SIX The Musical Live: Pro Shot Royalty

                                                  (Image Source: Universal Pictures Australia)

I love this musical; people who know me know how much I love this musical. Ever since I first heard the album to seeing it live, one of my all-time favorite musicals is now a pro shot, and I couldn't be happier. 

There were not too many showtimes a couple of weeks ago, but I was able to make the one screening, on a Sunday afternoon. Now one might ask why I would bother to see this on the big screen when I have seen it twice live. Well, because who can turn down movie theater ticket prices to spend an afternoon watching such a great musical.

There are some added bonuses and effects to the show, and something before the show, adding to the theatrical experience. Fans of SIX will either get a chance to finally view the show, or a refresher on why they love it so. This is a well-shot production, and the scenes pop just as much on the screen as they do on stage, with some performances that are nothing short of fantastic. 

The singing was amazing, the choreography as great as I remember, as the famous Exs of Henry VIII compete in a pop and rock competition. I had such a fun time, even though I have seen the show before and listened to the songs countless times over. This show makes me smile; there are moments that I have found therapeutic, and the music has such range. 

SIX has moments that can relate to those listening, about dreams, relationships, and heartbreak. The songs are packed with real emotions that can connect to those listening even though they are being sung by ladies who have been dead for hundreds of years. The comedy in the monologues in between the songs is the icing on the cake, packed with historical facts and fantastic one-liners.  This may not have been how things went down, but the show acknowledges that, allowing the moments that are fictitious to shine, yet still educate the audience on some historical figures who are mostly only known for being married to the same king.

This show is excellent, with so many different styles of comedy, emotions the listener can connect with, and a fantastic sound that is one of a kind

With the recent announcement of the Broadway production coming to a close, and with the show still touring, it is nice to have a preserved performance of such a beloved musical. Great singing, great choreography, all captured on film, which will hopefully see a release on home media. With the release of Merrily We Roll Along, Hamilton, and so many other shows getting pro shots lately, it feels like more and more shows are being saved, being able to be viewed by those who may not be able to afford a Broadway tour ticket price, or didn't catch the show live, or it may not play where they are.

Some are locked to streaming services that I hope become available to purchase individually, such as Come From Away, and these may not get the most screenings. I had to watch Merrily when it came to home release, but it is great to see. Theater should be accessible to give someone their new favorite song, to inspire, to share these great stories.

I highly recommend at least listening to the show, and if you enjoy it, watch the pro shot when it comes to home release. If you enjoy pop and history, or have ever been in a relationship that didn't end well, there is something in this show for you. This show is for older audiences due to the humor and subject matter, but for those who can partake, should, I know when this comes to home release, I will watch it at least half a dozen times, and then even more. 

My Shot: The Song Still Inspires Me All These Years Later

 We all know this song, many of us have heard this song many, many times. The lyrics of "I'm not throwin away my shot! ", covered, parodied, sang, and heard countless times over the past decade. What could be said about this song that hasn't been said? Let me try, and at least share what this song still means to me that I first heard on a cold autum night almost a decade ago. 

The third song the audience hears in Hamilton whether seeing the show live, watching the filmed version, or listening to the album. We see the first look at who Hamilton really is, willing to give his all, and not live in hesitation. Winning over those around him. Before the song concludes Hamilton takes a moment to take it all in, his past, present and future, body proclaiming " I'm past painently waitin, I'm passionately smashing every expectation, every actions an act of creation! I'm Laughing in the face of casualties and sorrow, for the first time I'm thinking past tommorow!" Before kicking into the chorus once more. We see someone who has come from nothing, but has never given up. Someone who is questioned by the ones around him on how he just never stops. Pure ambition. 

The song is highly energetic, the lyrics infectious, using both solos and the ensemble in such great ways. Memorable lyrics that make this song a fantastic listen time and time again, that can just be a great song to energize yourself, or the peice of inspiration to keep going. Whether it's to start your day, do some chores, do some work, or create yourself. This song also makes a great work out song trust me. 

The instrumentation and lyrics work as one to make this song one that is fun, but in the context of the show, gives us the much needed motivations and inner thoughts of our lead, keeping the plot moving. In the case of this musical so many of these songs are so smart, so memorable, and great that I forget they moving a story from beginning to end at times.

This song like many in the show is packed with very real emotion, that the listener, myself included can connect with. There are plenty of times where I will listen to just this song to fire myself up, the chorus is a bold declaration of giving 110 percent in the best way possible. The use of the ensemble is perfect and the moment where Alexnder reflects, realatble on so many levels. The song starts at a brisk pace and keeps at it while not tiring the listener by sharing the thoughts of those around him, introducing us to some of his friends, Burr, his contemporary the interludes with the ensemble calling those around them to "rise up!", changing things up while still fitting in place of this song. This song shifts and moves, it has a kinetic energy that makes me want to dance, inspires me, or just plain makes me excited. 

