could change history.

Through one majorly defining song, “Still”, and the twisting of another (“The Neva Flows”), Gleb’s heart and soul are bared to the audience. He finds himself at war between his duty and manliness and his heart. In his brief interactions with Anya, he paints her both as a trembling flower in need of protection and a deceptive manipulator. It’s a dichotomy found in many villains: their newfound love for the lead tries to overpower their end goal (usually destruction or death). Gleb remembers watching his father leave, seeing the Romanov children being ushered into Yekaterinburg, and hearing the world go silent for a moment. His story is very much about becoming a man, especially in relation to what his father could (or couldn’t) do. He takes on the task his father couldn’t complete in hopes that it will complete him. His arc is dependent on other people.

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Anya, having found her place in Paris, stands before Gleb and his pistol and defiantly says, “Finish it. I am my father’s daughter.” Because she remembers the horrors and now shoves them toward Gleb in a reprise of his song. “And I am my father’s son!” Gleb barks back. “Finish it I must.” His pistol is cocked but it does not go off. On stage, we see him falter, drop his arm, and leave. To those listening solely to the musical album, the show takes a slightly more ambiguous ending, as the listener is immediately transported to the finale.

The finale draws two pictures: the Dowager Empress in Paris and Gleb, now back in Russia, both announce that Anastasia was a dream, a fantastical story that is finished now. Fans of the story know that Anya decides to stay with Dmitri, but while Rasputin is defeated and destroyed, Gleb lives on. However, the ambiguity allows for the true history to have a moment. Anastasia Romanov died in Yekaterinburg in 1918 with her family, the end of a monarchy and the beginning of a new era. But still, for years after her death, the hope remained that someone survived (until conclusive DNA testing on discovered remains found the two missing children, Alexei and either Anastasia or Maria).

The story told here remains a fairy tale that many cherish; it offers closure on all accounts, both historical and fictional. Gleb himself isn’t a historical character the same way Anya and her grandmother are, but he serves as the amalgamation of many Bolsheviks serving the new order. Because he is made a complex human, his story impacts the plot much more than Rasputin's did despite Rasputin's actual history with the family. At the base, this near typical yet complex character is a perfect break from the fantasy. (And if you’re missing Rasputin’s big song “In the Dark of the Night,” you’ll be happy to know that the melody still has a home in the musical adaptation.)

What do you think of Anastasia's changes from film to stage?

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The Tony Awards 2017: Musical Winners

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The Tony Awards are over! The victors have taken home their awards and work is already beginning for next year's awards, I'm sure. Time to see how our predictions panned out and share some of the best moments.

Opening Number

The opening number at the Tony Awards is always a big deal, and I really enjoyed Kevin Spacey's take on the challenge. 

Costume Design Award

Winner -- Santo Loquasto for Hello, Dolly!

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Hello, Dolly! was a clear favorite for this one and Andrea and I both predicted it as a possible winner. 1/1 for our predictions. The show is filled with colorful costumes for colorful characters. Just look at that hat!

Scenic Design Award
Winner -- Mimi Lien for Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812

Once again, Andrea and I predicted this show to win this award. Just take a look at this fun performance!

Featured Actor Award

Winner -- Gavin Creel for Hello, Dolly!

Once again, we were pretty on top of this one. Gavin Creel's role as Cornelius is pretty large and he's a great actor, so no surprises here. Our predictions are now 3/3.

Lighting Design Award

Winner -- Bradley King for Great Comet

I picked Dear Evan Hansen even though I thought Great Comet might win, so I guess the joke's on me. Andrea didn't choose a specific show, so I won't count that in her numbers. The lighting design for Great Comet is pretty amazing, so it's easy to see why it won. 3/4 for me and 3/3 for Andrea. 

Best Original Score Award

Winner --  Benj Pasek and Justin Paul for Dear Evan Hansen

The first big surprise of the evening. I thought Comet would run away with this award, though I did have DEH listed as a wildcard (so I shall give myself half a point). Andrea picked this (as well as Come from Away). So that's 3.5/5 for me and 4/4 for Andrea.

Best Book of a Musical Award

Winner -- Steven Levenson for Dear Evan Hansen

I predicted DEH, while Andrea suspected Come from Away would steal the spot. In the end, Dear Evan Hansen pulled through. With its realistic dialogue and easy flow, I'm not surprised. 4.5/6 for me and 4/5 for Andrea.

Orchestration Award
Winner -- Alex Lacamoire for Dear Evan Hansen

Bethany: Predicted Great Comet or Bandstand. 

Andrea: Predicted Bandstand. 

This was a surprising win, but deserved, I'm sure. Lacamoire also won last year for Hamilton. As you can see, Andrea and I were both off. Me: 4.5/7, Andrea: 4/6.

Featured Actress Award
Winner -- Rachel Bay Jones for Dear Evan Hansen

Once again, I listed the winner as a wildcard pick. I predicted Jenn Colella from Come from Away, while Andrea picked Stephanie J. Block (or Jenn) to take home the trophy. Looks like we were both wrong, but since I listed her as a wildcard, I'll give myself another half point. Rachel Bay Jones does an excellent job in this tear-inducing role as a mother who isn't always able to be there for her son because she's trying to provide for him. Me: 5/8, Andrea: 4/7.

