Tuesday, December 31, 2019

Let's Party!

We've been working and suffering
All through the week
Our insanity
Has just reached its peak

Hold out your glass
I’ll pour the beer
Everybody party
‘Cause the weekend is here!

Let’s party!
Everybody party!
I want to party!
Everybody party ‘til you just can’t party no more!

We’re gonna get to the action
We’ll get to it fast
We’re gonna tell everyone
To raise a glass!

By the strike of midnight
You’ll be craving for more
We’re just gonna party
‘Til we can’t find the door!

Let’s party!
Everybody party!
We want to party!
Everybody party ‘til you just can’t party no more!


Copyright 1983 Scott C. Forrest

Saturday, December 28, 2019

Top Ten Productions of 2018!!

10. FUN HOME (SpeakEasy Stage Company) Director Paul Daigneault gives Fun Home the intimate treatment, and the results are as devastating as they are rewarding! Whether it is the symbolism of the books on the shelves or the metaphor of the rugs on the floor, every aspect of this outstanding production is top notch. The cast is stellar and the musicians are spot on. The topic is relevant, and the shifts are changing. The message is clear -- if something needs to be said, SAY IT! Don't wait for the light.

9. ALLEGIANCE (SpeakEasy Stage Company) Director Paul Daigneault is famous for finding the moments within the moments, and only he could take a difficult and unspoken moment in history and both deliver the story, and make it entertaining as well. The cast is faithful to the source material, the message is "never again," we hope.

8. LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS (Arts After Hours) The fun part of visiting this acclaimed theatre group is the creativity that they offer their productions. Nick Raponi's turn as The Plant is truly spectacular. Director Samantha Gambaccini keeps the untraditional approach fresh and alive throughout. The rest of the cast is polished and professional, and we are open for business!

7. JEKYLL AND HYDE THE MUSICAL (North Shore Music Theatre) This production has raised the the bar yet again at one of our favorite theaters. Constantine Maroulis is nothing shy of astounding in the title role. From costumes to musical direction; from ensemble to the lighting, audiences are wowed by the high-level visual effects and performances. Great production all around!

6. NUTS (The Burlington Park Playhouse) Anchored by a stellar performance by KerryLynne Romoe, this magnificent production discusses everything we wish we could -- the judicial system, family relations (or lack thereof), a certain profession, and mental illness. All handled with sensitivity and realism, director Robert Hallisey takes us to the dark corners of the courtroom.

5. MOULIN ROUGE THE MUSICAL (Pre-Broadway run @ the
Emerson Colonial Theatre) The movie is brought to beautiful life and is everything we want it to be - big, bold, brave, and bombastic! Complete with the coolest costumes and choreography, it stars Tony Winner Karen Olivo, Tony Nominee Danny Burstein, and Broadway star Aaron Tveit, and your faith in Truth, Beauty, Freedom, Love is restored!

4. MAMMA MIA! (North Shore Music Theatre) Director/Choreographer Kevin P. Hill brings this vibrant musical to exuberant life! The beaches of Greece have never been so much fun. The cast is lively and sexy with dancing of this caliber. rarely seen. The music of ABBA reminds us that, yes, you CAN have the time of your life!

3. THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONg (Broadway Across Boston) It takes an enormous amount of talent to sustain this level of physical humor and word play for over two hours, and this cast and crew deliver! Rather than relying on become a one-joke wonder, the murder mystery is still played out and the actors as actors triumphantly prove that the show must go on in spite of the goings-on. The well-deserved Tony-award winning set is also worth the price of admission. We laugh and smile for over two hours, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that!

2. AN AMERICAN IN PARIS (Providence Performing Arts Center) The classic movie receives the royal treatment of being revisited and reimagined, complete with breathtaking Tony-award winning Choreography from Christopher Wheeldon. The projections are utilized properly and with such creativity. We have the gorgeous score provided by George Gershwin and Ira Gershwin set against the backdrop of Paris 1945. The ensemble's joy of living transfers into the audience. It really does not get more wonderful or marvelous than this.

1. HAMILTON (Broadway Across Boston) The talent of Lin-Manuel Miranda is one part inspiring and one part ridiculous. He has been able to simultaneously revisit and create history. It takes some talent to approach an epic tome about an historical figure and tell his story with such a contemporary and (yes) sexy approach! The choreography, singing, timing, and storytelling are all impeccable and on a brand new level. This show is a necessary reminder for us to look around, look around at how lucky we are to be alive right now! Wherever you are, you are in the greatest city in the world!

Wednesday, December 25, 2019

Top Ten Productions of 2019!!

10. THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME (Marblehead Little Theatre)
Anchored by the stellar performance of Miles Tardy, this tight-knit ensemble delivers the messages of awareness and acceptance. With sensitive and fluid direction by Steve Black, it is complete with the complex choreography and lighting design this is Act Two.