So much happens in this song, yet it's not overstuffed, working both as a great musical theather song that does the job of keeping the plot moving, while also just being a great listen on its own. When I first heard this song, I was left speechless, I loved it. I appreciate still today, and every now and then give it a listen when I need a boost or just for fun. This is one of my faveorite songs not just in musical theater but in songs in general. 

All these years later, this song still is so enjoyable and inspiring on so many levels. Ever since I first heard it on a radio station on my phone to the first time I heard it live, it has been a fantastic, energetic, work of art. Hamilton takes the stage telling us how he won't throw away his shot, and when the song ends, when the show is over, we can walk away and do the same. 

Blackout: In The Heights Powerful Act One Closer

 The lights shut out, or I should say the ones on stage, and suddenly this upbeat musical scene of the club, mixing comedy, drama, and some great dance numbers has all dissolved into chaos. There is one more song in "In The Heights" before the curtain falls. This summer time show that loves to talk about romance, dreams, the heat, shaved ice, and many other topics taking place in the heat of the summer season. A show about family, friends, and the world around us. The song "Blackout" takes everything, and everyone we have seen so far and throws them into one situation, of losing power in the midst of a heat wave, unless you watch the movie which goes in a similar, and sometimes different direction, but today I am going to focus on the one we hear on stage and hear in the original cast album.

Usnavi goes looking for Abuela Claudia and finds her, Benny and Nina argue, Nina's father looks for her and her mother, Venessa and many of the cast seem lost, trying to navigate the chaos, and Sunny with his friend try to use fireworks to fend of looters. Looting, voices shouting over each other, people searching for each other, as our cast navigates through the night.

The voices of the cast echoing over each other, working in great harmonies, as each moment culminates the fireworks. The fireworks uniting everyone no matter the problem they are facing may be in that moment, making the ensample one voice as they see the different colors light up the night sky. The ensemble between these moments shouting out a lyric with a deep double meaning. "We are Powerless". Not only is the electricity out for miles, but many times in the show, it has been shown that everyone is stressed, and is not the best off financially. The song "96,000" highlights just how much people would need that kind of cash to make a better life. They are without power, and feel powerless in their community. That line echoes so much as this is a community of many different African American, Afro Latino, and Latino cultures, saying that they are facing a great problem, and can not change it. A lyric packed on all ends that stays in my mind every time I listen to this song.

The instrumentation, use of the whole cast, and the lyrics, make this song packed from the moment it begins with energy that carries until it stops. Until the last note is hit this song never stops. This song is a great listen but also has some emotional moments the audience can connect with. This is a great way to show the characters all dealing with the same event, almost like earlier where it was most of the cast singing about how they would use the money of a winning lottery ticket. Putting everyone in the same scenario and seeing how they would react shows their character and how each one stands out in the story without creating unique scenarios for each one which I appreciate. 

There is only one solo in this song only lasting mere seconds before going into mostly duets and the whole ensemble. Highlighting the voices almost trying to climb over each other as everyone navigates this hectic event no one asked for. Most of the characters either interacting with each other or singing at the same time which captures the feeling needed. The emotion of panic, is offset in another certain moment I want to highlight.

As mentioned earlier Usnavi goes into the night, leaving his friends and date to find Abuela Claudia, when they meet up, she gives him the money she won in the lottery to protect it, trusting the boy she practically raised, now fully grown with an important task. Right before that exchange you hear his relief that she is okay, as she admires the stars she gets to see and enjoy. In that moment she gets to enjoy the stars in the sky she rarely sees, taking joy in the midst of this blackout in this simple, quiet moment. Then there is one lyric that hits me "You're Not Alone Tonight" first said by Usnavi, then repeated but now said by Usnavi and Abuela.

This one moment is beyond sweet, as everyone shouts about feeling powerless, about trying to survive the night, these two family members reassure each other. Usnavi who has not found the courage to take the next step with Vanessa, and Abuela who has worked so hard and is later stated to have made the neighborhood her family. Reminding me of my own relationship with my own grandmother, this lyric much like the one I mentioned is packed with emotion.

This song is worth a listen, the movie version is very different so you could listen to both, but I wanted to highlight the stage version today because that is the one I prefer, I enjoy both soundtracks but still have my preferences based on versions. Watch the movie, or at least listen to this song, the instrumentation, emotions, and lyrics are fantastic. This song, much like the fireworks hanging over the skies of Washington Heights should be marveled and enjoyed, even if for a moment in the midst of pure chaos. 