Best Director Award 
Winner -- Christopher Ashley for Come from Away

I predicted this one as a probable win, while Andrea didn't pick a specific show again. Me: 6/9, Andrea: 4/7. 

Choreography Award

Winner -- Andy Blankenbuehler for Bandstand

Okay, I predicted Holiday Inn because I was awed by the idea of a tap number with jump ropes. I should have predicted Bandstand like Andrea. Also, this show looks awesome and their Tony performance was fabulous. Me: 6/10, Andrea: 5/8.

Actor in a Leading Role Award
Winner -- Ben Platt for Dear Evan Hansen 

 

This was all I wanted from this year's Tony Awards. Ben Platt won Best Actor and he was precious. His speech in the above video was inspiring as well. Both Andrea and I got this one correct. Me: 7/11, Andrea: 6/9.

Actress in a Leading Role Award

Winner -- Bette Midler for Hello, Dolly!

As predicted by both of us, Bette Midler won! She also did something we didn't expect: she talked right through her play-off music to thank people until the music actually stopped. It was a pretty hilarious moment that will probably live in Tony Awards infamy. Me: 8/12, Andrea: 7/10.

Revival of a Musical Award 
Winner -- Hello, Dolly!

I love the Revival of a Musical category. It's the moment musical classics get a chance to shine again. This year, they returned a previously cut song to the show and you can see David Hyde Pierce performing it above. I predicted this to win, while Andrea thought Falsettos might beat it. Me: 9/13, Andrea: 7/11. 

Best Musical Award

Winner -- Dear Evan Hansen

Whoa. Although I like Dear Evan Hansen, I was sure Great Comet was a lock for the night's biggest award. Andrea predicted rightly, though, so our final counts are ... me: 9/14, Andrea: 8/12. We didn't do so badly, but next year will hopefully be better.

Other Highlights

Ben Platt leading the cast of DEH, just days after being on vocal rest, was lovely and emotional and great. This kid can act and sing so beautifully. 

The performance from Miss Saigon was so chilling and emotional, a truly gut-wrenching performance and one of my favorites from the night. 

Have to share the performance from Groundhog Day since it didn't win any awards and has a talented cast. 

Lastly, I had to share this performance by two Broadway legends, Christine Ebersole and Patti LuPone. 

So there you have it. What was your favorite moment from the Tony Awards? Did your favorites win? 

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Tony Awards 2017: Best Revival of a Musical Nominees

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The Tony Awards continue to draw nearer. We've already gone over the best musical nominees for this year, but what about revivals of musicals?

A revival is a musical that has been performed in the past and has been "revived" to be performed again. This year, there were only three Best Revival of a Musical nominees. Let's take a look.

Falsettos: Originally Performed in 1992, Revived in 2016

First up is Falsettos. I'm not a fan of this show (I don't know much about it beyond what I've researched for this article), but the 2016 revival had some good talent like Christian Borle, Stephanie J. Block, and Andrew Rannells, all of whom were nominated for Tony Awards for their performances. Falsettos is the story of a man who leaves his wife for another man and attempts to make a family including all of them, a task that is beyond difficult. 

Hello, Dolly!: Originally Performed in 1964, Revived in 2017

Hello, Dolly! has actually been revived several times over the years, which is a testament to its enduring nature. Unfortunately, no show clips were to be found so I've included instead a compilation sort of video about the show and its current star, the uber talented theater legend Bette Midler, nominated for Best Actress in this role. Hello, Dolly! follows a widow and self-proclaimed meddler (or matchmaker) who's decided it's time to find a match for herself. 

Miss Saigon: Originally Performed in 1989, Revived in the US in 2017

Miss Saigon made its Broadway debut in 1991, but I felt it would be prudent to list its earlier London premiere, considering Lea Salonga won awards in both nations for her turn as Kim, a Vietnamese girl who's left with a son when her lover, an American soldier, is evacuated as the US leaves Saigon (now Ho Chi Minh City). Probably the most tragic musical on this list, Miss Saigon was created by the team who made Les Misérables a reality and still holds its place as the 13th longest running show on Broadway. Eva Noblezada was also nominated for Best Leading Actress for her portrayal of Kim.

Which show do you think will win this year's Best Revival of a Musical award?

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Tony Highlights: Who Won, Who Lost, and What Happened There

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The Tony Awards happened last Sunday night, and as expected, they were full of glitz, glamour, music, and lots of happy crying.

As a sort of pre-opening to the opening number, the cast of Hamilton presented a special parody of their song "Alexander Hamilton" dedicated to host James Corden. As expected, Hamilton took home many of the awards, a whopping eleven, but more on that later.

I also enjoyed most of the actual opening number, which features Corden taking on many of theatre's most famous roles in mere moments. 

