Shrek-taculous

This past Thursday I went to Buell Theatre in Denver to see Shrek the Musical. Alright so it was definitely not better than Wicked (well, duh, nothing is) but I have to add it to my top twenty list of faves. The lyrics were clever, the choreography was basic but good, and I loved all the characters! There has never been a show where I was surrounded by 10 year olds (and it will probably never happen again). If you see this, prepare yourself for multiple Broadway musical references (trust me, it happens a LOT). I highly recommend that all my readers living in Colorado see this show, or if it's coming to your town, get your tickets NOW!!!!!!!!

Dancing Queen...hey I just might join 'em!

I know it has been a while since I have posted, but I'm back! Anywho, just this past Tuesday I had the chance (FINALLY!!!!) to see Mamma Mia! at Buell Theatre. Okay, so it was no Wicked, but I have to say that I really enjoyed it overall. The music was very entertaining and familiar (despite the fact that I did not live through the 70's), the choreography was unexpected, and the talent...well, let's just say that there are better voices out there. Each and every one of the guys playing Sophie's three potential fathers made me laugh at some point in the show, they were awesome. Overall, I enjoyed this production. BUY YOUR TICKETS NOW IF YOU LIVE IN COLORADO because the show will be gone in a few days!

Quite Possibly the Funniest Play...

Last Thursday I had the amazing opportunity to see The 39 Steps, performed by the Denver Center Theatre Company. I can literally describe this play in one word: hilarious. I guess I liked this play a lot because it's a play that uses everything possible stagewise. Every scene is completely different from the next, but you would have to see it to understand. All four cast members were incredibly comical, and after the show, I didn't see a single audience member leaving the theatre without a smile. Okay, so maybe some of you who know me really well are reading this and thinking, Gee, I thought the Broadway Queen was totally against all straight plays. Well, my friends, you are wrong on this one, hence the title of this post. If any of my readers live in Colorado, no matter where you live, it will be totally worth it to see this production of The 39 Steps.

With One Look

On Friday night, I finally had the chance to see Sunset Boulevard at the Arvada Center in Denver, and let me tell you that it was not at all what I expected it to be. Of course, my dad did warn me that the plot was dark and it was not a "makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside" kind of musical. But in my opinion, this musical was very creepy! The performances were overall great, and again, I LOVED the music, as it was done by Andrew Lloyd Webber (one of my faves). There was something beyond all the creepiness, though, that really had me wanting to go back to the scenes in Norma Desmond's home. I must say that I don't care if everyone absolutely raves about Patti LuPone, who was the original Norma Desmond on Broadway; I hate she sings and presents herself onstage. What is there to like about Patti? That remains to be a mystery. Nevertheless, I do highly recommend that everyone reading this post (living in Colorado) go see this show!

What an Enchanted Evening

This past Tuesday night, I was treated to the national tour of South Pacific at Buell Theatre in Denver. And boy, did I see a lot of leis and floral dresses! Yes, it seemed that almost everyone in the house (except for my dad an I) were decked out as if they were in the show themselves. But aside from the costumed audience, I actually enjoyed the show. I was though somewhat annoyed by the way that Carmen Cusack (Ensign Nellie Forbush) talked and sang because it reminded me too much of Reba McEntire (which is NOT a good thing!) I have, however, always been a huge fan of Rodger's and Hammerstein's beautiful songs from every show they have created. My absolute favorite from this particular musical has to be "I'm Gonna Wash That man Right Outta My Hair;" it's just such a fun song to perform and watch. I would have to say that I really liked Keala Settle (Bloody Mary). She was hilarious and I couldn't help loving her! Overall, this production of South Pacific was great!

Independency

Happy Fourth (now fifth) of July! I'm sure everyone enjoyed attending or holding annual barbecues and parties and watching fireworks. In Colorado, we couldn't really do much because it was raining like crazy, so we instead stayed home. But, as a yearly tradition, my dad, sister and I watched the movie, 1776, which has always been one of my very favorite musicals. I know, it's not quite the same as seeing a live musical, but in our situation, you would have done the same. Really, though, when I was younger, I never really appreciated 1776, but now that I'm more mature and a Broadway geek, I've grown to love it! I mean, the cast is amazing (I'm even shocked by how well the character Benjamin Franklin could sing!) Overall, I really do love all the music and for those of you who don't know, the musical staging was originally done on Broadway and in the movie by the very famous choreographer Onna White. I must say, White is a very creative choreographer. I really encourage readers to see this movie, even if it's July 5!

A Monster Musical

Okay, I feel soooo bad because I keep forgetting to post about this but last Wednesday, I saw Young Frankenstein at Buell Theatre in Denver and it was REALLY AMAZING!!!!!!! Roger Bart played the role he originated and I absolutely LOVED HIM!!!!!!! The whole cast was stellar overall, and I now dub this show one of my top 5 favorites of all time. I still don't understand why it stunk on Broadway (just one of those random Broadway mysteries, I guess), because personally, I really loved this show. The choreography, which was by Susan Stroman, also known for her work in Crazy for You, was fantastic. I also really loved the lyrics to every song. In fact, my very favorite song from Young Frankenstein would have to be "Puttin' on the Ritz". I mean, the tap dancing in this song was phenomenal, and the energy really stood out. Although, I'm really jealous of a couple of my theatre buddies who actually met Roger Bart and even got a hug from him! I don't think I can forgive them for meeting him without me!

