Classic's That Should Be Revived

Singing In the Rain-  There were plans to bring this classic back to the stage all these years later, I do hope it comes back to introduce new audiences to the classic

Merrily We Roll Along- I will keep this brief as I plan on diving in deeper, having recently discovered this very unique show, told entirely in flashbacks telling a story but moving backwards this show has so many different unique yet relevant themes of dreams, friendship, relationships, and the cost of what you want, with unforgettable songs by the classic Sondheim. This show should get revived and I can't wait to give more reasons why soon..

Guys and Dolls - I feel like this would do well just like the recent " Hello Dolly" revival, this show is done in many community theaters for it's fun, comical, lighthearted story with classic unforgettable song 

How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying-  Even though this was revived four years ago, this show is so relevant in the way it portrays working, with great classic songs and great comedy as well, I would not mind if this show at least got another national tour 

So what are some of your favorite classics that you would like to see come to center stage again, it's nice to look back and find new songs or new shows to love from the past. Until next time,  I hope your day is a showstopper 

Shows I've Seen Review : West Side Story

Back in 8th grade I was shown the film version of Stephen Sondheim classic " West Side Story", but in 2013 I got to see it live, on a national Broadway tour. As we talked classic musicals, I decided to reminisce and talk about the modern take on Romeo and Juliet.

The plot follows two gangs in New York, the Jets and the Sharks are two gangs at war to control the city, some born and raised there, others from Cuba. When Tony and Maria, one from each side fall in love, they have to find a way to keep their relationship among the warring factions, whole remaining loyal to their friends and family.

This show is a drama and has many twists and turns and it's fair share of heavy moments, there are a couple songs meant to lighten to mood and show that the characters are still young and can't be serious all the time, but this show for the most part is a drama. It is very well written and the characters are complicated and three dimensional, I was invested the whole time, this musical is more suited for older audiences due to the heavier dramatic moments and some of the complex them on race and such .

The music is nothing short of amazing, Sondheim is a musical genius and this is no exception, all the songs are memorable and set the mood perfectly, the choreography must been seen at least once, whether on video, live, or in concert as a tribute. Each dance its energetic or slower to perfectly match the brilliant music, this shows choreography is a great reason alone to see the show, the music, singing, and story added together make this piece timeless. Here are some of my favorite songs, and these songs are the 2013 Broadway revival version for reference.

Something's Coming

Tonight ( Duet)

Cool

America

Tonight ( Quintet) 

Some Where

I Feel Pretty

A Boy Like That/I Have a Love

If you are looking for a good drama I recommend this classic, there is a pretty accurate classic movie, but the stage version does contain more, and the 2013 Broadway cast is the soundtrack I listen to the most and recommend, and catch a tour if you can, if you enjoy the show. Thanks for reading and until next time, I hope your day is a showstopper

Themed Playlist : Classic

I have not made a themed playlist in some time, and as it is Classic Musical Month , I wanted to share just a grab bag of songs from classic shows, and if you haven't heard these songs, definitely look them up, and recommend some of your favorite classics so I can look them up and add them to my playlist,  this playlist theme is only the first of many, I definitively will be looking into more and more classic songs, to make more playlists.  Here are some classic Broadway songs I can't stop humming,


Seventy Six Trombones - Music Man

Sincere- Music Man

Climb Every Mountain - Sound Of Music

America -  West Side Story

Tonight ( Duet and Quintet) - West Side Story 

Luck Be a Lady Tonight- Guys and Dolls

I Believe In You - How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying

Before The Parade Passes By- Hello Dolly

Don't Rain on My Parade - Funny Girl 

Open A New Window - Mame

Comedy Tonight- A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum

You'll Never Walk Alone - Carousel

If Only My Friends Could See Me Now- Sweet Chairty


So here are a variety of  songs to get you started, and if you enjoy one song, you might enjoy the rest of the show as well. until next time, I hope your day is a showstopper
  

Classic Shows I Want To See

Sometimes a show eludes you, or you discover it , long after it's initial run. Here are some classic shows I missed along the way but I hope to see someday, whether it be to unavailability, discovered too late or because I couldn't afford a ticket these are the classic shows that passed me by.