For the most part, the show went about how I expected it to. I thought The Color Purple would win Best Revival of a Musical, which it did. Although I've never seen the show, the cast presented an explosive medley of performances. The girl who sings last, Cynthia Erivo, took home the Tony for Leading Actress in a Musical, and I can see why. Her pipes are golden. 

One big highlight for me was to see the cast of School of Rock perform, though the show didn't win any awards. As star Alex Brightman says in the performance, "We aren't here to win, we're here to rock." They certainly do that. The most impressive thing to me about this performance is that all the children are playing real instruments and doing just as well or better than many adults. Now that's cool. 

As I mentioned, Hamilton won big, but for all the awards they were given and all the speeches made, my absolute favorite was spoken by Renée Elise Goldsberry, who won Best Featured Actress in a musical for her performance as Schuyler Sister Angelica. I found her speech to be beautiful and inspiring. 

Leslie Odom Jr. also won Leading Actor in a Musical for Aaron Burr in Hamilton. I enjoyed his speech as well.

 

Speaking of Hamilton, the show also took home awards for Best Original Score and Best Musical, among others. Here is the performance from Hamilton with most of the cast. 

The Tony's were pretty awesome. I also recommend checking out performances from Waitress, She Loves Me, and more. Here is a full list of winners. 

 Did you watch the Tony's? What was your favorite performance or moment?

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Path to the Tonys: Best Musical Nominees

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A while ago I did a post on musicals that were eligible for Tony nomination. A few weeks ago the actual nominations came out, and today we're going to take a look at the nominees for Best Musical!

Bright Star

Bright Star is a musical taking place in North Carolina. Two plotlines revolve throughout the story. One involves a young aspiring writer and the literary magazine editor he hopes will publish his story, the other shows the editor as a young girl and her various struggles. The music is heavily influenced by bluegrass. Actress Carmen Cusack was also nominated for Best Actress for her portrayal of the editor. 

Hamilton

  If you haven't heard about Hamilton by now I'd be surprised. Telling the story of founding father Alexander Hamilton with music of various styles, including rap and hip-hop, with a few ballad numbers for the theatre purists? It's no wonder this show has broken the record with sixteen Tony nominations. Many fans are expecting a sweep but I'm keeping my eye on the underdogs. We'll see what happens. 

School of Rock

Based on the film of the same name, School of Rock is an obviously rock influenced musical about a slothful man who turns a group of school children into a band. Along with a best musical nomination, the lead actor, Alex Brightman, was also nominated for best actor.

Shuffle Along, or the Making of the Musical Sensation of 1921 and All That Followed

  I'm unfamiliar with this one, though it was nominated for ten awards. Shuffle Along is actually about the creation of a real revue called Shuffle Along that took place in 1921. You could say it is the story of a show within a show. It stars Audra McDonald and Brian Stokes Mitchell, both from the original cast of Ragtime, so I can see why it could be popular. Keep an eye on this one. 

Waitress

  Another one that's been picking up in popularity recently is Waitress, a musical based on a film of the same title. Waitress follows a pregnant woman in an unhappy marriage who has to find her way. I've heard great things about this one, though I still need to give the recently released cast album a listen. The actress playing the titular waitress, Jessie Mueller, was also nominated for Best Actress. The show also garnered some other nominations. 

So there you have it. The Tony Awards air on June 12. Are you planning on watching? Which of these musicals appeals to you the most? 

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Ranking Musicals: 1940s

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 The 1940s were an interesting time for musicals. In the early forties, the United States and several other countries were in the middle of World War II, but the people still needed a good story to fall back on. Below are my top six musicals of the 1940s with the knowledge that I need to familiarize myself better with this decade. As always, the ranking is my personal preference.

6. Carousel (1945)

This show was the second collaboration between Rodgers and Hammerstein. It's never been one of my favorites of their shows, but it does have some catchy music. The show is about a carousel barker who falls in love with one of his riders. Unfortunately, he falls into bad company and in the end has one chance to try to make his mistakes right. 

5. South Pacific (1949)

This is yet another Rodgers and Hammerstein show that I'm not as familiar with as I should be. In fact, when I was reading the synopsis to remind myself of plot points, I realized I had a major plot point all wrong. Whoops. Anyway, this is the story of a Navy nurse who falls for a French plantation owner who lives on an island. One of those early "will they or won't they" couples, you'll probably spend a bunch of the show/film adaptation wondering if things will work out. 

4. Wizard of Oz (1942)

 


After the success of the film starring Judy Garland, the movie was adapted into a stage musical with the same songs. Having participated in this adaptation, I can say that it is pretty much the same as the film with a few slight changes, perhaps. The photo at the top of this post and the one directly below this section is from the production I was in where I played Glinda and Auntie Em.

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3. Brigadoon (1947)

Brigadoon is a show I've watched more recently. I actually watched the film version starring the fabulous Gene Kelly of Singin' in the Rain fame. I really love the Scottish flavor and beautiful dance of this show. I think it is a very creative and well-done concept. It tells the story of a man who must choose between the woman who loves (she comes from a town that only appears once every hundred years) and the real world. It's quite fun.

