Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Sunday, December 31, 2006
Top 10 Musicals of 2006
10. FORBIDDEN BROADWAY: SVU
The laughs were non-stop to the point of being painful, but it was worth it to see these shows spoofed and lampooned
with such good humor & taste.
9. COMPANY, Winthrop Playmakers
This was one of those times that the marriage of director and cast got it. By keeping the story circa 1970, the true pain
and agony of being single and lonely came through thanks to the talent of such an ensemble.
8. JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, North Shore Music Theatre
Praises were sung - and rightfully so for maintaining the original integrity of this masterpiece.
7. HAIRSPRAY, North Shore Music Theatre
Director/Choreographer Barry Ivan welcomed us to the 60's in this fantastic and fun spectacle.
6. MONTY PYTHON'S SPAMALOT, Colonial Theatre
This production was every bit hilarious as promised, even for those who do not follow the TV show & movies intensely.
5. WICKED, The Opera House
What a beautiful, spectacular experience this was. The outstanding actors, the lively score and the multi-layered book defied gravity.
4. CAROLINE, OR CHANGE, Speakeasy
What more can be said? They brought this extraordinary musical to life, and our Caroline knew how to rock our world!
3. 1776, Lyric Stage
Who knew that the signing of the Declaration of Indepence could be so much fun? A lively cast made this musical exciting and entertaining.
2. THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE, The Wilbur Theatre
The new Chorus Line. Audiences love to see real people put themselves on the line and reveal the backstory behind an exciting competion.
1. CHILDREN OF EDEN, Stoneham Youth Company
The Performance of the Year. Everyone in the cast and crew got it. They just got it. The production was moving and intoxicating; the level of maturity and professional from the "youth" raised the bar for the theatre world. The sets and the lighting were intelligent and impressive. The musical direction re-defined "brilliant". Many, many congratulations to the director who provided an outstanding and inspirational evening.
This will be recorded as one of the best theatrical experiences. Ever.
The laughs were non-stop to the point of being painful, but it was worth it to see these shows spoofed and lampooned
with such good humor & taste.
9. COMPANY, Winthrop Playmakers
This was one of those times that the marriage of director and cast got it. By keeping the story circa 1970, the true pain
and agony of being single and lonely came through thanks to the talent of such an ensemble.
8. JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, North Shore Music Theatre
Praises were sung - and rightfully so for maintaining the original integrity of this masterpiece.
7. HAIRSPRAY, North Shore Music Theatre
Director/Choreographer Barry Ivan welcomed us to the 60's in this fantastic and fun spectacle.
6. MONTY PYTHON'S SPAMALOT, Colonial Theatre
This production was every bit hilarious as promised, even for those who do not follow the TV show & movies intensely.
5. WICKED, The Opera House
What a beautiful, spectacular experience this was. The outstanding actors, the lively score and the multi-layered book defied gravity.
4. CAROLINE, OR CHANGE, Speakeasy
What more can be said? They brought this extraordinary musical to life, and our Caroline knew how to rock our world!
3. 1776, Lyric Stage
Who knew that the signing of the Declaration of Indepence could be so much fun? A lively cast made this musical exciting and entertaining.
2. THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE, The Wilbur Theatre
The new Chorus Line. Audiences love to see real people put themselves on the line and reveal the backstory behind an exciting competion.
1. CHILDREN OF EDEN, Stoneham Youth Company
The Performance of the Year. Everyone in the cast and crew got it. They just got it. The production was moving and intoxicating; the level of maturity and professional from the "youth" raised the bar for the theatre world. The sets and the lighting were intelligent and impressive. The musical direction re-defined "brilliant". Many, many congratulations to the director who provided an outstanding and inspirational evening.
This will be recorded as one of the best theatrical experiences. Ever.
Top 5 Plays of 2006
5. THE WOMEN, Speakeasy Stage Company
All-star cast with stellar direction brought this timely tale of friends and gossip to delicious new heights this past fall!
4. THE PILLOWMAN, NewRep
Actor John Kuntz brought his brilliant self to this nightmarishly good fun play by Martin McDonagh.
