The Room Where It Happens: Burr's Ambition

 Sometimes we just wish to involved. In art, in work, socially, it is never fun to look on in from the outside. But what about in U.S History? What about in the creation of a newly independent nation? If the person in question was an outsider by choice, and has now seen the fruits of that, has seen what waiting for it truly costs, and wants something a little bit more. As we continue on this monthly Hamilton journey culminating with celebration of the shows tenth anniversary, I wanted to talk about the other side of the coin, Hamilton's ambition is a focal point of the show, but so is Burr's a very different, more relaxed form of ambition. But I wanted to take a peek at a point in which those philosophies and ambitions collided, in "The Room Where It Happens", one of if not my favorite song in ACT 2. 

The song follows Burr as an outsider seeing politics play out and commentating on it, interacting with Hamilton in which Hamilton tells Burr how you can't wait for things to accomplish your goals, that getting love, getting hate, will always be more then just waiting for the perfect moment to dive in. Hamilton willing to compromise to see his dreams come true, as Burr throughout the whole show this point has only waited until the moment was right, or where he would benefit most, even changing political sides and ideologies to see which fares better. Burr then being left wanting to be a part of shaping the nation, the politics, to be in the room where it happens. 

We see two sides of ambition, one who is willing to do everything, and one willing to do what is needed but only when needed. Seeing Burr being tested at this moment changes the emotional trajectory for the rest of the show, seeing people around him doing such things, and he is on the outside. Leading to an emotionally charged moment where he wants to just be there, where he knows what it takes, with lyrics such as "We dream of a brand new start. But we dream in the dark for the most part, dark as a tomb where it happens, I got to be in the Room..". He has spent the whole time mentioning what these deals are made of, and how so few know what truly happens besides closed doors. 

This song much like so many of the show is packed with genuine, real, emotion, an emotion of wanting to be a part of something. It shows that at the core of decisions we question in this life, that sometimes there were once real feelings and longings. 

The song is packed with great lyrics, and a great instrumentation. Making it great within the story, but also just so fun to listen to on its own, as just stated with many songs in this musical. This song has emotions that can relay back to the audience and resonate with the one listening to the song, perhaps as Burr or as Hamilton. Hamilton's ambition, willing to compromise with enemies, and the work he is put in is evident throughout this song, even though it's not his song. Which can be true of many of Burr's songs, very seldom of them don't involve Hamilton, even "Wait For It" shows his views on Alexander's life. Seeing a moment where Alexander calls everything that Burr stands for into question, showing that standing for nothing leads to falling for everything.

Calling back to a poignant and wonderful song from ACT 1 that defined a character and the decisions they made, and with those comments, pushing that character into wanting to be something more. This song has comedy in it as well, with some well placed jokes from those on the inside, tying everything into a very real song. This song has great pacing, does not overstay its welcome, and propels the plot forward as a stepping stone that led to that fateful duel. All because of a desire, a deep want to help shape, and to match the ambition of someone, to join those viewed as ahead. The want to be in the room where it happens. 

Five Musical Movie Adaptations I Want To See

 The Oscars are now well over and I did not watch them, opting to watch clips and recaps afterwards, the only award ceremonies I actively seek out are the Tony Awards and the Game Awards, the latter purely for memes and announcements. But with Wicked taking home two awards, I thought to myself what movie musical adaptations I would love to see, Tick Tick Boom, In The Heights, and Wicked are proof that movie musicals can work. I love a good proshot and I am so excited for the SIX movie to be in theaters, and was so happy that Waitress was able to get one. Hollywood is going to keep producing movie adaptations, and I am fine with that, there are great musical movies, and great musical proshots, they coexist. So these are five musical movies, in no particular order that I think not only could work, but also I would go and see on opening night in a heartbeat. 

5. Hamilton

I would go and see this, now I know we have the proshot on Disney Plus, but I would still want to see how this would fit into a movie. As a part one and two? Would there be dialogue between the songs which would make it stand out from the stage version. If it is a straight adaptation, it would mean people could see it without paying for a stage show, having to wait on a tour or travel, and won't even need Disney plus. The reason I want to see this, is because I want to see it attempted, and see who would be cast, seeing who could bring their own unique style to this mega musical. This is something I have heard plenty of speculation, and even want for it, and I want it too, just to see how it would turn out, as someone who has seen it live, and loves the proshot. 