2. Oklahoma! (1943)

If you say Rodgers and Hammerstein, many people will think of Oklahoma! While doing this series I've realized that I just need to pull out all my Rodgers and Hammerstein films and rewatch them. This one is classic musical theater, the very first that the famous team created together. It tells the tale of a cowboy and the farm girl he loves. 

1. Annie Get Your Gun (1946)

This is one I personally love. I enjoy the music, especially the song above. The song "Anything You Can Do, I Can Do Better" comes from this show. Annie Oakley can shoot better than most anybody, but she hasn't had the best of luck with men. All of that's about to change, however, when she meets her biggest rival and possible love of her life. 

The forties were a big classics year. Any Rodgers and Hammerstein fans here? What's your favorite musical from this decade?

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Amanda's Unofficial Ranking of Hamilton Songs

Ever since I first listened to Hamilton a few months ago, this musical has had an enormous impact on me. A few months ago, our very own Sky gave us a ranking of her favorite Hamilton songs, and this is my response with my own favorites. 

1. Wait For It

There's a reason I love this song. Unfortunately, I can't pinpoint it. But I will say that I love how real it is. It feels like Burr just strolled onto stage and started literally singing his heart. This song is the motivation behind practically everything he does... until the second act.

Compared to the other songs in this show, it's not complicated or full of detail. It's simple and clear and direct, and it says a lot about a man whose personal beliefs were shrouded in secrecy.

2. Dear Theodosia

This song gets me every time I listen to it. First, we have Burr, and his perspective on fatherhood really gives us a different take on his character. He really knows how to love, and his daughter becomes everything to him in the space of a few minutes.

But then you have Alex Hamilton. And somehow, his part of the song just confirms everything you already knew about him. He's so articulate before he has a son, but after he meets Philip, he's practically speechless. But it's something that's so in character that it doesn't surprise us at all, and that's what I love about "Dear Theodosia."

3. It's Quiet Uptown

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This is the song that made me sob. This is the song that makes everything that came before worth it, even though it's filled with pain. This is a song of redemption and slow forgiveness. "It's Quiet Uptown" is one of the most accurate depictions of grief that I have ever seen in any story, and even though it hurts to listen to, it's also vital to the impact of the show.

4. Who Live, Who Dies, Who Tells Your Story

This is one of my favorite finales to any musical ever. It's a chance for Eliza to step into the spotlight and tell Hamilton's story, and in so doing, tell her own. She learns to live her life without her beloved Alexander. It's a fantastic artistic choice to have her narrate the last song of the show as she continues on her husband's life work. It's a reminder that life goes on and that there can still be good things through the pain.

5. The World Was Wide Enough

This song captures a crucial moment in American history, one that has lived on the minds of many people as an early scandal in our history. And yet, this song becomes so much more than just telling the simple story of a duel. It takes everything we've learned about these two men, Hamilton and Burr, and packs it all into a five minute song in such a way that we understand what their thoughts and motivations are. We understand the conflict between them.

6. Helpless/Satisfied

These two songs really show us the minds of two marvelous women who were largely at the center of Hamilton's life. "Helpless" makes me so happy. The feeling of love just filling the room when Eliza and Alexander sing this song is so strong and it's just so... jubilant. 

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"Satisfied" really picks up the narrative strings of "Helpless," and we see the situation more in-depth. This is Angelica's heart, and she drops it in front of the audience in a way that really says a lot about her. She's vastly intelligent, and she sizes up the situation in seconds, knowing that she can't pursue what she wants. Her sister is far more important to her than a man ever could be.

7. Burn

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This songs breaks me. Hamilton broke Eliza's trust in an unfathomable way, and this is her answer. She takes herself out of the narrative, and she has to learn to go on through heartbreak. This isn't an easy song to listen to, but it is important.

8. One Last Time

The contrast in this song between Hamilton's childlike pleading and Washington's joyful acceptance is truly something to see. It says something really special about Washington's integrity that he is willing and even eager to give up power, even when a man that is like a son to him begs him not to. 

Lin-Manuel Miranda's writing is fantastically on display here. He truly knows his characters and how to get not only the point, but also the familiar emotions behind all of the character's actions, across to the audience. I think that this really shows up in this song, and that's why it made my list.

9. What'd I Miss

Not only is this the first song of the second act of the musical, but it's also the song where we're introduced to Jefferson and Madison. The contrast between the dramatic Jefferson and the more stoic Madison is always interesting to see. Their partnership is a big part of the second act of 

Hamilton, so seeing it introduced in this way is really important if they're to be likable characters, considering they're mostly opposed to Hamilton for the duration of the story. Their unlikely friendship is one of the reasons why Hamilton is so much fun to watch.

10. Yorktown (The World Turned Upside Down)

This song perfectly captures the energy that comes from winning. It comes suddenly, without a lot of warning or build-up, and the characters are almost in shock at the feeling of being done after all these years of fighting and pain. They made it through. Lin-Manuel Miranda captures that feeling of suddenness, that feeling of "what comes next?" (Did you like my Hamilton pun?)

