Ciao

Why does the theme of loss and the process of grieving seem to resonate so much with me lately? I have no idea ...

But if you've read some of my past blogs, you know that Next to Normal — the Broadway-musical-masquerading-as-a-somewhat-controversial-electroshock-therapy-show that's really a poignant look at one family's grief and how they deal with it -- is one of my all-time favorite musicals!

And then recently I watched the film, Ciao.

You probably haven't heard of it. It's an independent movie revolving around the death of a gay man and the two strangers closest to him.

I was expecting a love story, but instead found a rather moving portrait of death and the awkwardly strange roller coaster ride of emotions those left-behind experience.

I recommend it:

Simple. Slow. Touching.

And ultimately... meaningful.

More Spider-Man, The Musical

This is just more of the same. Confirmation that Spider-Man, The Musical: Turn Off the Dark looks to open this fall/winter.

Julie Taymor, the director, acknowledges the show needs to be on par with the success of The Lion King.

But will it?

Spider-Man Still on Track

Rehearsals are set to begin August 16th for Spider-Man The Musical: Turn Off the Dark. Everything appears to be proceeding towards a Broadway premiere.

Now if we could just get some movement on Phantom 2: Love Never Dies. Or is the Phantom's second incarnation doomed to remain across the pond forever?

No Broadway Magic for the Phantom?

There's trouble in Coney Island.

Looks like Phantom 2: Love Never Dies is losing their creative team, and Hal Prince, Broadway's golden boy, turned down the offer to helm the mega-musical.

Without some direction, will the show ever arrive on Broadway? I've heard the productions' transatlantic crossing has been postponed indefinitely.

Darn. I wanted to see it.

Even if it is crap.

It's still on!!!

The latest report (from Ireland's Herald, no less) says that Spider-Man the Musical is still on schedule to open on Broadway this November.

What? It's still coming to Broadway? In 2010?

I'm holding my breath.

But now the question to ask is:

Which will be worse ... Spider-Man or Phantom 2?

I Heart Seth Rudetsky

I'm absolutely obSESSed with Seth Rudetsky. He wrote Broadway Nights and The Q Guide to Broadway which (I'm ashamed to admit) I haven't yet gotten around to reading ... but I WILL! I promise, Seth!!!

He does these funny deconstructions of singers where he breaks down certain things about how a singer forms vowels or riffs or changes their vibrato. Check them out on YouTube if you're interested in music. And more specifically ... musical theater.

His Playbill.com blogs are HI-larious. He discusses his New York experiences with auditions, benefits, interviews, and such and is very self-deprecating. I love him ... cubed.

His website is here.

But ... what ... is ... this ... ?

My bestie Patrick met Seth at an Only Make Believe benefit and asked him to say hi to me. So I had to post it for you. Enjoy:

More Next to Normal fun!

Love love love these videos:

Spider-Man The Musical. Oh, how I love you.

I didn't realize the Julie-Taymor/Bono saga is currently estimated to cost $22 million more to produce than The Lord of the Rings musical flop.

Reports now say rehearsals for Spidey will begin this summer with previews in October and an opening in November.

Will it happen? Oh, yes, my friends. Spider Man will open, and I have no doubt it'll be stunning.

But will it be a good musical? That remains to be seen.

Will people go to see it? Definitely.

Will it break even or make money? Doubtful.

Tony Nominations 2010

The Tony Nominations have been announced. Sucks to be The Addams Family. Have you seen the show?

Nominations for the 2010 American Theatre Wing's Tony Awards®
Presented by The Broadway League and the American Theatre Wing

Phantom 2

I finally got to listen to the soundtrack for Phantom 2: Love Never Dies, and the verdict is ...

Not as bad as I expected.

I actually like some of the music. There are hints of Sunset and another show ... Aspects, perhaps? I forget right now. And of course, the title song was originally heard in The Beautiful Game (though with different lyrics).

However, the whole thing sounds much more entertaining than I had thought possible. I also forgive my initial reaction to the Coney Island setting. I think it works.

Obviously, this is no critique of the show (which I haven't seen, and whose Broadway arrival has recently been postponed.)

I still think the show is probably going to be disappointing, if not completely awful. Why?

Raoul's character is a full 180 degree turn from the original. While that may happen in a real-life span of ten years (the time elapsed since we last saw him), audiences don't like to see such vastly different characters.

The Phantom, too, has lost most of his mystery ... his anger ... his devilishness ... that makes for such an intriguing character. Originally we pitied the Phantom for his situation, and yet were scared of him at the same time. But in the new production, he seems (on the soundtrack) to be just ... meh.

Overall the production appears to be lacking the pathos and horror that made the original such an entertaining phenomenon. The Phantom story is more than just a love story, it's a Gothic horror story surrounded by romanticism. I love the original set design for just such a reason: beautiful drapery could quickly create claustrophobia while the ornate Opera House was really just a facade for the dungeon below.