3. FROZEN, New Rep
The actors were brilliant. The directing was brilliant. But the most brilliant aspect of this production was the "snow" that covered the stage. It added a textured layer of physical and audio sensations.
2. RABBIT HOLE, Huntington Theatre
What a powerful piece of theatre this is. And fortunately, audiences were blessed to witness such a powerful cast and direction - not to mention the impressive (and moving) set.
1. TWELVE ANGRY MEN, Colonial Theatre
The most powerful aspect of this masterpiece is its relevance, some 50 years after its initial release. An all-star cast provided riveting perfomances of this play which made everyone anything but angry.
All-star cast with stellar direction brought this timely tale of friends and gossip to delicious new heights this past fall!
4. THE PILLOWMAN, NewRep
Actor John Kuntz brought his brilliant self to this nightmarishly good fun play by Martin McDonagh.
3. FROZEN, New Rep
The actors were brilliant. The directing was brilliant. But the most brilliant aspect of this production was the "snow" that covered the stage. It added a textured layer of physical and audio sensations.
2. RABBIT HOLE, Huntington Theatre
What a powerful piece of theatre this is. And fortunately, audiences were blessed to witness such a powerful cast and direction - not to mention the impressive (and moving) set.
1. TWELVE ANGRY MEN, Colonial Theatre
The most powerful aspect of this masterpiece is its relevance, some 50 years after its initial release. An all-star cast provided riveting perfomances of this play which made everyone anything but angry.
Friday, December 22, 2006
Broadway on CD
SPRING AWAKENING
This is one of those rare situations when we need to know what the writers had for breakfast the day they collaborated on this brilliant piece of work. The vocals are as frank and naked as the lyrics themselves. The performances are exceptional as are the musicality and etherial vocal arrangements. This could have been just another sob story about teen angst, but these performances express maturity and intelligence about the subject material and never talk down to the audience. Come Tony Time, this is the show to be reckoned with! A+.
GREY GARDENS
Christine Ebersole has won every award possible for her roles in Grey Gardens. I think they've invented some awards for her to win. Listening to the soundtrack, it is easy to hear why. The infamous story of Grey Gardens is told in story and song, and it plays very well. Christine's transition from Big Edie in Act One to her grown daughter in Act Two is so effortless one would think it were easy.
The best part about this show is that in spite of being based on a documentary, it IS original! It plays like a throw-back to the good, old-fashioned book musicals. And it is quite good. The songs are fresh and alive, and the actors effortlessly breathe life into their characters. A.
A CHORUS LINE (Revival)
Everything you've heard is true -- the ENTIRE montage is here! And it sounds great! All of the actors fully comprehend their characters, and the orchestrations are contemporary enough but maintain the original score's integrity.
Charlotte d'Amboise is breathtaking as Cassie despite what you may have heard or read. Sans guitar and harp, some of the songs sound streamlined, but it is the energy and enthusiasm of the cast that makes this soundtrack a sensation. A-.
This is one of those rare situations when we need to know what the writers had for breakfast the day they collaborated on this brilliant piece of work. The vocals are as frank and naked as the lyrics themselves. The performances are exceptional as are the musicality and etherial vocal arrangements. This could have been just another sob story about teen angst, but these performances express maturity and intelligence about the subject material and never talk down to the audience. Come Tony Time, this is the show to be reckoned with! A+.
GREY GARDENS
Christine Ebersole has won every award possible for her roles in Grey Gardens. I think they've invented some awards for her to win. Listening to the soundtrack, it is easy to hear why. The infamous story of Grey Gardens is told in story and song, and it plays very well. Christine's transition from Big Edie in Act One to her grown daughter in Act Two is so effortless one would think it were easy.
The best part about this show is that in spite of being based on a documentary, it IS original! It plays like a throw-back to the good, old-fashioned book musicals. And it is quite good. The songs are fresh and alive, and the actors effortlessly breathe life into their characters. A.
A CHORUS LINE (Revival)
Everything you've heard is true -- the ENTIRE montage is here! And it sounds great! All of the actors fully comprehend their characters, and the orchestrations are contemporary enough but maintain the original score's integrity.