Honorable Mentions

 Guns and Ships

This is fantastic. Not only does it feature the crazy high-speed rapping of Daveed Diggs, it's also just plain fun to listen to. Lafayette, otherwise known as "America's favorite fighting Frenchman," is one of the most interesting and eccentric characters in the whole musical, so listening to him headline a song is a change of pace from the rest of the characters. This whole song has such ingenious wordplay and phrasing that I am simply blown away every time I listen to it. I mean, where else can you hear phrases like "ingenuitive and fluent in French"?

Non-Stop

This song practically embodies who Hamilton is. He works and works, and he doesn't know how to stop (nor does he want to). But this is also the first song where we see pain leaking through the work and drive of this man. He's working to drown out the pain from Laurens' death, he's working to ignore the pleas from his wife, he's working non-stop.

 The Room Where It Happens

This song perfectly captures the intrigue and secrets that come with having power. Even though it's after "Cabinet Battle #1," I think it really kicks off the political feeling that's so prevalent throughout the rest of the musical. It's just the slightest bit sketchy and shady and, through Burr's eyes, we start to wonder if what Hamilton is doing is right. We see Burr desperately wanting to join in on what's happening in "the room where it happens," but he can't. He continues the path of being an antagonist that we feel empathy and understanding for.

Blow Us All Away/Stay Alive (Reprise)

I love anything with Philip Hamilton in it. As we watch the musical, we grow with Hamilton, and we see Philip through a different light than we would have at the beginning. Philip is young and foolish and his father's son, and those are precisely the reasons why we love him. He's extremely endearing and that's why these two songs hit me so hard.

Picking the songs that have the most impact on me from a musical where all the songs have been a major influence in my life was a nearly impossible task. There are many that I was not able to include, including King George's songs and everything else with Washington. But my love for those songs is not lessened! Since my favorites from this musical are constantly changing, next week I will likely have an entirely new list.

What are your favorite songs from Hamilton? Are there any I haven't included that you love?

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Ranking Musicals: 1950s

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I love the 1950s. Whenever I think about the 50s, I see picturesque homes and my favorite classic films. Everything may not have been all sunshine and roses, but there seems to be a kind of quaint charm to this decade that I enjoy. That charm certainly crossed its way into the world of theater. Here is my ranking of eight of the shows the 1950s gave us, each of them a classic loved by many. Because the musicals of this decade are so well-written, I have ranked them as least favorite to favorite.

8. West Side Story (1957)

  It's been a few years since I watched the film version of West Side Story that came out a few years after the musical. I wasn't a tragic love story fan at the time, never really going for the Romeo and Juliet deal, but I liked this one okay. It is essentially the story of two gangs, one full of white teens, the other Puerto Rican immigrants. Tony, one of the white youths, falls head over heals for Maria, the sister of the opposing gang leader. This romance becomes very complex and pretty tragic for several of the characters involved. The story is an important social narrative to America today as well as it was in the 1950s. 

7. The Music Man (1957)

  The Music Man is one of the first musicals I remember seeing back in the day when I didn't understand what a musical was. It isn't my favorite show, but it does have some pretty catchy songs, and it was made into a film twice (the above video is from the 60s incarnation).  Music Man is the story of a salesman who cons towns into purchasing musical instruments and uniforms under the impression that he will start a boy's band, teaching the youths who join how to play their instruments. After the instruments have been purchased, he skips town to fool another group of people that he will teach their children to play instruments. When he stops in a town called River City, Iowa, he has no idea how his plans will change.

6. Cinderella (1957)

  This one is a bit tough to pinpoint. Originally, Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella was written for television. In fact, it was one of the earliest live productions of a musical, and it starred the young Julie Andrews. I include it here because it was an original production and it did eventually make its way to the stage in 2013. Looking back, I realize that some of the book was changed, but the timeless music remains. It is the classic tale of one of the most famous princesses in literature.  

5. Once Upon a Mattress (1959)

  I only discovered Once Upon a Mattress in the last few years, but I immediately fell in love. This show is a rollicking, hilarious retelling of "The Princess and the Pea." Prince Dauntless wants to get married, but his mother doesn't want him to, so she assigns impossible tests for every suitor until there is only one eligible princess left: Princess Fred, the irreverent princess of a swamp kingdom, the worst of them all. This one is a lot of fun.

4. My Fair Lady (1956)

 My Fair Lady is another classic, a true piece of musical theater. The original cast starred Julie Andrews as Eliza Doolittle, a sort of crass, cockney girl that Professor Henry Higgins decides to use for an experiment, hoping to turn her into a lovely and cultured young woman. Things go awry as they often do, but along the way to Eliza becoming a lady, we are introduced to such brilliant numbers as "Just You Wait," "I Could Have Danced All Night," and "Show Me." This is a very memorable show. The above clip is from the film made starring Audrey Hepburn (unfortunately her singing was dubbed over). 

3. The King and I (1950)

  It's been a few years since I watched the film made based on this Rodgers and Hammerstein classic. When I was younger, I watched and enjoyed this.  The King and I is a unique story telling the tale of a British school teacher who is called to be the tutor of the king of Siam's children... well, those who are in his favor, at least. This show presents another culture with a bit of history, and I love it. It certainly isn't the happiest show ever created, but it is charming and beautiful in its own way.

