'On The 20th Century' Broadway Review

On The 20th Century: A mad-cap musical comedy farce, billed as a comedic operetta because of its overly operatic tone in music.  Originally written for Madeline Kahn in 1978, this is the first ever Broadway revival. The story involves the behind-the-scenes relationship between Lily, a temperamental actress and Oscar, a bankrupt theatre producer. On a luxury train traveling from Chicago to New York, Oscar tries to cajole the glamorous Hollywood star into playing the lead in his new, but not-yet-written drama, and perhaps to rekindle their romance. Starring Kristin Chenoweth, Peter Gallagher, Andy Karl and Mary Louise Parker.

Quick & Dirty:  There are some fairly obvious reasons that this show hasn't been revived for 37 years, but there are some great songs, hilarious scenes, crisp choreography, and an unparalleled cast pushing this train into the station.  While the play isn't my favorite, it is entertaining and the performance is stunning, a career highlight for Kristin Chenoweth, who dazzles, stuns, and amazes.

My Thoughts:

To be honest I invested heavily into learning the music of this show before I saw it, because I already knew it would take an acquired taste.  I love Madeline Kahn so it was pretty easy to motivate myself.  There some gems in the score such as 'Veronique', 'I've Got It all', 'Never', 'Babette', and the theme song. But many of the songs simply repeat the same words, exhibited in 'She's A Nut'.  So realize the score has gems, but not every song is a home run.

The farce can be tricky to pull off, but this production's timing is so tight and quick, it is pulled off masterfully.  Even when it is obvious the material is dragging, this stellar cast serves it up better than is to be expected.  In all it's a great cast performing nice material.  The meatiest part is that of Lily Garland, played by Ms. Chenoweth, and serves up one of the most captivating and impressive performance I have ever seen on a stage.

This is a perfect pairing of requirements for a role and a performers strengths.  Although Kristin has had roles created specifically for her (Glinda in 'Wicked'), this is the role she was born to play.  A comedic part with lavish melodrama, accompanied with lots of operatic gymnastics and belting while dancing.  She does so effortlessly, without a hitch, all while making it look so easy and natural.  Never has such hard work been made appear so easy, especially in such a large role that can stand almost toe-to-toe with Evita.

Chenoweth's supporting cast are all great and sell each number, line and joke well.  The only problem is the script is good, not great. So with a good score, a good script, and an amazing performance, I would say this a do-not-miss production.  You will never see a better production of this material - ever.

For one last example why she should win the Tony this year check out this full song:

Album Review: Fat Tree's "Swim or Sink"

As a self-proclaimed outsider to the rock scene, it may come as a surprise that I listened to, reviewed, and am still listening to a rock album.  Fat Tree is is a refreshing taste of originality in a over-produced and over-saturated world of modern rock bands. Their new album, 'Swim or Sink' is worth a listen to for any ear that can appreciate a strong modern rock song. 

In a style that lands somewhere between the Hush Sound and the Format, Fat Tree has a unique sound that is compelling and fresh.  Although the album may at times sound like a free CD handed out on a college campus outside a party, there are few worth-while gems to be found. 

As easily the strongest piece of music and the fullest production, it's not surprise 'Chapter One' was chosen as their lead single.  With a catchy refrain, smooth guitar, bouncy piano, and glittered with smooth vocals, it is an easy auto-add to your current playlist of favorite songs. Catch their video here:

  

Their musicianship and talent to pen a hummable melody is well displayed on 'Losing My Mind'. The opening track 'Bandwagon', is also a must-listen to. The other tracks are strong for a smaller independent band, but easily wash into each other as far as sound, texture, and feel. Stick to the gems, and you won't go astray.

If you're looking for a new favorite band, an 'Imagine Dragons' or 'Neon Tree's' before they hit, then throw this on your playlist and listen away.  I promise you won't be disappointed, and you'll enjoy some of these songs for weeks if not months and years to come.