But perhaps the most egregious error is the plot point the entire show hinges on: Beneath a Moonless Sky is completely laughable in its total disregard for the original story. Listen to the song and then return to the cast recording of Phantom 1. No where can I find a plausible explanation for the events that transpired between Phantom 1 and 2.

And perhaps, ultimately for me, that will be the downfall of the show.

Rumor has it, the show will be undergoing major revisions before the Broadway transfer. Many have especially criticized the musical's lyrics.

Yes, okay. But I'd rather see some major retooling of the characters and their story.

We shall see what happens.

Until then ... I'll continue to enjoy the cast recording, for I actually rather enjoy the music.

More Spider-Man News

I think Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark just has to come to Broadway now. There's too much invested: emotionally, financially, publicly.

But with the loss of Rachel Evan Woods, Alan Cumming and the increase in budget ... I don't know ... is it headed for colossal failure or ultimate triumph?

I think a lot of people in the Broadway community are secretly hoping for a flop, but personally, I have mixed feelings. On one hand, I want it to succeed and be a boon to the NY community.

But, the other side of me worries this show could put another nail in the coffin of traditional musical theater, instead paving the way for more Cirque-like spectacles.

Of course, who knows what the show will look like until it premieres, but by all accounts, it sounds to be a Vegas-style show: heavy on style and lean on substance.

Regardless, one has to admire the chutzpah of the investors and creative minds putting this thing together.

Now if it would just get here!

N2N Fan Video

I love the Pulitzer Prize-winning Broadway musical Next to Normal, and I love this video. If you've seen the show, you might get a kick out of it, too:

Love Never Dies. Or does it?

I'm dying to see the Phantom sequel: Love Never Dies.

I thought it was a hideous idea at first:

*A sequel to one of the most famous and successful musicals of all time?

*A continuation of the haunting, gothic, mysterious Phantom's life?

*Coney Island? Really?

And the reviews are all over the place.

However, one thing is for sure. There's lots of buzz.

Will it be as successful as the original? Doubtful. But if it flops I want to be there! And if it does succeed, I want to cheer it on!

Why? The idea of a successful sequel intrigues me. It's practically uncharted territory. Not that I want the musical sequel genre to gain traction. I'd rather see some new shows being developed.

But I give Sir Webber credit. He's willing to take one heck of a calculated risk!

What do you think? Want to see Phantom 2: Love Never Dies?

UPDATE: here are a few articles that kind summarize the Phantom sequel experience. The Daily Mail review and The Telegraph review.

Whew!

So much time passes so quickly ... Christmas ... New Year's ...

Before you know it, we're already into the second month of 2010!!!

I've been hard at work rehearsing for a new contract with Royal Caribbean: the Serenade of the Seas. We still have another month to go before we join the ship, but that day will come sooner than later, I'm sure.

But last weekend, I finally decided to see what all the hoop and holler was about Avatar.

What the heck?? Did James Cameron actually strike gold twice??

Indeed, he did.

I have to say, I give the movie an enthusiastic 2 thumbs up! I was not expecting to like it as much as I did. A wonderful blend of science fiction, CGI, and emotional impact. Excellent movie.

Definitely go see it if you haven't. And make sure to see it in 3-D.

In other news ... anyone think Spiderman the Musical will ever open??? I'm dying to find out.

My new favorite obsession

The Broadway show Next to Normal is phenomenal. Not a spectacle, not really even a BROADWAY show as most people would expect, it's nevertheless a show that packs a punch in large part because of the tour-de-force delivered by Alice Ripley, this year's Best Actress Tony Award Winner.

She absolutely acts the heck out of her role as Diana. I saw her twice in New York, and both times she was completely and effortlessly in each and every moment.

In fact, the entire cast is rock-solid with strong performances and even stronger voices complimented by a pop rock score that keeps better with each listen (although there are some lyrics that border on insipid).

Known as being the "mental health musical", Next to Normal is more accurately about a family dealing with loss, grief, depression, and the struggle to connect to each other in some way, any way, even if it's not "normal".

The show sounds hard to swallow, but it makes you ponder life and relationships.

And really ... what better reason to go to the theater than that?

[title of show]

I only have one thing to say about the Tony Award nominations ...

[title of show] was ROBBED!!!!

ps. I'm missing the Tony broadcast by three days. I'll still be in the Baltic Sea. :(

Les Miz Bloopers

I grew up on Les Miserables. It was my first musical ... 

My first cast album and my first live Broadway show: a touring production I saw at the Ordway in Minnesota. I love love LOVE Les Miz because of the show itself and because of the nostalgia associated with it.

And so ... this compilation of Les Miz bloopers brought tears (of laughter) to my eyes!!!

 

Hope you enjoy it as much as I did. (Thanks to Patrick for bringing it to my attention!)

My play

If you're in Orlando, come out and support new theater and see my brand new play!

Good News

I’m thrilled to announce that my play, this Functional family, has been chosen to premiere at the 2008 Orlando GLBT Theatre Festival!