2. Peter Pan (1954)

  I was tempted to place this vibrant musical in the first slot but finally decided to place it here. I discovered Peter Pan (the musical) in 2010 when I saw a youth theater perform it. Since then, it has become one of my favorites, and I've seen more than one adaption of it, including another performance this past weekend with the same theater company who did it five years ago. The show is filled with high-flying (literally) fun, hilarious pirates, and some difficult dances. I recommend the 1995 Cathy Rigby filming which the clip above is featured from. Great show.

The Sound of Music (1959)

  One of the most classic musicals anyone can remember, some might think The Sound of Music is overrated, but I love this story of an Austrian postulant, who goes from trying to become a nun to being governess of seven children. The fact that the children are ruled by a strict father and the story takes place during some of the darkest years for Europe with World War Two looming only adds extra conflict. When I think of classic musicals, this one immediately pops to mind, and that's for a reason. I have always loved The Sound of Music, and I always will. Clip is from the film version starring Julie Andrews. 

Recognize any of these classics? What's your favorite musical from the 1950s?

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Ranking Musicals: 1960s

When it comes to decades, the 60s have the trademark on strange. In the 60s, hippies became popular, and people started to leave from traditional values in small or large ways. Most importantly for this post, the 60s brought the end of the classic age of musical theatre. Like any post of this sort, deciding specific rankings was tough, but they are arranged in order of my affection for them as well as my personal judgement of quality. Unfortunately, the 1960s is not my favorite musical decade, so many musicals that I hear are great like Hello, Dolly!, Cabaret, and Funny Girl are off my list until I know them a little better.

 5. Bye Bye Birdie (1960)

  This sort of teenybopper love story was never one of my favorites. I suppose it has it charms, and the music is quite catchy. The above clip is from the film based on the musical. The teenage Kim has just been "pinned" as a sign of entering a serious relationship. Unfortunately for her boyfriend, the teen heartthrob Conrad Birdie is is about to roll into town when Kim wins a goodbye kiss from him after he is drafted. Hijinks quickly ensue. Dick Van Dyke is one of the many talents featured in this musical. He was also a part of the original Broadway cast. 

4. Camelot (1960)

  Camelot is a good example of the Golden Age of theatre that probably ended around 1965. I'm not as familiar with this musical as with others on this list, but I have enjoyed listening to the original cast that includes the always wonderful Julie Andrews and Richard Burton. Camelot is the story of King Arthur, the one we all know so well. The above video is Burton and Andrews's Arthur and Guinevere pondering simple life. The musical was also made into a film, which I intend to review.

3. Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (1968)

    Joseph is a high energy and eclectic musical. It tells the biblical story of Joseph through a variety of musical styles including country, classic rock, calypso, and French inspired. The musical is also almost completely sung through, a bit like Les Miserables but goofier. I recommend looking up some of the songs to listen to the clever blend of musical stylee. Although the full production wasn't actually put on until the early 1970s, the concept album was created in the 60s, which is why it makes this list. Joseph was created partly by Andrew Lloyd Webber, famous for Phantom of the Opera and several other shows. The above clip is the Western addition to the show, portraying Joseph's brothers explaining his "death" to their father. I actually had the opportunity to be in this show when I was a bit younger. It was the first and only time I played a man. Please enjoy this image of me in a beard. 

2. Oliver! (1960)

  Another classic musical based on a classic book, Oliver! has always had a soft spot in my heart. The music might not be the most epic, but the diverse characterization and heart put into those songs make them the special thing that they are. This story about an orphan boy trying to find his place in the world and the many people he meets might make you laugh at some points and cry in others. Highlights include the mischievous thief the Artful Dodger and the tragic Nancy (a part I would love to portray one day). The clip above is from the movie that was made based on the musical. 

1. Fiddler on the Roof (1964)

 One of my all-time favorite musicals, Fiddler on the Roof, tells the story of a small village of Jews living in Russia at a time when the country is teetering near the edge of communism. The dairy man, Tevye, is the main character. Throughout the musical, he struggles with his three oldest daughters moving further away from Jewish tradition with the men they fall in love with. The show deals with persecution and change. I have loved it ever since I was a child, and I will never tire of this story that is both beautiful and thought-provoking. I highly recommend the film that was made based on this. The photo at the top of this post was a production I had the opportunity to be a part of. 

Are you familiar with any of these shows from the 1960s? Any of your favorites that I missed?

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Finding Neverland: J.M. Barrie on Broadway

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   Peter Pan is one of my favorite things. If you ask people who know me, they will tell you that this love is real. One of my friends drew Peter Pan for me as a Christmas gift a couple of Christmases ago. What is it about Peter Pan that I love so much?  Perhaps it is his smug smile or his endearing sense of adventure, or maybe it is the depth in J.M. Barrie's original novel. I couldn't tell you. One day I would like to talk all about Peter Pan. In fact, I'm sure I will in the future, but for today I want to talk about Finding Neverland. 