9. ONCE (SpeakEasy Stage Company)
While visiiting Dublin, audiences are treated to some of the most gorgeous music and harmonies while learning what it means to follow your Dreams. Guy discovers his passion within when he meets his Muse, but she provides him the confidence to pursue this passion on his own when the time is right.

8. THE LITTLE FOXES (Lyric Stage Company)
Scott Edmiston directs Lillian Hellman's acerbic examination of family dynamics with such perfection. His emphasis on letting the action flow forces the characters' disdain to bubble under until it eventually erupts and overflows.
Janie E. Howland raises the bar for Lyric when it comes to Scenic Design. That remarkable staircase becomes another significant character on the already star-studded stage.

7. SUNSET BOULEVARD (North Shore Music Theatre)
And speaking of sets! Kyle Dixon's elaborate staircase is the perfect complement to the top-notch talent it holds. We even get a car!
Nicholas Rodriguez is the perfect Joe to Tony-Winner Alice Ripley's Norma. She plays the troubled actress with such dignity and passion that we instantly fall in love with her with just one look.

6. THE WOLVES (Lyric Stage Company)
Sarah DeLappe's Pulitzer Prize Finalist gets it right. Rather than hearing dialogue that sounds contrived or the way kids might be talking, these characters are real! This is the way children of this age communicate, and their words are authentic.
Just as impressive as the text is the ensemble. Not only do they deliver the script with unapologetic reality, but they do this while performing some intricate soccer moves while never missing a word or step, thanks to A. Nora Long's impressive attention to detail. And Laura Latrelle's haunting entrance as Soccer Mom is one that will stay in our heads and hearts for a long, long time.

5. DEAR EVAN HANSON (Broadway In Boston)
Everything you have heard about this landmark Tony-Winning Best Musical is true. Instead of the projections taking over the story -- the projections are the story. They represent the claustrophobic climate in which we live -- sometimes feeling connected via social media reminds us of how lonely some of us are.
Everyone wishes to connect and reconnect, and nobody explains that better than Ben Levi Ross's heartbreaking portrayal of the main character. Sometimes it does not matter what side of the window we are on.

4. JERSEY BOYS (North Shore Music Theatre)
Director/Choreographer Kevin Hill's magnificent re-interpretation of this Tony-Winner might sound too good to be true on paper, but that doesn't stop the production & design teams at NSMT. The manipulation and coordination of the elaborate, intricate set establishes limitless opportunities in an otherwise intimate space while still remaining faithful to the original material.
None of this would matter, however, if it weren't for the indefatigable talents of the men portraying said Jersey Boys. Oh, what a night of wonderful theatre!

3. COME FROM AWAY (Broadway In Boston)
One of the many reasons why this show resonates with audiences and will continue to do so, is Christopher Ashely's Tony-winning Direction. Physically, the show is breathlessly non-stop. Metaphorically, it represents the fact that despite what is going on in life, we can't stop. We have to keep moving. When something needs to be done, do it. If someone needs help, help them. Think later.
The story of frightened, angry passengers stranded in unknown territory reminds us that there is still good in the world and that there is so much more to be done. Coupled with Book/Lyrics/Music by Irene Sankoff & David Hein, it is uplifting rather than morbid. It is more inspirational and less hopeless. This is Theatre at its finest of how stories and messages can be told and still be entertaining. Hopefully, this Rock will be here for a long, long time.

2. CHOIR BOY (SpeakEasy Stage Company)
This Tony Nominated script by Tarell Alvin McCraney receives the royal treatment! Director Maurice Emmanual Parent knows how to combine suburb acting & incredible writing with gorgeous harmonies & some awe-inspiring choreography by Yewande Odetoyinbo & Ruka White.
Isaiah Reynolds handles the lead role with incredible determination and wit. This is what storytelling is all about, and Speakeasy does it right again!

1. THE BAND'S VISIT (Providence Performing Arts Center)
When a band of musicians arrives in the wrong town at the right time, what follows is one of the most profound Musicals ever to hit the Broadway stage. David Yasbek's Tony and Grammy Winning Score is as haunting as it is beautiful. This show tells us how strangers can become friends because we have more in common with each other than we realize -- love, loss, loneliness, and longing. Sometimes it is easier to tell a distant stranger our most intimate fears. Since we are all traveling around in a circle, it is important to connect and stay connected. We don't want "I remember you when" to be replaced with "I haven't seen you since."
We are here for only a visit, so let's enjoy it


Thank you for another wonderful year of Theatre!
Sincerely, Scott/Broadway From The Balcony

Sunday, December 22, 2019

Unbreakable Bond

You’re asking me
If it’s all worth it
Do the days we spend here
Really deserve it?