There will be two evenings of 10-minute plays Sept. 14 and 21 at Downtown Orlando’s Mad Cow Theatre at 7pm with talk backs to follow.

A Celebration Of GLBT Theatre in Ten Minute One Acts

Baby Summer, by Michael Ramirez – New York, NY
Directed by Margaret Nolan

The Boileroom, by Bill Cosgriff – New York, NY
Directed by Seth Kubersky

Songs My Brother Sang, by Myra Slotnick – Provincetown, MA
Directed by Laura Lippman

Daniel(le) – A Monologue Play, by Asher Wyndham – Tempe, AZ
Directed by Lester Malizia

Godfrey – A Short Play, by Ian August – Highland Park, NJ
Directed by John DiDonna

this Functional family, by TAIT MOLINE – Orlando, FL
Directed by Chad Lewis

Kids ‘R Us, by Josh Levine – New York, NY
Directed by Rob Ward

With plays originating from all over the United States, I'm very proud and excited to be included in this Festival!

For more information please go to www.glbttheatrefest.com

Tonys Remembered

I know, I know. The Tony Awards are soooo last week. But, I wanted to chime in with my thoughts and opinions.

So here's my Tony rundown:

The Lion King
When will that opening get old? Pure theatrical brilliance! And kudos to my friend Phillip Turner. You make a fierce zebra, man!

Whoopi
There’s been some mixed reaction to her hosting, but I enjoyed her. Not controversial, not too annoying, just enough. The host always walks a fine line between moving the show along and justifying their presence. I personally liked all her musical homages. Lights, action, Broadway, baby!

Cry-Baby
Those male dancers were workin’ it! Wow! They earn their paycheck every night, that's for sure. The number didn’t necessarily make me want to see the show, and now that it’s closing I won’t. But it was still an entertaining dance number. Reminded me of Susan Stroman's Crazy For You prop choreography.

Passing Strange
Uh, what was that? Some nice voices in there, but Stew’s yelling and the cast’s gyrating against a backdrop of neon didn’t give me any reason to want to see the show. I’ll pass on Strange, thanks.

Gypsy
Did Patti Lupone hit a homerun or what? I’ve never been a huge fan of hers (although she did always strike a chord with me on Life Goes On), but this role was made for her. What a number! What a voice! And she did give a funny (if somewhat self-indulgent) Tony speech almost thirty years after her first win. It was definitely Patti's night.

Underscoring
"Dear Producers: can you please not play annoying music under the intros to each musical? Thanks!"

South Pacific
I know it’s the current darling of the theatrical community, but I’ve never cared that much for South Pacific. And their montage didn’t really change my opinion except for Kelli O’Hara. She was a glorious Nellie, just sparkling onstage.

Laura Benanti
Tony speech of the night! She was so cute and humble and shocked. Everything she said was so heartfelt and wonderful. The epitome of a "Thank You" speech.

Grease
Love the movie, but don’t care much for the stage show. Personally, I like the two reality stars that won the lead roles, but every time I’ve ever seen Grease on the Tony’s it’s always fallen flat for me. This time was no exception.

Excerpts
Little Mermaid: Fine, nothing spectacular.
Catered Affair: Uhm, Faith Prince? Couldn’t you hear yourself in the monitors?
The New Mel Brooks Musical Young Frankenstein: How ostentatious is THAT title?! But Megan Mulally is my hero!!!

Cameras
What's up with showing people in the audience that look like they’re at a funeral? Every time the camera would close up on an audience member they looked bored out of their minds. Hello?!

In The Heights
Intriguing number. Even with all the hype, I wasn’t really into this musical, but now I'm kind of curious to see it (which is what a Tony number should do!) Hopefully, there isn't too much rap. I don't care for that. (whoops, now I sound like a sap!)

See also Passing Strange.

Sunday ... George
Daniel Evans ... what is it about him? He has such a child-like joy when he performs. This Sondheim musical has always felt cold to me, but he exudes such personality and charisma. And is Jenna Russell a Bernadette Peters clone or what? But who cares? From all accounts, she’s just as fabulous, if not more so, than her co-star.

Glenn Close
My favorite Tony moment? Glenn Close (who looked amazing except for the pointy boobs. What was up with that?!!) yelling:

Some Enchanted Evening ... South PaTHific!

I laughed rather long and hard over that one.

Xanadu
Haven’t seen the show, but their musical number seemed an odd choice to me. But, maybe it was the only choice? I don’t know. Still want to see it.

And why couldn’t their introduction have included Cubby Bernstein or at least a reference to the famous Tony campaign manager? Xandau should have won an award for most brilliant marketing.

Rent
And finally ... the cast reunion of Rent. Disappointing. The new cast looks and sounds too slick and produced, and the old cast came together for what? All of two seconds? Nothing like teasing us for no reason. Oh, well. What do I expect?

Overall, the Tony’s were highly enjoyable. No controversy or mistakes, but not too straight-laced either. Good job everybody! I look forward to your 2009 broadcast!