You can find Fat Tree online at Fat Tree Music. 

My 2 cents... on The Sound of Music

             

    NBC’s live broadcast of the Sound of Music was a special one night only event, and I could not be more grateful.  It’s as if your local high school production got caught on film, for all of America to see. What could and should have made the world excited about and fall in love again with this classic musical just reminded us of a fact we already knew: 

Only actors are good actors.  

But before I tear it apart, there needs to be some credit given, where credit is due.

            
 I predicted correctly that the main reason to watch would be to see Audra McDonald’s performance as Mother Abbess.  The Mother Abbess in the film is extremely stoic and melancholy, and Ms. McDonald brought a humanity and warmness that allowed the audience to understand the special connection she had with Maria.  Her performance of ‘Climb Every Mountain’ will probably earn her an Emmy Award )
this next year, and will be one you want to watch a few times.  Audra and Carrie were not the only ones in tears when that song was over. It makes sense why that was considered the standout song when the play premiered.  (WATCH HERE)

                Ms. Benanti’s performance of the Baroness also was extremely satisfying, as she took a usually two dimensional character and gave her a third.  Showing the more political and likeable colors of her character helped humanize her, as opposed to the child-hating villian we are so familiar with.  It helps that she has a Tony-winning voice to boot as well.

                I was surprised to realize just how different the movie and the play were.  The play being much more political, so much so that it seems politics may have been the major reason for the Captain’s broken engagement.  That added dimension though only makes the Maria-Captain love only less believable.  The re-included songs that the Baroness sing are recognizably Roger and Hammerstein’s and are quite enjoyable thanks to Ms. Benanti and Mr. Boyle.  The production otherwise had smart and beautiful sets, a nice pace and tempo, and made me want to see more productions done live on TV.  I would advise, in the future, that they might do pieces without iconic films attached.  Because the film is so cherished, and more importantly, ingrained in the public’s mind, this production had a heavy load to bear.  And nobody felt it more than Ms. Underwood.

                It perhaps is a piece of show business cruelty to stand a singer with no acting experience, next to Oscar winner Julie Andrews, especially when it is in a career-defining role, like Maria.  Going into the production, we knew that Carrie would have a difficult time winning over fans, as anyone in the role would.  That being said, I understand why they chose her on a promotional level, but on a talent level, I am baffled.  Now Ms. Underwood actually sang much better than I expected, but her acting was exactly what I expected. 

I doubt you would be able to find an artist on the radio today who could have sung this score better than Carrie did.  I was impressed that she was able to drop the country-style embellishments that have made her a millionaire, and that she included some Julie Andrews inspired vocals at the end of Do-Re-Mi.  It’s obvious that Carrie is a very gifted vocalist, even if her musical theater singing comes off as stiff.  Although the gravity in her voice was usually too heavy and focused, she did soar in ‘The Lonely Goatherd’… that was until she was flat on the very last notes of the song.  Whoops.  It goes to show that a standard singer has a difficult time pulling off musical theater. 

Her acting was painfully robotic, and amateurishly unnatural.  It was as if she was the musical guest on SNL and got thrown, the last minute, into a skit.  And really, in a way, that’s what this production was.  With such an acting failure as this, it’s impossible to save a show who so heavily relies on it’s main character.  This would also lead to give Ms. Andrews even more credit as to why the film is so good.  And to think she didn’t win the Oscar that year… now THAT is a true piece of Hollywood horror.

In my previous post I suggested that Sierra Boggess should have played Maria.  Most of you probably had no clue who she was… let me show you one reason WHY I think she would have been PERFECT!

See?  Yup. You need a Maria who can carry the tune and stand toe to toe vocally with Julie Andrews.  You need someone who sings so powerfully that you think, ‘I actually liked her version of that song’.  I guess this post could really serve as my audition to be NBC’s casting director for future musicals.  Haha... but seriously.