Charlotte d'Amboise is breathtaking as Cassie despite what you may have heard or read. Sans guitar and harp, some of the songs sound streamlined, but it is the energy and enthusiasm of the cast that makes this soundtrack a sensation. A-.
Sunday, November 05, 2006
Saturday, October 14, 2006
Spelling Bee is the New Chorus Line!
Let's face it - most of us love competition, rooting for the underdog, learning where these people came from, and having a great time.
That's why The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is the new A Chorus Line, and it's worth every letter! A.
(now playing in Boston at the Wilbur Theatre)
That's why The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is the new A Chorus Line, and it's worth every letter! A.
(now playing in Boston at the Wilbur Theatre)
Friday, October 06, 2006
All Shook Up and Down
The current tour of All Shook Up is cross between Footloose, Twelfth Night, and Grease, and it's the latest show to join the parade of Jukebox Musicals. Believe it or not, there is an okay - if not flimsy - book about a good-looking dude coming to town and making everyone fall in love. Joe Mandragona as Chad (the good-looking dude) has significant stage presence, but he needs to ooze more sex appeal to truly capture the character.
The choreography and sets are very impressive, and local audience members may remember Natasha Yvette Williams from North Shore Music Theatre's Ain't Misbehavin'. She all but steals the show with her torch song in Act Two. No, it's not a great musical, but it's a lot of fun. This is definitely a crowd pleaser. B-.
The choreography and sets are very impressive, and local audience members may remember Natasha Yvette Williams from North Shore Music Theatre's Ain't Misbehavin'. She all but steals the show with her torch song in Act Two. No, it's not a great musical, but it's a lot of fun. This is definitely a crowd pleaser. B-.
Saturday, September 30, 2006
High and Low Fidelity
The good news about the pre-Broadway run of HIGH FIDELITY at the Colonial Theatre is that it has been directed by Walter Bobbie (Footloose, Twentieth Centry, Sweet Charity revival). He has managed to create a very fun and entertaining evening.
Much of the credit, of course, also goes to the cast, who are having a lot of fun but are also totally credible as a close-knit group of friends. There is much energy and great talent to be had.
If only the book were a bit stronger. It's your basic boy-tries-to-get-girl-back story without much else going on. There needs to be more urgency and reason to the story we are obeserving.
Music enthusiasts may either delight or cringe as they get the in-jokes and pop culture references. I admit that I chuckled at the sight of the cover of the Beatles' original cover of the Yesterday...and Today album because I understood the social and financial significance.
Most of the rock-pop songs work and work well. Some not so much. It will be very interesting to see the path this show takes as it heads to the Great White Way.
But, for now, it's time to turn up the volume, and enjoy the show. B-.
Much of the credit, of course, also goes to the cast, who are having a lot of fun but are also totally credible as a close-knit group of friends. There is much energy and great talent to be had.
If only the book were a bit stronger. It's your basic boy-tries-to-get-girl-back story without much else going on. There needs to be more urgency and reason to the story we are obeserving.
Music enthusiasts may either delight or cringe as they get the in-jokes and pop culture references. I admit that I chuckled at the sight of the cover of the Beatles' original cover of the Yesterday...and Today album because I understood the social and financial significance.
Most of the rock-pop songs work and work well. Some not so much. It will be very interesting to see the path this show takes as it heads to the Great White Way.
But, for now, it's time to turn up the volume, and enjoy the show. B-.
Thursday, September 28, 2006
Speakeasy Opens Season with The Women's Open Season
Strong women. Strong cast. Strong director. Strong director.
Go see Speakeasy's production of The Women. A
Go see Speakeasy's production of The Women. A
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
Jesus Saves!
Go see North Shore Music Theatre's production of Jesus Christ Superstar! A
Okay, I'm not complaining, but y'all are starting to bore me. I have nothing bad to say about anything I've seen this month! Not that I enjoy picking shows apart; contrary to popular belief, I don't! But at the risk of having all my reviews sound alike, suffice it say, go see everything in town!!
Okay, I'm not complaining, but y'all are starting to bore me. I have nothing bad to say about anything I've seen this month! Not that I enjoy picking shows apart; contrary to popular belief, I don't! But at the risk of having all my reviews sound alike, suffice it say, go see everything in town!!
