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. 

From Helpless To Burn To Telling The Stroy: The Evolution Of Eliza Schuyler In Hamilton

When a story begins, one never truly knows where they will end up, starting from deeply enamored head over heels love, to erasing yourself from the love story you were once so happy to be a part of. Someone who always asked their significant other to let enough just be enough, who begged her love to take a break, and even though she gave nothing but support and love, ending up getting burned. This is the story of a someone who stood strong and true, someone who should be admired. This is Eliza's story. As we approach the tenth anniversary of this groundbreaking, history making historical rap musical, as we draw closer to the date, in this tenth year celebration of Hamilton, I decided to deep dive into so many reasons why we love the songs and characters, and what narratives are behind the cast of this show. But today, let's talk about the faithful wife, the one and only Elizabeth Schuyler, also known as Eliza Hamilton.  

When she first takes the stage, we meet her and her sisters, next her and Alexander are getting married, then asking Alexander just live so he can see his child grow saying that he is more then enough, next is asking him to slow down, raising the children, wanting her husband to take a break, witnessing his political ups and downs, being cheated on, losing her son, forgiving Alexander, losing Alexander, and then ending the show, many believing her to be taking her last breath. Much like her sister and most of the cast, even when she is not on stage, she is providing supporting vocals through many of the songs. 

If that sums up anything, it shows Eliza is a huge part of the show, and adds just as much as even characters like Burr to the narrative. If Alexander is pure ambition, she is the heart of the show. She is an anthesis to Alexander, trying to get him to just be good enough, and to enjoy moments. Which then leads to an interesting change in "Its Quiet Uptown" and "Who Lives Who Dies Who Tells Your Story" where Alexander finally begins to take life slowly and prioritize family, while Eliza ends the show doing so many ambitious things. 

When we first meet her, she is with her sisters, and then is already in love after a chance encounter on a cold winters night. You see how happy and content she is from this song from "Helpless" and that keeps returning through the rest of Act 1 and even some of Act 2. She is loving and supportive but wishes to see her husband live long enough to see her point of view on things. Telling him how they don't need a legacy, or money, just love, and asking to be a part of his story. Love is very much her driving force, and her being content with just having the ones she loves around her, is a great yet sweet contrast to Alexander's constant ambition, always climbing upward to something new.

And then he just couldn't say no to this. 

I can write a whole post about Burn and trust me, I probably will. Burn is one of the most powerful moments in the show, pure heartbreak that is filled to the brim with genuine emotion. The hurt she feels that connect to that audience, the pain of Alexander cheating on her, and being full of justified rage, pain, and sorrow. In that moment instead of rushing to his side, she gives Alexander over to his ambitions, removing herself from it. Even though we will never truly know how she reacted in history, Eliza in the terms of the musical steps away in a what could only be shown as the opposite of helpless. Her husband let someone else into their bed, but as she says , she doesn't have to let the world into her heart or bed, or even let Alexander back into it. This moment full of fire burning from within, and on the stage as she destroys the letters which once won her over, the heart she gave to Alexander is now in pieces, and she leaves him not with those, but leaves with what she has left of that very heart. 

Losing her son just makes it all the more worse.

And yet she forgives him, forgiving her husband, letting go of the past, letting go of the betrayal, letting go of the Alexander handing her first born the gun that would ultimately take his life, and then use that gun one more time, losing his in the process. And yet she forgives him, she tells his story, she invites herself back into the narrative and gets her wish. She becomes a part of his story, analyzing and publishing her late husbands writing, raising funs for the Washington Monument, interviewing soldiers who fought with him, writing herself, opening the first private orphanage in New York City, and some much more. 

If the real Eliza didn't do all the legwork, and tell his story, we would not have this amazing musical. Eliza is the heart of the show, because without her and what she did, there would be no she. She drives home the simple yet powerful theme of legacy, and how you can work to preserve your legacy your whole life but part of it, is who tells your story. The people who tell your story help shape it and how it gets told, and what the tale of you tells. 

Eliza tells this story, so much it becomes her story, being someone who should be applauded for the love she gave, for the forgiveness she was willing to give, and what she accomplished. The show is named Hamilton but there is more then one at the emotional core of the narrative driving its themes home on legacy. Without the story she told, we never would have gotten this story on stage. From head over heels, to telling his story, the founding fathers will have their place history forever, but Eliza's legacy and what she did for Alexander's is second to none.

The Goes Wrong Show, Perfectly Planned Imperfection

 Chekov's gun is a literary rule in which, if something is shown, such as a gun on the wall it must be fired by the end of the story. What if the stage was set, the actors shown, and everything was establish, only for that rule to take place in the most comedic way possible. What if the gun fired, but in the wrong direction, but was done with purpose and to make the audience smile? That is, "The Goes Wrong Show", and I have been really enjoying it lately.

The title alone can tell you a whole story, it can let you know the themes, goals, or general premise of what is about to unfold. "The Goes Wrong Show" is in fact, what the title says it is. A live theater performance, mostly presented in the form of TV episodes but sometimes can have longer, movie like presentations, from the BBC over in England is a complete and total gem. I first saw an episode a few years back but recently not only revisited it, but remembered why I loved it so much the first time I saw it. The actors are mostly the same, but the plays always change, sometimes it's a genre or theme, and others it is a well loved story such as "Peter Pan" or "A Christmas Carol". The play begins, the stage is set after a word from the director, and then.. well the title speaks for itself doesn't it?