In the end, I was extremely disappointed, but not one bit surprised.  I knew Carrie’s acting would be a huge liability, and I knew Audra would be the reason you at least watched the first 90 minutes.  For my love of Broadway and the sake of musical theater, I sure do hope more studios produce events like this.  I hope that if they do, they try to find good actors and vocalist to fill the roles.  Unfortunately this production probably has made the prospect of future ones, even less likely. Now, I think it’s all time we throw in our DVD’s and watch the original movie, especially the scene after the boating accident, tif only to remember these three important things.

1.       Acting matters.

2.       Julie Andrews is a stunning performer.

3.       The movie is perfect. 

Don't RUIN The Sound of Music!

Most people know my favorite movie is ‘The Sound of Music’.  It is the perfect film.  It has a perfect score, the perfect songs, perfect performances, and the perfect star, the goddess, Julie Andrews. It has action, romance, adventure, Nazi’s, a cemetery search, and a midnight escape, everything you could ever want in a movie.  Nothing will touch or even come close to the perfectness of that movie, ever.

                That being said there is some grumbling about the ‘Sound of Music Live!’ that airs tomorrow night on NBC.  What exactly is it?  Is it a remake of the movie? A play of the movie? I’ve heard all these questions, and even less astute ones.  Let me clear the air for those who are less obsessed with this topic.  Tomorrow night’s performance is a live, filmed performance, of the Broadway play, ‘The Sound of Music’.  It stars Carrie Underwood, 5 time Tony Award Winner Audra McDonald, Christian Borle (of NBC’s Smash and Broadway’s ‘Legally Blonde’), and Laura Benanti, Tony Winner of the Patti LuPone revival of Gypsy. 

                People’s reactions when I mention this production include the following,

‘Oh you can’t beat the movie why would they even try?’

‘Why would you cast Carrie Underwood? She can’t beat Julie Andrews. She’ll ruin it’

‘Why are they turning it into a country musical?’

                All of these are naïve and uninformed questions.  I am writing this to help these people understand the answers to these questions.  I am also writing this so that THOSE people DON’T ruin tomorrow’s experience with uninformed comments like the previous. 

                First off, they are not remaking the movie.  They are doing a live performance of the Broadway play.  The play is different.  For instance, the music isn’t the exactly the same.  The Broadway has some songs not in the movie, and is missing for instance, ‘I Have Confidence’, which was written specifically for the movie.  Don’t get me wrong 90% of the musical is like the movie, but there are a few things that will be different tomorrow. 

A live performance of a musical is very rare. You might say, ‘Well I saw Cinderella with Whitney Houston and Brandy in the 90’s’.  Well, that was taped and made into a TV Movie.  A live taping means it’s like SNL - it’s happening real- time.  A musical has not been taped live on TV since Roger and Hammerstein’s ‘Cinderella’ in 1957, which ironically was written for and starred the young Julie Andrews.

People balk at the casting of Carrie Underwood, and being a Broadway purist, I was one of the loudest.  I’m still nervous about her performance.  You have to ask yourself why they would cast her.  We already know she can sing well and do it live on TV, hence why she won American Idol.  She also is a huge name.  If a studio is going to bother putting this much money into a one night show, they need people to watch, and they NEED to bring in a recognized name to bring viewership.  Carrie will bring in a much broader audience than say, Sierra Boggess (who really should be playing Maria, in my opinion). 

The casting of Carrie is what we call a reduction of risk.  It makes the performance more likely to succeed and bring in viewers, it also makes it easier for people to buy into the idea.  The arts have a difficult time getting funding on TV, just ask the poor people running PBS fundraisers.  Luckily she can sing, and although she sounds slightly too focused, she really does sing well on the album, which you can listen to on Spotify already.