Who Knew That Signing the Declaration of Independence Could Be So Much Fun?
Go see the Lyrics Stage's production of 1776! A
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
Thursday, September 07, 2006
Lindsey Buckingham's Own Way
On October 3, Lindsey Buckingham releases his forth solo album, and soon I will be discussing his previous albums in preparation!
As a member of Fleetwood Mac, Lindsey had a different approach to songwriting than Stevie Nicks and Christine McVie did, but music enthusiasts applauded him for his unique and orginal style of producing.
LAW AND ORDER (1981)
Lindsey's first outing focuses on his vocal qualities and his guitar riffs. He plays it surprisingly safe here, but that was a wise choise. One might remember the single "Trouble," which peaked at #9 on the Billboard Singles Chart, but one might not remember much else. That doesn't mean the album is not worth listening to; it is. It is probably best recommended for true-blue fans of Fleetwood Mac who do not mind Lindsey's idiosynchratic behavior on his own. He is at his best when he slows down and allows his breathy voice to emote. He is at his quirkiest when he tries too hard to experiment. What he lacks in lyrics, he attempts to make up in production values, which is good or bad depending on your own personal taste. B.
GO INSANE (1984)
Not sure what to say about Lindsey's sophomore album, but Frank Zappa must have been proud! Buckingham flexes his creative muscles in ways that are brand new to most people. Unfortunately, there are not many radio-friendly tunes on this disc, save for "Slow Dancing," "I Want You," and the title track (maybe).
Surprisingly, "Play the Drum" and "Loving Cup" are quite bland considering the other selections, but the aforementioned do make for good listening.
Then there's "Play in the Rain." It is either a throwback to the Beatles' "Revolution 9" or Buckingham has totally lost his mind. To his credit, it is an interesting display of what one can do with sound effects, music, and breathy lyrics. It also acts a prelude to future production techniques that he will utilize.
Another surprise is how dated the percussion on this album sounds, but Lindsey maintains his own personal identity for a collection for down and dirty fans. B.
OUT OF THE CRADLE (1992)
Okay, I'm going to say something about Cradle that I say about very, very few albums.
Out of the Cradle is a Masterpiece.
From start to finish, top to bottom, everything about Cradle is unprecedented, undescribable perfection. Lindsey has put his paranoia on the shelf and focused on blending mature, intelligent lyrics with harmonious, melodius music. He has captured in this release everything that represents adult-orientated acoustic rock on the highest level with the highest standards.
Upon initial release, critics hailed this album as the Album of the Year and the Album of the Decade. And with good reason. It is a pure joy to listen to. It is genuine rapture to be enveloped in the magic. A+.
UNDER THE SKIN (2006)
An acoustic album is an awesome idea, but if only if it is executed properly. When a singer/songwriter is alone with his guitar, there is no need to super-produce everything. Lindsey's overlapping, echoing voice come across as more distracting than innovative. His breathy voice is less mystical and more exhausted, as if trying to prove something.
The disc is not a total disaster, but it made me long the days of "Never Going Back Again" and the acoustic versions of "Go Insane" and "Big Love." Sometimes a song is a song, and it is what it is. C-.
As a member of Fleetwood Mac, Lindsey had a different approach to songwriting than Stevie Nicks and Christine McVie did, but music enthusiasts applauded him for his unique and orginal style of producing.
LAW AND ORDER (1981)
Lindsey's first outing focuses on his vocal qualities and his guitar riffs. He plays it surprisingly safe here, but that was a wise choise. One might remember the single "Trouble," which peaked at #9 on the Billboard Singles Chart, but one might not remember much else. That doesn't mean the album is not worth listening to; it is. It is probably best recommended for true-blue fans of Fleetwood Mac who do not mind Lindsey's idiosynchratic behavior on his own. He is at his best when he slows down and allows his breathy voice to emote. He is at his quirkiest when he tries too hard to experiment. What he lacks in lyrics, he attempts to make up in production values, which is good or bad depending on your own personal taste. B.