Merrily We Roll Along

Sound Of Music  

Funny Girl

A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum

Sunday In The Park With George

What shows have you missed along the way? Until next time I hope your day is a showstopper

Judging A Show By Its Cast Album : Hello Dolly

" Hello Dolly" , the classic tale of the meddling matchmaker that I discovered thanks to the recent revival starring Bette Middler and David Hyde Pierce, this comedy show I only know through the album, I have not seen a production or a film.. yet, but I plan on viewing both as soon as possible

" Hello Dolly" follows Dolly a widow and a very skilled matchmaker, as her and her clients get into wild adventures and as she tries to win over the rich widower Horace. This comedy is full of wit and charm as well as unforgettable songs, this show is so good at setting the mood, whether to dance or to take a moment to breath, but this show is also good at incorporating jokes into the well written songs as well as turn the story on its head with crazy situations at the turn of a hat.

The songs are catchy and each one stands out, the revival even adds a cut song  " Penny in My Pocket" and I'm glad they did, it's a fun song. Here are some of my favorites

I Put My Hand In

It Takes a Woman

Put on Your Sunday Clothes

Dancing

Before the Parade Passes By

Penny In My Pocket

Waiters Gallop

Hello Dolly

If you want fun, " Hello Dolly" is pure fun, if you are unsure look up the cast album, you may be pleasantly surprised, I know I was. Until next time I hope your day is a showstopper. Classic Musical Month is looking to be amazing, but there is some classic theater to be discussed as well 

Sources: 

Wikipedia " Hello Dolly" Plot

Hello Dolly Revival Cast Recording 

Musicals Today That I think Will Become Classics

Plenty of shows we are going to talk about have stood the test of time, defining them as classics. Shows that are great now and then, loved by all audiences. Here are some more recent shows that I believe will become classics. What modern musicals do you think will be played and performed twenty years from now ? Here are the shows that I think are bound to become classics

Hamilton

Come From Away

Aladdin 

Dear Evan Hansen

Until next time, I hope your day is a showstopper

Review:The Music Man , Starring Robert Preston

back in 2013 I discovered my first classic musicals. I was introduced to was Meredith Wilson;s comedy known as " The Music Man" I have seen a high school production of this show but as I review the show I decided the revisit the production that introduced me to this classic, as well as what it is most known for, and I was so pleasantly surprised that it became one of my favorite musicals.

Music Man follows professional con man Professor Harold Hill as he arrives to the fictional town of river city Iowa, there he finds the  humble town, a new pool hall, and Marian the Librarian, the only towns member truly smart and aware enough to see through Harold's plan to sell the town instruments and uniforms but then leave before teaching a single music lesson with the money for said equipment . The comedy is well executed with great one liners, with well timed set ups. All the characters are likable but Harold and Marian steal the show

The songs are amazing from the beginning, when it starts with " Rock Island  " the shows songs always fit the mood being conveyed at the moment so well, with such energy in the showstopping " Seventy Six Trombones"  or calm moments in " Goodnight my Someone" , this classic is fun and has a ton of heart.  Here are my favorite songs

Rock Island
You Got Trouble 
Goodnight My Someone
Seventy Six Trombones ( My Favorite Song)
Pick a Little Talk a Little / Goodnight Ladies
Marian the Librarian ( 2nd Favorite Song)
It's You
Finale 

The film made, with much of the Broadway cast in it including Robert Prestron reprising his role as Harold Hill is a very faithful adaption and one worth checking out along with the Broadway or film soundtrack, though the two have slight differences,I prefer the original Broadway soundtrack. If you want a fun, timeless comedy, well there's no better place to look for trouble then right here in River City, Till next time I hope your day is a showstopper