The cast surrounding Carrie is phenomenal. Although a little bit too much of a stretch for color-blind casting, Audra McDonald will likely redefine the role of Mother Abbess.  She alone is reason enough to watch the entire show.  She’s won 5 Tony awards for a reason.  Christian Borle, who is a Braodway star and ex-husband of super-star Sutton Foster is a good actor with a great voice.  Laura Benanti is gorgeous with an equally beautiful voice.  They will provide possibly more depth and grace to Max and the Baroness than even the movie. Even the performance  of ’16 going on 17’ at Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade was encouraging, and hopefully a foreshadowing of things to come. 

Things to remember when you watch tomorrow night:

This is not the movie, it is a taped version of the play.  Remember it will be different.  Expect it.  The medium is different.  You can’t do nearly as much on a stage as you can flying a camera around Austria, like they did in the movie.  Carrie is fundamentally a singer, and this is her first piece of major acting.  Carrie will be surrounded by extremely talented people, some of the best in the business.

Questions to ask yourself when evaluating it tomorrow night:

Regarding the material and medium…

1.       Do I like the script of the movie or the play better?

2.       Do I feel like I know the characters or story better or worse in this version?

3.       Do I like the taping of a musical live on a stage?

4.       Do I enjoy the inclusion of songs cut from the movie?

5.       Was the taping of the musical an effective capture of the performance?

6.       Do I like the movie better simply because I’m more familiar with it?

            Regarding the performance?

7.       Do I feel like the acting was good?  Who was the best? Who was weak?

8.       How was the singing?  Any standout performances? Any blemishes?

9.       Did the performance seem fluid?

10.   Anything go wrong live?

11.   Would you want to see other things done this way? Like what?

I am excited to see what happens tomorrow night, and to see this talented cast.  I am very excited that a studio is willing to put money up for something like this, and I would LOVE to see more things like this.  I am glad that there are a large handful of legitimate musical actors who can carry the show. I am anxious and excited to engage in thoughtful discussion after it airs, with people who intelligently can discuss the performance.  It is time for people of the Office’s ‘Finer Things Club’ to unite and relish this artistic and cultural delight! 

Songs You Should Know, Volume 1 'God Of Every Story'

                Music is one of the most powerful forces in the world.  Music changes lives, and the music we hold dear becomes the soundtrack to our lives.  What are YOU listening to?  This is something I ask people, and am asked often.  I want to take a minute and tell you about a song you should know.

                Although Christian music can often be repetitive and cliché, in my opinion, it recently has produced some noteworthy artists and songs.  Laura Story broke out in a huge way because of her recent cross-over hit, ‘Blessings’, which many are familiar with.  (If for some reason you missed that boat, listen HERE <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eOOFAaUGfRE>) She has recently come out with a new song, which I feel everyone should know.  ‘God of Every Story’, is fashioned like an inspirational country ‘story’ song, minus the country twang. 

                Lyrics have always made the song for me, and the message in this song is unique and universal.  What’s the main message?  No matter what is going on in your life, how difficult, unexpected, or overwhelming, there is a God who is faithful and is in watching over your ‘story’.  Laura cites various difficult situations, and even includes the miracle of having a child with her husband, who almost died a few years back, inspiring ‘Blessings’ her recent hit.  In the chorus she reminds us we can trust God, because he sees what happens to us, and is faithful, not matter what.

                But isn’t that the message we all need to remember?  That no matter what is going on, God is still OUR God, and is still in charge?  He has not forgotten us, because He knows us and is always faithful.  Because he is 100% faithful, we have 0% room for doubt, fear, or anger.  In the hardest times of our lives, it is important to remember that we still have a Father who loves us, and cares for us, and listens to our prayers.  It’s easy to forget those simple things, but it’s those simple things that give us the comfort and strength to move on, to grow, and to be full of faith.  We often won’t understand why things are happening in our life, but this life is about learning to trust God, giving Him our will, and moving forward.  We aren't meant to understand all things, but we are asked to move forward in faith and take a step into the dark.  Remembering the message of this song, can help us do it!

Give it a listen, and let me know what you think!!

Top 10 Songs of Summer!