The 78th Annual Tony Awards... Performance Of Hamilton

 Yeah, I didn't tune into the Tonys this year. I just didn't really follow Death Becomes Her, Boop, Dead Outlaw or really any new shows. Unlike last year with The Outsiders, Hell's Kitchen, and some other shows, and the years previous, I did not feel a draw to the musicals performing this year aside from Maybe Happy Ending. The shows from this season I will get around to at some point, I am sure when I am looking for new shows to listen to, in the sea of shows both old in new, I may discover some songs or even shows from this season that I enjoy. The one thing I had to look into though was the heavily advertised Hamilton reunion performance, as after this month, the monthly Hamilton posts collimating in the entire month of July being about Hamilton to acknowledge it's tenth anniversary series this blog has been going on this year will conclude. It's been fun to look back at songs, characters, and now this performance. 

This was advertised so much, even sometimes as the reason to tune in and how it was on exclusive streaming services. Built up as this grand return which is cool, but this also lasted a little over five minutes. And not every single show from this season got to perform even, which means this show that is ten years old was picked, and used for advertising to try and get a boost, over shows that are currently running and could use the screen time better, Hamilton is already a household name. 

There were complains about the audio before the performance on social media, and I have to agree. During the performance there were times that I could barely hear the singing because the mics were so quiet, which has not been an issue in the past, even during the Tony Awards that Hamilton swept in which was the first one I ever watched.

When I could hear it, it was a cool, nice, little medley of songs from Act One and one song Act Two of Hamilton. Blending together, it was nice, many of the of the actors got to have their moment which was nice, from "Nonstop", to "My Shot", "The Schuyler Sisters" and more, it was a great use of songs. Seeing the cast perform again was great, even though it felt like the point where some lyrics were cut to make it a medley felt a little choppy and run as smoothly. 

Everyone wore black, which was a surprise because I thought as did many that the cast would be suiting up again in their old costumes. But this seems more as a tribute, a nice addition, that was added, and fun way to showcase a show ten years later. This was more experimental way then it was a recreation, more so performing the songs we all know, in a different way. 

When I first heard this news I thought it was going to be just one ensemble song, perhaps the one that started it all and starts the show "Alexander Hamilton" as it does showcase everyone and has plenty of moments for solos, since "York Town The World Turned Upside Down" was the song performed the last time this show strutted across the Tony Award Stage. That song was used again and that surprised me because that is not new for the Tonys, not even Mulligans swearing that needs to be bleeped, that happened last time too. 

The song choice was fine, and it was nice, and the whole crew got the loudest applause of the night with a standing ovation. That shows that all this time later Hamilton still has an impact, it is still in the mainstream to be covered, performed, and parodied. This show changed Broadway and opened the door to shows that could try different styles and music genres and step outside of the norm, many of those new shows I love. Shows that don't follow the traditional musical theater sound, or follow the rule of being two acts even. So was this a nice tribute, yes. But it was not without bumps in the road, some of the lyric splicing was messy and the crowd was so excited with audio that was so low that even on multiple viewings it is hard to hear.

This was very cool, and I enjoyed it, but I was not as hyped as I wish I was. Hamilton will always be in my top three, it will always be special to me, I have seen it multiple times, watched the Disney Plus proshot, I still listen to it all the time. I love the Hamilton Mixtape, the Hamildrops, the covers, the remixes, all of it. So it should be celebrated, but I do think not giving current shows a time to shine, and heavily advertising this and using it as a marketing push was not the best. I think this should of been treated as the icing on the cake, not as the cake itself. just as all the reunion performances of RENT, Wicked, Hairspray, and the like were not too long ago. But at the end of the day it was a celebration I am glad I viewed, a medley that had a lot of heart in it, and is just another reminder of why this show still all this time later means so much to me as the first time I put in my earbuds and heard "My Shot" for the first time.

Congratulations- The Song I Wish Made It Into Hamilton

 Some of our favorite musicals have cut songs, so on this once a month Hamilton journey for the tenth anniversary of one of my favorite musicals of all time, let's venture into that area. The Hamilton Mixtape features plenty of these cut songs, such as a Valley Forge number, a third cabinet battle, the open letter John Addams, and many great easter eggs among the remixes and amazing covers in this great album which I have covered before, and I am sure will talk about again.

Congratulations was set to take place during "The Reynolds Pamphlet" or in that general area of the show, where instead of a couple lines Angelica gets a whole song absolutely ROASTING Alexander. I guess this was removed because we couldn't have someone killing Alexander before Burr does and trust me, if words could, it would of all ended here. The lyrics cut so hard, letting him know the weight of his mistake, recounting her love for Alexander and her marriage she settled for, her cutting him off from support, supporting Eliza, and all with  great instrumentation. 