 When I started my series on musical theater through the decades, I hadn't listened to Finding Neverland yet. I don't remember my reasoning since I love the source material so much, but it might have had something to do with being busy with school and wanting time to really enjoy the soundtrack. I did listen to it eventually, but it was too late for me to talk about it in the decade it belonged to. Finding Neverland just made its Broadway appearance last March.

  This story goes beyond the Great White Way, though. Some of you might know that a film version under the same title starring Johnny Depp was released in 2004.

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  You, like me, may have thought that this was another adaptation of Peter Pan. When I was young and first borrowed the DVD from the library, I was excited to get another glimpse into the fantasy world of Neverland I was so enthralled with. Boy, was I wrong. The story wasn't about Neverland, and it wasn't even about Peter Pan, not really. In the end, that didn't matter because I fell in love with it anyway.

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  Finding Neverland is the story of Scottish writer J.M. Barrie. In a low point in his career, he meets a family who inspire him to pen his most famous work, Peter Pan. It is a super touching story about grief and love and believing in something greater than yourself. 

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  Another fun fact: Peter Pan and the Darling boys were based off of children from this family, even down to their names. In the film and the musical, Barrie helps the young Peter come to terms with some tragedies in his life. I think one of my favorite moments is when Peter gets to come to the opening of Barrie's play (a play everyone thinks will fail) and he is absolutely astounded by it. 

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  The musical takes the source material and builds its gentle music into a symphony, getting you excited with numbers like "Believe" and "Stronger" and making you melancholy with touching songs such as "Sylvia's Lullaby" and "The Finale." 

  I've listened to all of the music, and I would love to see this show live. It has such a good mix of joyful childhood and the sadness of life. Here is the catchy song "Believe." 

  And before you think you can escape without at least two videos, here is one of my personal favorites that has been filmed. In the number "Stronger," Barrie must overcome his personal struggles to create Peter Pan with the help of a familiar future villain. I absolutely love the staging. Enjoy!

  Are you a fan of Finding Neverland, film or show? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!

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Path to the Tonys: 2015 - 2016 Potential Nominees

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  There is an event that comes once a year--the Oscars of the theatre world. That event is the Tony Awards. To be nominated for a Tony award is a thing of great distinction, and to win one is even better. The Tonys will focus on new shows of the 2015-2016 year, as well as revivals (shows that have been on Broadway before but just came back this year). With the nominations for this event drawing nearer, I've decided to post a bit about the musicals that are considered eligible for nomination.

Allegiance

  

  Eligible for nomination for Best Musical, this is the story of a Japanese-American family during the turbulent years of the second world war. I just looked up this musical for this post, and I can already tell that this is a musical that I might grow to love dearly. It combines history and theatre, two things I'm fond of. Allegiance is a bittersweet story of family, love, and loss, and it stars the always amazing Lea Salonga.

The Color Purple

  The Color Purple is another historical musical, but this one is eligible for nomination for Best Revival of a Musical. It tells the story of a young girl going through hardships no one should have to face, from an abusive father to an abusive husband. This is a story about relationships and family. It isn't one of my favorites, but I only know what I've read about since I have yet to actually see any version of it. 

Amazing Grace

  A possible nominee for Best Musical, Amazing Grace is a musical based on the incredible story of John Newton, a slave trader who has a life-changing encounter with Christ. He changes his ways, fighting against slavery as well as penning one of the most beloved hymns of all time, "Amazing Grace." I love the story of John Newton, so I'm excited to see this one when it comes through my area on its tour. 

Dames at Sea

   Another revival musical eligible for nomination is this little musical. Dames at Sea is a very classic kind of story, bringing to mind films by Gene Kelly and other old Hollywood musicals. It has the classic cotton candy story of the small town girl becoming something bigger, love at first sight, and the diva that competes with the small town girl. Dames at Sea is one of those little musicals to satisfy your desire for a happy ending. Though I've never seen it, friends who have call it cute. 

On Your Feet!

  On Your Feet! is a possible nominee for Best Musical based on the lives of Emilio and Gloria Estefan. The musical covers Gloria's terrible injury and come-back from it as well as her journey as a singer. Since I'm more of a classic musical theatre person, what I've seen of this show isn't that appealing. Others have different tastes in music, however, and might enjoy it more.

Spring Awakening

  

   Best Revival of a Musical possible nominee Spring Awakening is a coming of age story. That's all I will say about it. It involves many things that I don't care for and is a pretty depressing story altogether. I personally find it to be at the bottom of my lists of musicals, but many like it. 

School of Rock

  You've possibly seen the 2004 Jack Black vehicle this possible best musical nominee is based on. It's about a struggling rock singer who pretends to be a substitute teacher when he needs money. He learns that there are several gifted children in his class, so he decides to train them to be a rock band. Shenanigans ensue.

 Fiddler on the Roof

  Fiddler on the Roof is one of my all-time favorite musicals, but I won't spend too much time gushing about it because my next post about musical theatre decades will include it. This show is a possible nominee for Best Revival of a musical. It is a touching story about a Jewish family in the early 20th century and the romantic pursuits of the three oldest daughters. 