The times we hope
The times we pray
The times we go
The times we stay

The times we give
The times we take
The times we love
The times we hate

We remember yesterdays
And await tomorrows
We recall clouds
And see rainbows

The days we cried
The days we smiled
The days we were an adult
The days we were a child

The days we understood
The days we inquired
The days we disagreed
The days we admired

Only we understand us
We communicate in one special way
Nothing will change our emotions
We think of each other every day

The hours we save
The hours we spend
The hours we receive
The hours we lend

The hours we fight
The hours we love
The hours we are too much
The hours we are not enough

One unbreakable bond is all we see
The future is in the stars
Wishes and plans and dreams and goals
Are what we really are

The time we’ll talk
The time we’ll hear
The time we’ll be away
The time we’ll be near

The time that is
The time that will pass
The time that files
The time that will last.


Copyright 1985/2005 Scott C. Forrest


Tuesday, December 17, 2019

Wizard Strength & Tales Unborn

Innocence & fairy tales
Awesome Lords & thoughts prevail

Castle walls & Dragon’s gold
Wizard strength & tales untold

Dark nights with full moons
Lying o’er the lands
Different thoughts unconnected
Flowing from my hands

Knights on horses; Princesses fair
Kings & Queens & golden hair

Pegasus & Unicorn
Wizard strength & tales unborn

Strong winds; warm night
All across the sea
Shared by everyone
Is Peace & Serenity.


Copyright 1987 Scott C. Forrest

Saturday, December 07, 2019

We Used To Think

We used to think that the days would last forever

We didn’t know they would soon complete

We wish we knew there was something known as Never

We thought there would always be “we.”


Copyright 1989 Scott C. Forrest


Sunday, December 01, 2019

Part Four

Boring days of snow-filled skies
Deceiving mouths of truthful lies
Paisley clothes and cardboard boxes
Keying in on charms and lockses
Innocence, kite-flying, broken glass
Icicles, paper cups, and purple brass
Signs on windows with reflecting sights
Passing by with blinking lights

Forget the present, and live for now
Riding horses that look like cows
Technical handprints that think of me
Spray the ceiling with what will be
Let that flow, and take the plunge
Unbelievable soaking sponge
It’s wild, and I can’t believe it’s like that
But they don’t mind the good-looking hat

Glad either way; we’d all fit in
Isn’t it wild? It feels like a sin
Thank the Lord for all the ways
Thank the Lord; He knows we pray
No kidding, and we like it this way
It’ll be like that if you live every day
Smoke-filled walls that rage with desire
Letters are scattered all over the wire

It’s so cute; the way you think
Fragrant grass that looks so pink
Singing songs of inspiration
Writing words that become creation
Relax and look, but don’t be worried
Snow-filled skies full of flurries
Flowing glass that shines the sky
Holding hands that make us fly

Clouds and Stars; the Sun and Moon
Store some in your velvet spoon
Plastic worries in your wallet
Say the word so I can call it
Rosy bottles filled with sand
Hold them close, and rule the land
Painted silver reminds me of
The day that we discovered love.


Copyright 1988 Scott C. Forrest










Sunday, November 24, 2019

I Know A Man

I know a man who will stand up with you
Yes, I know a man who will know what to do
Oh, my darling, I promise you true
That I know a man who will stand up for you

I know a woman who will pray for you
This is a woman who will heal your wounds new
Oh, my child, the pain you go through
But I know a woman who is praying for you

Rest, my dear, please rest
Blessed; you’re blessed

I know the moon will light up dark nights
Yes, I know the moon will guide your sore eyes
Oh, my friend, this life is not right
But I know the moon will glow in the night.


Copyright 2004 Scott C. Forrest

Tuesday, November 19, 2019

The Illusion

Life is the illusion of what one wants it to be
Cross over the bridge to get to the sea
When I am with you, how joyous are we
Because you are the illusion of what I want me to be

Smack me with words; punch me with hate
One does not mind when he realizes too late
Shine on the water; shine on the seas
You are the illusion of what I want you to be

The sand and the water are too much for the beach
The tide comes in, in order to reach
See the young child climbing the tree
That is the illusion of how it should be

The mountains that tower over the trees
The ice that breaks and flows to the sea
Two loving bodies as close as can be
Are all part of the illusion, and so are we.


Copyright 1983 Scott C. Forrest

Tuesday, November 12, 2019

The Right One

Please forgive me
I’ve been hurt too much before
I just couldn’t stand the feeling
Of that pain anymore

I know you’ve been so kind
But I can’t get it out of my mind
What I’ve been through
I don’t know what to do

Please let me 
Forget my awful past
I just want our love
To last and last

I am not one to take chances
I’ve forgotten what romance is
My life’s all new
Still, I don’t know what to do 

I want to be free
Free from worry and fear 
Filled with courage and strength
Knowing you’re always near

I want to be sure
Sure that you’ll always be by my side
I hope that you are the right one
My arms are open wide

So, here I stand
Like so long ago
Wondering how you feel
Wondering if you know

That my love for you
Could never be stronger
Hold me now
Hold me a little longer

I want to be free
Free from worry and fear
Filled with courage and strength
Knowing you’re always near

I want to be sure
Sure that you’ll always be by my side
I know that you are the right one
My arms are open wide.


Copyright 1983 Scott C. Forrest