One thing that I love most in this entire life, is the nostalgia and memories we connect with music.  Songs that take us back to a time, place, or feeling.  Music that moves, inspires, and motivates.  One of my favorite things to do in my free time is listen to music that I have attached to a strong and cherished memory.  These pieces of music have become personal musical journal entries, 'snap shots' if you will of a moment in my life.

This summer I listened to a LOT of music, and there are a handful of songs I cherish and love, that will always bring me back to my last summer of EFY.  We always had Spotify Premium playing, in the huge van, the Camry, rental car, my car, Swagger Wagon, etc.  We often were missing things, but never missing a good new jam!

So.. here they are.. my Summer 2013 jamz... in no particular order

1. Ke$ha - Crazy Kids - This song is nuts and fun.  It took me a while to find a clean version, but once I did, I owned it so hard.  I remember setting up Nauvoo and jamming this in our Chrysler 200 with Megan, up and down the Mississippi River.  The best part is that you get to whisper 'We are the crazy people'!  The beat is awesome, and the chorus makes you wanna scream the words!  LOVE this jam!

2. Selena Gomez - Come & Get It - This is basically my favorite simply because of two things. 1. The amazing India-inspired background beat and 2. The fact that this is Megan Stokes' cat Missy's favorite song. hahaha  (insert inappropriate TV show on demand at the neighbor's house reference here). I always wanted to play this song when the kids went back to the dorms for pizza night, but restrained myself.  Its just fun

3. Mika - Popular Song - I love Mika and I love Wicked, so this was bound to be a favorite.  I showed it to Megan at some point and we both fell in love with it.  Such a good mash-up, and really who doesn't love a good mash-up?! Also.. my favorite line is 'you dunked me in the toilets, now it's you that cleans them'... how can you NOT love a song with a lyric like THAT?!  My favorite thing to do this summer was to slip it on the radio, and see who in the car would recognize the Wicked song.  THAT's how you find out who the kindred spirits on your EFY team are haha

4. Macklamore & Ryan Lewis - Can't Hold Us - If you didn't know this was a popular song this summer, then you were either dead or living in Keokuk, Iowa.  Once again it took me a while to find a clean version, but when I did, there was nothing more fun than driving the huge tour bus, and hitting the dash board  with your co-pilot (as Kelsey or Lizzy would say 'personal assistant') during the 'Na na na na na na na na' part!

5. One Direction - Best Song Ever - Ok this is probably the most cliche pick ever, but it came out in July, and right away I was hooked to the melody.  I have never really really liked a 1D song until this one.  It's just catchy.  The best part is Mitch wrote down all the super-lame dance moves and we learned them all!  It really paid off during our counselor week when we got to dance it to the slideshow though! That was time well spent!

6. Karmin - Acapella - There was one point in the summer where I was sick of my music, and needed some new jams (this happens fairly often), and I scrolled through iTunes and other lists, and found this.  I have loved Karmin forever, but the first time Megan and I heard this we though, 'this just SOUNDS like it has bad words'.  After a second listen-through we realized it was super clean, and hilarious!  Anything that says 'gluten free' or 'my little italaaaaayyy' is A-OK by me.  The irony is that I hate acapella music, but I don't hate Acapella, cuz it's not.  Get it?  I also associate this song with a lot of fast food runs for Variety Show people.. and drive thrus.. in case you wondered

7. Avril Lavigne - Here's To Never Growing Up - This I found at the start of summer and was HOOKED!  Once again, a clean version was needed, but once I found it, I had that on repeat!  It's a perfect roll down the windows jam, and I basically played it in every state I went to this summer.

8. Florida Georgia Line - Cruise (with Nelly) - Everybody and their mom loves this song, and its because it just rocks!  My favorite memory is that I played it once for Ben Fager and he had it stuck in his head all day.  I didn't even feel bad!  Its a great family-sing-a-long song too!  