Lyrics such as "You invented a new kind of stupid, a damage you could never undo kind of stupid, an open all the cages in the zoo kind of stupid..", and "Eliza, is the best thing in our life, so never lose fact that you've been blessed with the best wife.". Also some great lyrics and instrumentations that call back to "Satisfied". I love this song and wish it was put in the show, I feel like it could of been placed in, or shortened and made a part of "The Reynolds Pamphlet". Perhaps it seemed that this ruined the pacing of the show, but I think it could of fit. 

This is a very short song and it would be fun to give Angelica a little bit more. Her big story elements seem to be pining for Alexander and then telling him to take a hike, but I wish the moment of her telling him off hit harder then just a couple lines. She of course sings along with the ensemble as many characters do when the character is not in the scene or even before they are introduced.  There is even recording of the Broadway actress of Angelica doing this song during previews before they moved up to Broadway so it was cut very late. 

This song just hits right, it is a break up song but from an outsiders perspective. It is someone being hurt on someone else's behalf, and has become a song from the perspective of a friend or loved one, standing up for someone who got hurt by love. This song has amazing lyrics, it may be short but it packs a punch. I love this song and love showing it to my friends. I love the words, the instrumentation, the flow of it, and it does not overstay its welcome. 

The lyrics are packed with anger but real emotion. Emotion I could see working in the confines of the show and the scene. Don't get me wrong "The Reynolds Pamphlet" is a fun song, it is catchy and I love singing along to the "never gonna be president now" lyrics. But I think this is just as good and could of fit alongside it, as a part of it, or even replacing it as a whole. That being said I think the best case scenario is just putting it back in the show, or making it part of the song. "The Reynolds Pamphlet" harkens back to "Satisfied" while not taking up as much space, and still delivers the same message in a shorter span, but I still very much enjoy this song. I am thankful it was placed in the mixtape and acknowledged as part of the shows history, because a song this good should be remembered. Who knows if we get a "Hamilton" movie it could be included in it, especially if it takes the "Wicked" route and is a part one and two. Or even included in the show proper perhaps, "Wicked" stage productions have been taking a couple cues and adding versions of songs we know from the movie. 

This song is amazing, go and listen to it. It is short but powerful, packed with emotion, great lyrics and is just a fantastic listen. The version in "The Hamilton Mixtape" is a great listen. I highly recommend it, this song works alongside "Burn" as not only calling Alexander out for his faults but showing him how much Eliza and even Angelica has given up for him and his dreams. Leaving not only with his mistake  but with a "congratulations", showing him that all of this could have been avoided. All of this could have been just a nightmare, but he refused to take a break, he refused to listen, and now his legacy has been redefined in a way that could never be undone. The song equivalent of "You have made your bed, now lie in it", and one that I love singing along to, every single time. 

The Wicked For Good Poster And The Rerelease

 

(Image Source: Discussing Film)

So it begins. I know there was news from Cinema Con about screenings of the movie, but I would rather trust my own judgement by seeing the film myself and sharing my thoughts here. This is the first piece of Wicked For Good shown to the public. The movie at the time of this post is six months away. Aside from this poster, it was announced that the movie is returning to theaters on June 4 with a first look at the trailer for Wicked For Good AKA Wicked Part 2, or to me Wicked Act 2.

Those who have seen the musical on stage or listened to the cast album know the meaning behind the title of this movie. I will reveal that later or when I cover the movie, since there is a large audience who does not know the plot and has only followed the movie. I do not know if I will see this movie on the big screen again or wait for it to drop online shortly after the screenings or some time after. I wanted to share my thoughts on the recent news and the poster.

I do hope the trailer comes sooner than later after the rerelease, my guess is one to two weeks beforehand and a longer trailer at San Diego Comicon. It is hard to want to see it again when the movie is readily available on DVD as well as streaming, only with a trailer to incentivize paying movie ticket prices. 

In terms of the poster, I think it looks really good. It symbolizes where the movie left us off at and shows how these two are still very much in different worlds. Glinda's mountain being covering in life and flowers, Elphaba's as a rocky mountain suited for what is deemed to be the villain of this story. The flying monkeys and yellow brick road showing that the Wizard Of Oz lore will be present in this movie as it was with the last. I also like how the poster for the first movie had them close together but this one has them worlds apart. This shows where they are in their lives and how the circumstances of the narrative drove a wedge in what was a very lovely friendship. 

