These Are The Best of Times!

It is very interesting to see just how far La Cage Aux Folles has come since its debut in 1983.

It is equally very sad to see just how little has changed since La Cage Aux Folles opened in 1983.

Director Charles Repole seems sensitive to this and provides a lavish, satisfying productions that pays homage to the original source material but remains relevant to today's climate. Anchored in the original, but taking some cues from the 2010 Revival, La Cage pleases on all levels.

Charles Shaughnessy has found and applied some depth to Georges. Instead of playing him as a one-note butch man, he has allows the character to explore all aspects of his character.

Jonathan Hammond is an emotional Albin who lights up the stage when he lets his husband have it during "I Am What I Am." This particular pundit enjoys Hammond's off-the-cuff portrayal of a spouse wounded because his emotions are both raw and realistic.

Nikko Kimzin tears the stage up as a wild but sensitive Jacob.

Larry Cahn knows how to play M. Dindon as an unlikeable but real character. All disdain for him are authentic instead of superficial. Maureen Brennan provides enough comic relief as his long-suggering wife. She is a true joy to watchj.

Zach Trimmer and Stephanie Martignetti have (finally) found ways to portray Jean-Michel and Anne as full-fleged people instead of caricatures that breeze in and out of the play.

Les Cagelles own the arena when they perform, and their costumes are second to none. Even after all these years, they play and dance their parts with refreshing renewal and credibility.

La Cage @ NSMT is everything you want it to be -- bright and colorful but grounded in reality and emotion.

If the Best of Times is not now, then when?

Top 5 Fleetwood Mac songs penned by Lindsey Buckingham

5. "Monday Morning" (Fleetwood Mac, 1975)

The opening track of the group's eponymous album doesn't waste any time letting the public know there is a new line-up in town with Lindsey's blend of country rock and soothing vocals. It is the perfect mid-1970s answer to the decade's soft rock while still remaining faithful to what the band had established in the latter part of the 1960s. It is a sincere moment for Lindsey as he both showcases but downplays his guitar abilities. He would later explore more experimental work and explode during guitar solos, but this song is a proper introduction.

4. "Never Going Back Again" (Rumours, 1977)

This deceptively simple track from an album you've probably heard once or twice focuses more on his intricate manipulation of the strings and less on stanzas of lyrics. That's okay because it is clear that Lindsey knows what he's doing when it comes to the guitar. When performing live, he allows his fingers to do the talking to emphasize the immediate and intimate nature of the song.
Sometimes, less is more.

3. "Big Love" (Tango In The Night, 1987)

When the group recorded what could be considered RUMOURS II, Lindsey answered the call with his sexy, fun pop smash. It combines the traditional FM bass/drum connection and Lindsey's playfulness in the studio (grunts, anyone?). When pared-down to just him and instrument, he is able to re-create the song for live shows, and it takes on a whole new meaning. Again, his guitar work here is second to none.

2. "Tusk" (Tusk, 1979)

Ironically, one of Lindsey's best has nothing to do with his guitar work, but the bold and famous inclusion of the USC Trojan Marching Band. This song works well because of its gradual build. Whispered vocals progress to a feisty crescendo while incorporating the brass section to match. The song and album were quite daring back in the day, but the risk pays off.

1. "Go Your Own Way" (Rumours, 1977)

Lindsey's gutsy in-your-face declaration of independence is both angry and honest. The straightforward rock-and-roll anthem in the chorus is a stark but complementing contrast to the verse's intricate musicality. The first single of this line-up's second release lets everyone know this isn't the same band from an album ago. Lindsey has arrived, and he is going his own way!


http://lindseybuckingham.com

Random Thought 80

I don't want to do things
that I don't want to do.