4. Come From Away

The music in this show, and the story is powerful, I think would work on film, this spot was originally going to be for Shucked, but that is already getting a musical movie, that I am sure to review when it comes out. I know the proshot already exists but that is on Apple TV as we see with many proshots, some are available for purchase, some on DVD, and some are streaming. Many are on different streaming sites, all with their own price tag, and I think this would work as a film. The story is inspiring, the message about coming together is powerful, and the show itself is already movie length. If anything I would love to see the proshot get a run in movie theaters, having seen one in theaters it is a great experience, I want more people to discover the amazing message, great story, and fantastic music of this incredible show. 

3. Into The Woods 

I want a remake of this movie. Yes the movie and proshot exist, but I want to see the full musical put into a movie. With movie lengths getting longer in some cases these days, the whole show can fit into a run time, without cutting the songs and characters. I want to see the entirety of into the woods put into a film, and if this was a part one and part two, the "to be continued" would hit so much harder. I love Into The Woods and I think if other films or animated classics can be remade, musicals can be too. Annie has been made so many times, I would love to see Les Mis, and Phantom Of The Opera, and so many others get second tries to combine the wonders of musical theater and the irreplicable format of film into a perfect harmony. 

2. Sunday In The Park With George 

Speaking of harmony, Merrily We Roll Along is getting a film, which is a great, and so many Sondheim greats have gotten movie adaptations, in the case of West Side Story getting two. But my favorite has yet to take the big screen, this beautiful work about the art of making art, criticism, tragic love, and where we find the balance between art and life, deserves a movie. This would work incredibly well using either two separate actors or the same to play the two Georges, and film can easily do the transition we see after intermission into the future. This musical is a masterpiece and would make an incredible film, the messages are strong, the music is powerful, and the story relatable in so many ways. I feel this story should be told and would be an incredible movie, and you can never go wrong with Sondheim. 

1. Legally Blonde The Musical

Yes I am back to this again, but if Mean Girls can get a movie, this one deserves it. One of the best examples of a film adaptation that not only stands along side, but to many surpasses what it is an adaptation of, including in my eyes, this show is great. Packed with comedy, a strong female lead, and an inspiring message of finding oneself, this would be perfect for the big screen. A movie adaptation would give room to make changes, maybe add a song or two, and cut some things that are very much of the time it was made it, possibly making it a definitive version of the musical. It could stand side by side with the proshot that I find myself watching too many times to count, characters could be given more, and there are plenty of ways to improve the show. I love this and after seeing the Mean Girls movie, thought how I enjoyed it in some places, and had a couple of qualms in other areas of the film, but it made me want to see Legally Blonde in this format. I think the message, comedy, and energetic music would be perfect for movie theaters today, and with films such as Barbie exploring such areas, why not do it in musical form. Much like Mean Girls or The Color Purple, a musical new take on a beloved movie just might work, and to me, I think this would not only work, but could be one of the best examples of how its done, if done well. 

Ranking Every Legally Blonde Song From My Least Favorite To Most Favorite

I have not done one of these in a very long time, but I can not think of a better show return to this style of post with. International Women's day is approaching, I wanted to talk about one my favorite shows with a unforgettable leading lady, great comedic, a fantastic message and showstopping music. I will talk about this show once more, and I am sure this won't be the last, it constantly inspires me and is still my favorite musical of all time, ever since I first heard it in high school. Having watched the proshot countless times, listened to the music, and even seen it live in 2022 which was a dream come true, I am including songs you can only get by watching the proshot or seeing a live production. This is my ranking of every song in Legally Blonde The Musical. As long as it sung and there is dialogue in between it, in the case of the proshot the sing along words come on screen which has made this so much easier.  Finally some of the content of this musical is dated and is reflective of its time, but there is so much in here that has aged well and is timeless in its own right, this is all my personal opinion so if you would think different, that is totally fine. Some thoughts will be expanded, others I will not have much to say, with all of that out of the way, grab your dog, your bag, and let's look at my ranking of every song from my favorite musical. 

21. You Are A Delta Nu

This song lasts less then fifty seconds, it is a sweet moment, and is very fun, but barely counts as a song. It helps Elle connect with Brooke and that is great, but alas the short run time holds it back. Still fun though.