Sets falling, prop and costume malfunctions, lines not being understood, mics not being turned off, offstage or behind the scene antics coming into the light of the stage and so much more. Actor's getting knocked out, accents being too heavy, and even in some cases some audience interaction, even if the actor on stage does not want it. Whether in episode form or the longer productions, filmed live on stage with an audience, this is a theatrical comedic romp.

The comedic timing in this whether it is physical or verbal is second to none. The jokes are constantly streaming in one after another, meaning if one doesn't land with you, another that probably will is not far behind. The accidents are amazing, and show amazing stunt work on the team, some can be seen a mile away but are still hilarious while many are surprises. Some are laid out in dialogue but aren't pay offs until they are almost forgotten about, for example in one of my favorite episodes "90 Degrees" which was meant for the heat in this drama play ends up meaning the set is on a slant and leads to great slapstick, there is a line about the set designer being a toy maker beforehand, which means jack in the boxes pop up with great comedic timing. 

Some of my favorite gags are when mics are left on, character is broken, or frantic behind the scenes antics are shown. Whether its cast members caught conversing, arguments amongst each other,  romantic relations, people out of character, gossip because a mic was left on or someone even buying snacks and being recorded because the mic was left on.

This show can be found on Broadway HD with both hour long specials behind a paywall, one season is on Tubi for free with ads, but I watched this on YouTube which was free with ads, but I have premium which has both seasons of the show, and the "Peter Pan Goes Wrong" hour long special. I love the former, but the latter is my favorite. Using the longer run time and bigger set to make things go wrong in ways I was not expecting, and still laugh at upon rewatches. The stunts, mishaps, and behind the scenes stories that come into the light, lead to amazing running gags, great sight gags, and knowing the perfect amount of time to do a callback or go even bigger. I never knew there would be a version of "Peter Pan" where I would root for the crocodile but trust me, by the end of this if you choose to watch it, you will too. The build up at the beginning leads to jokes that make sense among the senseless, but at times something purely outrageous will happen that is downright hilarious all with great pacing to boot.

Even though the imperceptions of this play are planned, the show is authentic with its audience and just wants to make the audience laugh. The title lets you know what you are in for, but how things go wrong is where the writing shows its comedic strengths. 

I highly recommend giving this a try, the show and then if you like it the specials. I hope we get more, because these are so well done, and are just plain funny. comedic Chekov's gun, where anything that can go wrong, most certainly will, and I love that it does. 

"I Don't Need Your Love" The Ballad Of The One Who Survived (SIX)

Valentine's day is approaching, and as fun it would be to recount all of the lovely Broadway love ballads across musical history. Wouldn't it be more fun to talk about a show that is about the wrong side of love, six Queens who all share one ex, Henry the 8th, king of England and how many know them only from an old rhyme. I have recounted on many occasions on this blog, and will many more my love of this show, it is in my top 5 favorite musicals of all time, the high energy of this show is matchless, the show full of comedic moments, real human emotion the audience can relate to, and of course some grade A break up songs. Songs of wanting to stay, living your life, being unbreakable, loving yourself and having a confident identity in the face of harsh criticisms, being viewed as nothing more, and having to courage to let go of someone. As much as it would be fun to talk about golden age romantic romps such as "Hello Dolly" or " My Fair Lady", and those shows are great, classics, have their place in musical history, love does not always look as clean cut as it does in those sweet comedies. Love can be very messy, love when not handled or respect can often lead to heartbreak. This show mentions heartbreak in spades, but it also shows the audience, you don't have to lay down and cry about, you can use your voice, your music, your gifts, to not only tell your side of the story, but move on from the pain through music. 

The show has the queens recounting their love life, but also showing the audience there was so much to their stories then what is present in the history books. Competing to show who had it worst with the winner getting to be the lead of the fictional band, filling the show with catchy pop songs, fun banter, great comedy, and incredible music that is constantly changing styles inspired from various eras of pop music. As the show continues, more amazing songs in different styles of music are played, all the queens after their first big group number, and one in the middle that is a full on rave, provide backing vocals as each individual queen, one by one gets her turn in the spotlight. 

The final queen, Catharine Parr takes the stage, as we approach the ending of this wonderful show, and suddenly the show is flipped on its head. The jokes come to a halt, and much like each queen before her, a new style of music comes to the front. Starting slow and soft, with a great instrumentals, a great use of the keyboard and bass, we hear the story of having to let go of someone Catharine truly loved to be a queen. Wishing she could tell Henry that she does not need her love, but she can't, not to a king. She recounts being married, being the one who survived but shows there was so much more, that her story has many untold aspects that are never touched on. Without Henry she feels as if she disappears, even though she has written, advocated and done so much more. The others realize that even though they have deeper stories, history only views them as the many wives of Henry. 