GO INSANE (1984)
Not sure what to say about Lindsey's sophomore album, but Frank Zappa must have been proud! Buckingham flexes his creative muscles in ways that are brand new to most people. Unfortunately, there are not many radio-friendly tunes on this disc, save for "Slow Dancing," "I Want You," and the title track (maybe).
Surprisingly, "Play the Drum" and "Loving Cup" are quite bland considering the other selections, but the aforementioned do make for good listening.
Then there's "Play in the Rain." It is either a throwback to the Beatles' "Revolution 9" or Buckingham has totally lost his mind. To his credit, it is an interesting display of what one can do with sound effects, music, and breathy lyrics. It also acts a prelude to future production techniques that he will utilize.
Another surprise is how dated the percussion on this album sounds, but Lindsey maintains his own personal identity for a collection for down and dirty fans. B.
OUT OF THE CRADLE (1992)
Okay, I'm going to say something about Cradle that I say about very, very few albums.
Out of the Cradle is a Masterpiece.
From start to finish, top to bottom, everything about Cradle is unprecedented, undescribable perfection. Lindsey has put his paranoia on the shelf and focused on blending mature, intelligent lyrics with harmonious, melodius music. He has captured in this release everything that represents adult-orientated acoustic rock on the highest level with the highest standards.
Upon initial release, critics hailed this album as the Album of the Year and the Album of the Decade. And with good reason. It is a pure joy to listen to. It is genuine rapture to be enveloped in the magic. A+.
UNDER THE SKIN (2006)
An acoustic album is an awesome idea, but if only if it is executed properly. When a singer/songwriter is alone with his guitar, there is no need to super-produce everything. Lindsey's overlapping, echoing voice come across as more distracting than innovative. His breathy voice is less mystical and more exhausted, as if trying to prove something.
The disc is not a total disaster, but it made me long the days of "Never Going Back Again" and the acoustic versions of "Go Insane" and "Big Love." Sometimes a song is a song, and it is what it is. C-.
The Blue Grotto
Under new management, this magnificent restaurant is the place to be! The owners will do what they can to make your visit as enjoyable as possible. The new decor is handsome and relaxing, and the female vocalist is as cute as her voice is crystal-clear.
The menu is Italian, and the portions are just right. My choice was chicken/ziti/broccolli, and the pasta was cooked to perfection. Everything was seasoned correctly without being overpowering.
The desserts are tasty without being too sweet as well. I had the chocolate fudge cake drizzled with raspberry sauce, and it was as delicious as it sounds!
The wine list is impressive as is the size of the restaurant. This is the perfect place for any size party, function, or meeting.
Take advantage of the valet parking, and look forward to going back!!
The menu is Italian, and the portions are just right. My choice was chicken/ziti/broccolli, and the pasta was cooked to perfection. Everything was seasoned correctly without being overpowering.
The desserts are tasty without being too sweet as well. I had the chocolate fudge cake drizzled with raspberry sauce, and it was as delicious as it sounds!
The wine list is impressive as is the size of the restaurant. This is the perfect place for any size party, function, or meeting.
Take advantage of the valet parking, and look forward to going back!!
Sunday, September 03, 2006
Random Thought 45
I have better things to worry about than people who need something better worry about.
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
Thursday, August 24, 2006
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
12
1. 12 items in a dozen.
2. 12 dozens in a gross.
3. 12 hours on a clock.
4. 12 grades in primary education.
5. 12 months on a calendar.
6. 12 inches in a foot.
7. 12 signs in the Western Zodiac.
8. 12 Animals in the Chinese Zodiac.
9. 12 ounces in a troy pound.
10. 12 members on an American jury.
11. 12 cranial nerves.
12. 12 Days of Christmas.
2. 12 dozens in a gross.
3. 12 hours on a clock.
4. 12 grades in primary education.
5. 12 months on a calendar.
6. 12 inches in a foot.
7. 12 signs in the Western Zodiac.
8. 12 Animals in the Chinese Zodiac.
9. 12 ounces in a troy pound.
10. 12 members on an American jury.
11. 12 cranial nerves.
12. 12 Days of Christmas.
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