20. The Scene Of The Crime

This is the remnants of Legally Blonde Reprise. It is full of jokes and is a fun little moment, to let the ensemble get some fun jokes in towards the end of the show. Another song that is super short, but still fun. And even gives the judge a good moment in the second half of it, and some solid jokes as well.

19. Daughter Of Delta Nu

This is like two lines, but it is still hilarious. I laugh at it every time, every SINGLE time. So of the songs that are super short, this is my favorite. This was a fun bonus to add, now on to all the songs you can either see in the show, or hear in the album, even though some of them are quite short as well.

18. Harvard Variations 

This song is meant to establish Harvard and introduce us, even to a couple characters we see throughout the show which is good, but. There are a couple characters that end up not going anywhere in this show, so I wish the song was dedicated to Warner and Vivian even over an outdated character, and one who does not add to show ever again. We get their names and then nothing else, the song is catchy, has a couple laughs in it, but aside from that, it is one of the songs that differs from the style of most songs in the show, and it is just okay.

17. Serious (Reprise)

This song is hilarious but also has a bitter sweet ending to it, it starts with some nice jokes but really hammers in that Warner has just dropped Elle, trying to hammer in his disbelief in here. Trying to justify why he dumped her, you see Elle trying to hard to win him over, only for the song to end abruptly thanks to Vivian, a good reprise. 

15. There Right There 

This song is funny, this song is catchy, but at the end of the day it is just one joke. I like the ending where it showcases Emmit and Elle's skills in the courtroom, but this song at the end of the day is just one long outdated joke, for like three minutes. Part of me wishes this part was regulated to just a scene with some jokes in it, because this song came right after a joke heavy song with Bend And Snap. This song is funny, it's catchy, but it adds almost nothing to show, so it is ranked low for that reason, and because it is not the best joke told in the show, and it keeps on going for a while. 

15. Ireland (Reprise)

Less then a minute long but this reprise goes so hard. It has some good comedy in it, and cements Paulette as not only someone with her own story but also a good friend to Elle, arguably Elle's first friend since she came to Harvard. A joke or two, and some great lyrics and instrumentation, making this short and sweet, but a great listen.

14. Serious.

The song that sets the plot in motion, I really like the instrumentals and some of the comedic pay offs in this song, and the slower songs stand out because of the amount of fast paced ones. This one is a nice listen, and is important, but of the slower songs, this one is the one I listen to the least, a good song, that is kind of relaxing the more I think about it, until Elle rightfully screams at the end, and then the comedy as well as the waterworks are flowing.

13. Bend And Snap

This song is super funny, but feels like a follow up to a song from earlier in the show. The beat is good, some of the lyrics are funny, and the choreography is fun, and it is just a fun time. It has some good comedic layers and a good pay off, just a fun time to give the audience some time to breath and laugh before the latter half of act 2. 

12. Blood In The Water

This is a great villain song and sets the tone of the stakes, as well as what Elle is up against. We get a great showcase of Vivian's cold nature, as well as her Professor/Future Bosses philosophy. The warm and bright world that Elle was in at the beginning of the show is now cold and full of sharks in the water, looking for blood. The different style of this song meant to mimic that of 50's radio is also great, and uses the ensemble incredibly well. A good song right after Harvard Variations that really sets up the environment our lead is in.

11. Oh My God You Guys 

A high energy opening, that establishes some of the larger themes and aspects of our leads character. It shows her strengths and some areas she may need to grow. All from the eyes of her sorority sisters, the song establishes the fast pace of the songs, that the show has comedy elements in it, and that it is in fact a movie adaptation as it begins where the film does. As an opening this does everything it needs to, and starts us off on the right foot through a fun, high energy song.

10. Legally Blonde

This song is a punch to the stomach, hitting the emotional low point of the show. Filled with powerful lyrics a sweeping score, and excellent pacing to not only show the weight of the moment, but hammering in how quiet and sad it is compared to all the comedy that came before it. Even some of the serious moments had jokes in them before, but not this one. This ballad of lost hope, and being too late fits perfectly into the moment, and not only is a great listen, but is packed with emotion. And it leads to another song, I will discuss later.