Hamilton

  You've probably at least heard of this hip-hop musical that is a possible nomination for Best Musical since it's incredibly popular among theatre and non-theatre lovers alike. The musical covers the life and times of founding father Alexander Hamilton using clever rhymes and dances. I originally listened to it fully to be able to discuss it with friends who were fans (and know what this whole pop culture phenomenon was about), and the more I listen to it, the more it grows on me. It's extremely catchy. I continued singing "The Room Where it Happens," a number from the musical for days after hearing it. 

 Are you familiar with any of these musicals? Looking forward to this year's Tony Awards? 

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Ranking Musicals: 1970s

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  It's time to look back at some more musicals. Today's post? The 1970s! There were many shows, but very few that I am familiar with. Due to this, there are only four on my list this week. A few more popular musicals from this decade, such as Chicago, I haven't completely listened to, so I decided to leave them off. Without further ado, into the psychedelic '70s we plunge.

4. Grease (1971)

 Grease is not one of my favorite musicals. In fact, it is one of my least favorite of those I've seen. It tells the story of a naive and wholesome girl who met and dated a boy for a summer prior to the start of the show. When she moves to her new school, she is surprised to find that the same sweet boy she met at the beach attends her new school... but he isn't so sweet. In fact, he's one of the school's bad boys, and he doesn't treat her the same in order to protect his rep. The show portrays their struggles trying to work things out, the various problems faced by fellow students, and other high school drama. It ends with a message that isn't what you'd expect (and isn't very healthy). You should check it out for yourself, though. There are some catchy tunes. The video clip above is from the film version.

3. Evita (1978)

  Evita is a musical based on the life of Eva Peron, wife of an Argentinian president, who fought her way from the bottom to the top before her early death. With music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, this show has plenty of potential and does have its good parts, but it still isn't one of my favorites. Highlights include Mandy Patinkin in the above video as the show's narrator, Che. You may recognize him from The Princess Bride, where he was the famous Inigo Montoya. There is also a film version starring Madonna. 

2. Sweeney Todd (1979)

  Do you have a thing for dark, brooding stories? Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street tells the story of a man wrongly convicted of a crime. He loses his family and barber shop. Years later, he returns with violent revenge and the belief that the world is full of evil people who deserve to die. Some of his customers got close shaves. The above video is from the film version and shows a young boy taken in by the titular character's partner claiming he will protect her. Of course, he has no idea she's in league with the guy who's making everybody disappear. Check it out for yourself. It's gritty and not for everyone. 

1. Annie (1977)

Annie is the classic story of a spunky red-headed orphan trying to find her family. Most of us have probably seen at least one of the many film versions. This was one of my favorites as a child and still has a special place in my heart. The above video is from the original Broadway Annie, Andrea McArdle. If you enjoy classic underdog stories (or just cute kids), you're certain to love this show.

What is your favorite musical from this decade? Are you familiar with my choices? Do you have a better list?

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In the Heights by Lin-Manuel Miranda

Many people have been raving about the fairly new Broadway musical Hamilton by Lin-Manuel Miranda, which leads to more fans of Lin-Manuel Miranda. I'm a hipster fan of this genius man, though, because I knew him in his In the Heights days. In the Heights, you ask? What is this piece of rap-filled beauty a fangirl like me knows all the words to? Well, let me tell you.

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Lin-Manuel Miranda wrote In the Heights, a musical about a barrio (neighborhood) in NYC full of colorful Hispanic characters, in 1999 after he was inspired by the musical Rent. He wanted a Rent with people he identified with. Two-year-old me didn't know that fifteen-year-old me wanted that as well. Lin-Manuel Miranda, being a Puerto Rican immigrant himself, is a role model for all of us.

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The story follows Usnavi (His parents named him when they saw a ship with the words US Navy across it, and if you're Hispanic and don't find that funny, I don't know what funny is). He's an immigrant from the Dominican Republic (Represent!) whose parents have passed away, and he longs to return. Other story lines stream through; Puerto Rican Nina fears she will fail in college, hairdresser Vanessa wants to leave the ghetto barrio, and all of the Heights inhabitants want to win a lottery of 96,000 dollars. Everything is bright and colorful and dramatic and aaaah!

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I am not one for rap—never was, never will be. But In the Heights is different. It's a rap-filled musical and I know every single word to the first song, which warrants strange looks from friends when I perform it. Especially the line: "Cuz I immigrated from the single greatest little place in the Caribbean, Dominican Republic!" Any music lover can love this. That is what's beautiful about what Lin-Manuel Miranda can do: transform rap into a wonderful way of storytelling.

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The most important part of the musical for me though is the representation. We Hispanics don't get a lot in the way of movies, books, or musicals. This was a breath of fresh air. I got every inside joke, understood every Spanish word, and almost teared up when Usnavi raises his Dominican flag.

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In the Heights is a beautiful musical that is Lin-Manuel Miranda's first love. Sure, there is Hamilton, and I'm sure there will be many more afterwards, but In the Heights will always hold a special place in my heart.

Have you heard of or seen In the Heights?

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