But then.. the chorus of the song becomes more of a what someone wants to say but never did, the history is dropped, and the queens find their voices. They stop competing and acknowledge the common denominator of their heartbreak, they take back the microphone, control, and in the face of what really happens tell Henry what they always needed to. The song starts soft and somber and ends as a celebration of loving yourself, and letting go of someone. All of them echoing the chorus singing "I don't need your love", turning the song from somber to upbeat, the lyrics pack a punch both when the song is a solo, and when the ensemble comes in.

The song has tons of emotion packed in, while still being a great listen, it is relatable and enjoyable, the song holds a powerful message. It's okay to feel sad and process those feelings, but sometimes we can see we are so much more, we can be stronger, and take back control in our stories. The change of emotions in the song flows naturally as everyone goes from defeated, to taking a stand, not stopping the song but rather progressing along with it.

That is where the song hits close to home with me. Sometimes stories need to end for our own good, songs like "Burn" from "Hamilton" or "There's A Fine Fine Line" from "Avenue Q" just capture human emotion in song in ways that remind us why we love musical theater. This song captures not only the real emotions of a reflective nature, or being hurt and being validated for said hurt. Then the song brings the message of the show home, disregarding all historical accuracy to bring something real to the audience, encouraging them to throw away love that they do not need.  

As someone who has listened to this song countless times, and has had the joy of seeing this show live, this moment is a joy to witness play out in person as well as it did when I first heard it on the album. A great song with memorable lyrics, great instrumentation, and above all of that a powerful message. This song is great, this show is great, and I am sure I will go further into the show, its themes, and more over time. They may not need Henry's love anymore, but I for one need to this song, and to listen to it again and again. 

Alexander Hamilton... Just You Wait

 This year marks ten years of the Broadway musical smash hit, "Hamilton". As someone who has seen it live a couple times, watched the Disney Plus filmed live on stage version as well, listened to the music, the Hamildrops, and the Mixtape, it is easy to say that I'm a fan. It is in my top 3 favorite musicals of all time, and has inspired me through the music all these years, pumping me up, helping me unwind and have fun, with friends, with family, or listening on my own. Long time readers of this blog already know this as I have covered the show, the songs, the remixes and so much over countless times over the years. But for the 10th anniversary, I want to not only look into it again, look at the show, some of the songs, but also look into the themes as well as the impact made by this pop culture phenomenon. So once a month until July of 2025, the month of the actual tenth anniversary, in which that will be the grand finale to this series, I will be diving into Hamilton, as well as some of the works of Lin Manuel Miranda that do not star any founding fathers. But where to begin, how about with a question.

The show as mentioned by plenty of analysts, writers, and cast members themselves, the show begins with a question. "How?". Asking how someone who bounced from struggle to struggle, losing any semblance of family, losing his home to a hurricane, still became a founding father. From the second the curtain rises, the show begins with asking a legitimate question, in the face of someone who should of not made it to where they were standing, but did. But then a phrase is repeated "just you wait". 

Telling not just the world around him who is "Waiting in the wings" for him, but the audience to sit back, wait and see how he gets so far. Instead of questioning how, the show answers it with for every time the question is raised, it's answered. Answered with working hard, studying, and taking a new chance at a new life in a land far from home. Alexander's ambition is seen from the second he steps on stage, not only telling us to wait and see but how "There's a million things I haven't done". Not just a clever rhyme for his last name to fit the bar, but also showing how much he wants to do. Wanting to fill every second of every day with taking shot after shot with the hope of one landing and getting ahead. Before we even meet the cast the stage is set, relationships are stated, and the world already knows the lead is not sitting idly by.

Before the first song finishes we are shown the relationships he has, from love, to friends, enemies, mentors, all down to the one who would end his life. Telling the audience to just wait, asking who's story is about to unfold one more time. Starting completely unknown, but by the time the curtains fall those who seen, or listened will. 

This opening reminds me plenty of Lin Manuel's first and also amazing musical "In The Heights", in which the ensemble gathers, the stage is set, and you meet the cast while their place in this world is established. This opening carries so much weight, using a solid beat, great lyrics with fantastic flow, to take us back in time. Unlike the first which brings us to fictional characters in a real place, with hopes and dreams that make them feel real, this is real history and real events. Following a real historical figure could always bring speculation, but this opening packs in so many facts that illustrate our leads humble beginnings, while still being a great song to listen to. 

Giving us a lead who we want to see succeed, who is relentless. Refusing to give up in the face of trail after trial, tribulation after tribulation. Pushing forward, as those who will play a part in his story recount, soon these players will fill the stage and the pieces will come together, sometimes the same actor doing two different roles. The "We Fought With Him", "Me I Died For Him", being played by people who echo those phrases but in two different ways depending on the context of who they are in Act One and Act Two. The whole cast stating their ties to the lead, we know they will appear, now much like for Alexander's rise, we must wait to see how. This song is a brilliant start. 

As someone who has seen it, the only thing the audience, watcher on Disney plus, or listener of the album can do, is sit back and wait, thankful the wait to see where this musical leads us, is only a song, or a few seconds away. Starting off on an incredibly strong note, asking questions that the night spends answering so the audience leaves asking none of their own.