The first poster imitating the Broadway classic poster, this one going in a direction that we have never seen before. There has already been press that the movie will go in different directions and even have new songs and this poster shows, that not everything will be the same as the stage show. The first movie adapted so much from the stage musical, and now we will see where the forks in the yellow brick road appear.

The costumes look great, looking like the classic designs we know, the stage costumes we know, and still standing out with their own special visual flare. 

This poster looks really cool, it has enough visuals that tie to the Wizard Of Oz, the costumes on both leads look great, and it captures the vibe the movie is going for. It looks good and has me excited to see more. And when there's more, I am sure to cover it. 

Is Mama Mia A Mothers Day Musical?

 Mothers Day is almost here and I was wondering to myself, "Is The Musical Mama Mia" a Mothers Day musical? Similar to how "Die Hard" is viewed as a yule tide classic, and so on with other movies, I wanted to test and see if this jukebox musical packed with ABBA music was a good watch for Mothers Day after brunch. I have seen the stage show adaptation of this show, but have yet to see the movie, or the sequel to the movie that is actually a prequel.

For those who do not know, "Mama Mia", is about Sophie, she is getting married and wants to find out who her biological father is. Three men come and so does the mom's friends, the mother has a resort and hijinks ensue. By the end of the show and talks of weddings, parenthood, young love, current love, and just plenty of ABBA songs, Sophie decides that all three men will be her fathers and that she wants to explore the world, The mom then decides to marry one of her ex's and everyone lives happily ever after. Sophie has friends who just disappear after the opening and become part of the ensemble, the characters just sing sometimes, and as mentioned just whacky shenanigans ensue when Sophie is not on stage. Certain characters will comment on events, sing an ABBA song and then go on their way.

The mother in this show sings a couple songs with her friends, talks about not wanting her ex's here and then sings about or talks their time with each one. They reminisce and towards the end of Act 2, she sings about her daughter being married and Sophie asks her to walk her down the aisle and that's nice. The conversations in the show are mostly to convey jokes, solve the mystery and talk about the mothers past love life. Donna, the mother is an ever present character but her bond with Sophie is not really addressed. The show talks about as mentioned relationships, love, life, and money. 

The setting is Summer and at an island resort that Donna owns, so beaches, cabanas, and fun resort locales are the setting of this show. 

So because this is more about Sophie, and it only focuses on her relationship with her mother here and there, and the mother gets a couple songs, some of them being about her past love life. The answer I will say is mostly no. I say this because even though part of the show is about her love life, the main plot is trying to find Sophie's biological father. The whacky shenanigans take center stage and it seems the plot is more so a backseat for the music which is good music.

Some jukebox musicals can showcase a musicians career such as "Beautiful", "On Your Feet" or "Tina". This show falls in the category of having an original plot but revolving it around the music, making it fit in a specific way or coming up with scenarios that allow the song to fit the emotion trying to be conveyed. In this show for example Donna feels sad, so her friends remind her that she has still got it by singing "Dancing Queen" and saying she still is the dancing queen. Taking a popular song and writing a story around it. 

Though there are a couple moments where Sophie acknowledges Donna as her most consistent parent, and Donna reflects on her daughter growing up. But those emotional moments are weighed down by impending wedding, love, being flirty, and any reason to sing ABBA music really. There are moments here that would make it a good Mothers Day movie or even a stage show, because I saw this live and I had fun. I accepted this for what it is, which is just goofy fun, and it was just that, a goofy, fun, night at the theater. I don't watch "Mama Mia" to feel deep emotions, or think about subjects concerning life and growing up. The parts that harken back to young love and past romances are sweet sometimes. 

Perhaps the second movie might be better since even though I have never seen it, I heard it is a flashback and is all about Donna when she was younger and falling into these romances. The Summer setting does not invoke the feeling of Mothers Day and it being on a resort invokes more of a Summer vacation feeling. It feels like a Summer musical that talks about Summer romances, a Summer Wedding, and doing fun stuff with friends. I may have to look into the second movie, and even the first as it has been a good long time since I saw this show on stage. The music is great, but it's ABBA so of course the songs are catchy and memorable. This is a fun show, just not a Mothers Day show, at least in my opinion. There are moments that lead to an argument being made that it is one, but there is so much that those moments are few and far between. 

That being said if you want a fun way to listen to ABBA songs without listening to ABBA, listen to the Broadway Cast album, I even pop it in from time to time, and enjoy it. No matter how often I hear it "Our Last Summer" will always be a downright jam for me. There are plenty of other great songs in the album too, it's a great selection. One that might help ring in Summer as we get closer to it, or remind us of Summer when the weather outside it is the opposite.