9. P!nk - Just Give Me A Reason - Besides being the #1 song of the year (that I totally predicted last September - see my YouTube Channel), this was still popular this summer. I listened to it all the time.  My favorite memory of this song is singing the words in the Site Office, and Megan in a monotone speaking voice going 'Uh Oh' right at the perfect moment.  It could not have been planned better!  It kinda became our 'thing'. haha 

10. One Direction - She's Not Afraid - Kelsey Fearnley put this on our Cruiser Mix when she was a BC on our team in Provo, because she's obsessed with 1D.  Way too obsessed, like to an unhealthy level.  But, I actually liked this song, and threw it on my playlist.  Now every time I hear it I think of that week, and working EFY with Kels!

Honorable Mentions:

Bob - Magic / 1D - One Thing Mashup - This song changed my life because it made an impossible dream a reality.  I had the opportunity to choreograph and cut the music for the new EFY Orientation Dance this year, and it was so fun.  Tiffany Pasker and Jordan Bishop and I came up with it all, and it was a blast.  If you would have told me 5 years ago I would end up doing that, I would NEVER have believed you.  Watching people not only DANCE my dance, but TEACH it was so cool.  It was fun to stand at the back of a huge auditorium with hundreds of kids and be say to myself, 'Oh hey, ya, I did that btw'.  A way cool feeling.   It was one of the most cool/fulfilling things I've done for the program.  And it was soooo fun!

K'Naan - Wavin' Flag - Getting to make one last EFY line dance was a dream come true.  To do it with my EFY team was just icing on the cake!  Our YouTube video has yet to go viral, but the dance lives on, and that's what's important. Right? Katie Lambert gave me the fire to do yet another dance, and we love it! SEE VIDEO HERE:

I am grateful for all the people I worked with and had fun with this summer, but I am also super grateful for these awesome songs that allow me to momentarily re-live the fun and magic that was the last 3 months.

Now for the spiritual.  There are a few songs I will cherish on a spiritual level.  I have always been selective with which EFY songs I like off the CD each year, and this year, there are a few I loved that I keep as special in my heart.

1. One Prayer Away - I remember hearing this in January at Coordinator training, sitting next to Jordan Bishop.  After we heard it for the first time, we looked at each other, almost in tears, and almost said simultaneously, 'Wow, that was amazing'.  The words get me every time, and its such an important message.  It helps me remember what I need to do, and gives me a great eternal perspective.

2. Who Am I -   It's not Les Miz, but when Michelle Young sang this, I fell in love with the song.  She sang it beautifully and with such delicateness.  It was probably the best EFY musical number I saw all summer.  She was stunning, and I luckily stole a recording of her singing it on my iphone, so THAT is a gem.  It also reminds me to stay humble, which is a good thing :)

3. Firm in the Faith  - I remember first listening to this song at training, and going 'Whoah! THAT is a good theme song!'  It was a little high for my range, but it was a powerful song, and singing it weekly with my team was a memory I will always cherish.

4. The Right Place - I have never loved the fast-paced songs on the EFY CD's because I felt like they never fit or work well in EFY meetings.  My last week Bryce Romney sang this, and OWNED it.  It was a perfect blend of showmanship and reverence.  It also helps that he has a great voice.  I was shocked it came off so well, and that the message was not muddle by the beat or tempo.  It is one of my favorite fast-paced EFY songs for this reason.  The lyrics also have a lot of personal relevance to my stage in life, so it hits home.

5. I Decide - My favorite co-counselor in America, probably the World, Annie Hulbert sang this Friday night of my last week of EFY.  She ROCKED IT!! I had no clue she sang at all, and then she got up and just made this her own.  She extracted the country aspect of it, and just put her own Annie spin on it, and it was amazing!  I love the message this has, and the beat is catchy.

I am so grateful for a fun last summer with this spiritual program.  I am also so grateful for little songs like these, to help remind me of the great people and amazing things I got to do.  They rest on a small playlist on my iphone so that at the click of a button, I can be right back at my amazingly fun Summer 2013.  And for THAT I am truly grateful.

James