9. Positive 

This song fires on all cylinders, not only comedically, but as a song. It is packed with jokes as well as being incredibly catchy. I laugh and sing along to this one every time, the jokes in it are great, the instrumentals are fantastic and it is just plain fun. One of my favorite uses of the Greek Chorus.

8. Whipped Into Shape

This ranks this high purely because of the choreography. If seen live or on the proshot, this song is impressive, yes it is a good opener to Act 2, but it also is incredible to see. Singing while jump roping is something I would only dream to pull off, but doing that, dancing, and BELTING, this song is a great way to get the energy back up right after intermission. A great introduction for Brooke, with a song that leaves me breathless just from watching it.

7. What You Want 

This song is so energetic, showing Elle's determination, through montage, costume changes, and even some music genre changes. Infusing comedy but also just having great lyrics, and some solid jokes, seeing her work to get to Harvard, though it maybe for Warner, it's engaging. You want to root for her, because Elle as a character can not only be relatable, but inspiring, she is so charismatic, and this song showcases that wonderfully, while having plenty of good laughs too. 

6.  Legally Blonde (Remix)

This is not a reprise, this is a remix. And this remix kicks so much butt, this remix rocks. Taking a sad ballad and not only proving that it works as an inspiring song in which our hero gets her second wind, but incredible moment for Enid and Vivian. Giving us the character development for Vivian we have long been waiting for as the audience in a pay off with an incredible song that leads us to the climax and finale of the show. We also get Paulette's big moment with a great dance break, which leads to an ending that gives me chills and brings the house down, it is an incredible way to bring the audience back to an emotional high after hitting rock bottom, done in such a fantastic way.

5. Ireland

What a great introduction for Paulette. Filled to the brim with jokes while also being a great and sweeping song, this was a great piece to welcome the audience after Positive. Still having the comedy, and being a great song, while being a different style of song is perfect. It keeps what I love about the show in it, while being different to stand on its own, leading to an amazing reprise, and has not only a ton of laughs, but some heart in it too. I love this song, as much as Paulette loves Ireland itself. 

4. Take It Like A Man

This is one of my favorites of the slower songs, seeing Elle return to favor to Emmit for his help earlier in the show is sweet, there are still some solid jokes in this moment, but this song is also great. There is great character growth, a really solid emotional pay off, and you get to someone who is shown to have given to our lead and probably many others, get back. This song is perfect to begin the blossoming romance that eventually blooms, while still just being a fantastic ballad. 

3. Find My Way/ Finale

The emotional core of the show, the message, as well as a happy ending (except for those who deserve what they get). This song is fantastic, taking it slow and ending on an even better version of what the show opened on, giving truly a perfect couple the song they deserve, this finale sticks the landing in every way, I enjoy it so much and it makes me just want to rewatch the proshot or start the album over, such a fantastic finale, to my favorite musical.

2. Chip On My Shoulder 

This song has inspired me in so many ways, Emmit's proper introduction over him being in Harvard Variations. I have seen myself in this song from the moment I heard it first all those years ago, someone who wants to give his mom the best, and help Elle out of her slump. Willing to help her get to that point, he has no ultier motives but rather was just happy to help someone pick themselves up. This is a song I have deep dived into and will talk about plenty more times I can tell you that. This song is inspiring, it's comedic, it helps the lead grow, it gives us an interesting new character with dreams and motivations you can get behind. There is so much packed into this song, and yet it doesn't overstay its welcome, it just works. It is a song I listen to when trying to get motivated to write a blog post, or create, it also is just a great listen on its own. This song is great, one of my favorites in musical theater as a whole, and one I can listen to in the album or on its own for a quick musical pick me up. 

1. So Much Better

This song embodies everything I love about Elle, and this is a great moment. Seeing the pay off of her hard work and seeing her finally move forward from Warner because she sees she is past it, pushing past her pain and seeing she is so much more then anyone thought possible. The song begins nice and soft and becomes so energetic, inspiring to anyone who every was heartbroken but also saw the light at the end of the tunnel. A perfect big song to do right before intermission that is not only catchy, but inspiring as well. Great lyrics, great instrumentation, and a long awaited character growth moment that our lead has been working towards, a great song that is a great listen, a great way to hype yourself up, and is a triumph in the story if you are watching it play out. This song isn't just good, it's so much better every single time I listen to it.