Arvada Adds Up

Again, I'm very sorry that I haven't written in a long time (I've been tied up with rehearsals and shows!) Anyways, this past Tuesday, I saw Nine at the Arvada Center in Denver, which was really AWESOME! I was so excited to see this production after being impressed by Arvada's productions of Miss Saigon and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. And also, of course, after seeing the recent movie release of Nine (starring Daniel Day-Lewis and Marion Cotillard), which was BRILLIANT! This stage production, though, had only one set, which was spa-themed decor. I was actually very disappointed with this and also that the dance numbers weren't as high as my expectations. The performers, though, were great; however, the woman playing Luisa Contini should have played Claudia, the actress, and vice versa. The guy playing Guido was perfect for the role though and I was excited to see him playing this great role. Overall, this production was worth seeing and I highly recommend that anyone who lives in Colorado should go see it! (just look up Arvada Center of Performing Arts)

Avenue of Puppets

On Tuesday of this week, I went to see Avenue Q in Colorado Springs at the Pikes Peak Center, and I have to say I REALLY liked it!!!!!! I know, a lot of you readers right now are probably wondering, Hmm...now that's strange. I wonder why the parents of a teenager would ever let him/her go see such an inappropriate show? Well, let me tell you, even I don't know why my parents allowed me to go see this show. Actually, though, it wasn't really THAT bad. I mean, they're just puppets, right? Still, I can see why they highly recommend that kids 13 and younger should not see Avenue Q. Anywho, this musical was definitely a great show (but not better than Wicked!!!!!)

Legally Amazing!!!!!

Sorry everyone that I haven't been posting lately! I've been caught up with rehearsals for a local production of Fiddler on the Roof and haven't found the time to actually post anything. Okay, on Tuesday of this past week, I saw Legally Blonde The Musical at the Buell Theatre and LOVED it!!!!!! I mean, I knew going in that I would like it a lot, but not be completely in love with it! Becky Gulsivg, who played Elle Woods, was an incredibly comical yet sweet blonde president of Delta Nu. Those of you who haven't seen the movie are INSANE! It's probably one of my very favorite movies of all time. I love Reese Witherspoon a lot, but still prefer Gulsvig. "What You Want", the song about Elle deciding to apply for Harvard Law, was a fantastic ensemble dance number. I'd have to say though, out of ALL the songs, "Omigod You Guys" and "Bend and Snap" have to be my favorites (I just can't choose which one was better!) I didn't find ANY flaws in this musical, but still can't decide whether I like it more than Phantom of the Opera or not (NOTHING can or will ever be better than Wicked!) And you better believe that I'm determined to be Elle Woods on Broadway someday (along with Glinda and Adelaide)!

Stick to Priest...

When most people I know hear the musical, Sweeney Todd, they think, "Oh, what a horrible show! Who wants to see blood and gore in a musical?" Well, my dear friends, this past Friday, i experienced this show at the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center and, although I am quite the perky girl, I LOVED it!!!!!! And you know what? There is SO not a ton of blood, spurting out into the audience. The cast, many of which who were in the Fine Arts Center's 2009 production of The Music Man with me, was AMAZING! Sweeney Todd, played by one of the directors of the FAC, had a great voice, which was also to be said of the woman who played Mrs. Lovett.
Okay, so I have never seen the movie with Johnny Depp (who is absolutely GENIUS, by the way). However, I still immensely enjoyed this musical. I've always been a fan of Stephen Sondheim, so naturally, I LOVED the music and a lot of the lyrics were pretty creative. One thing that distracted my attention in this specific production, though, was that the orchestra pit was in center stage and they were split up into 3 sections, so the cast had to swerve around the openings, which looked quite awkward.
However, I do recommend this show to all. (WARNING: SHOW MAY BE INAPPROPRIATE FOR CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 17!) For those of you who live in the Springs, check out their website at:
www.csfineartscenter.org/theatre.asp

Joseph and the Almost Amazing Performance I Saw

Last night, for the first time, I saw Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at the Arvada Center. I will tell you, on a scale of 1 to 10, I think I would give it an 8. Although not as great as Phantom of the Opera or Jesus Christ Superstar, it's for sure much better than Cats. It was definitely very flashy and energetic, and that's why I loved it. Also, the set was INCREDIBLE!!!!! (good job, Arvada!) But I found the fact that the very genuine and innocent Joseph, who was played by charmingly funny David B. Johnson, was very full of himself, was quite annoying. He was very arrogant even from the first note he sang to the very last. You would think he would've learned his lesson by the end, but NO!!!! Truthfully, the show was very well done, but I hate how Andrew Lloyd Webber's musicals never have any dialogue. I mean, it gets somewhat old to hear song after song after song. But if you have seen Lloyd Webber's work before, you are already aware of this. And for those of you who have seen Jesus Christ Superstar before, you may catch a little something in the overture that may remind you of that musical. I encourage all of my readers to see this show!

Wedding Plummets?

Yes, that's right! The Wedding Singer, showing at the Pikes Peak Center, (I saw it on Tuesday night) was, on a scale of 1 to 10, a 6. And it seems like the kind of show that I would be all gaga about, but there were several areas of the show that needed improvement. The choreography looked like it was created by a 10 year old at points, the talent wasn't amazing (but then again it wasn't the official national tour) and the set was lame. The two leads were, in real life, husband and wife, so that made a perfect leading section. I have never seen the movie, but I wasn't too crazy about the plot. I mean, finding exactly where your enemy and lover are to be wedded...PUH-LEASE! Although if you lived through the 80's, you might like this show for the 80's star impersonators!

I Have No Fear

I am finally over my fear of puppets. Yes, I know, very hard to even think it's possible. But after seeing A Pilgrim's Progress, I was humbled by how beautifully each marionette was created. I never even knew puppets could be so wonderful! I was also very impressed with David Simpich's different voices. I lost count at 5! And this guy does it all: the voices, the puppet's movements, creating the puppets, the lighting, even writing the script. On top of that, he puts on a new show every 2 or 3 months. I guess you could say that yes, I'm over my fear of marionettes and I can't wait to see what Simpich has in store for his next show!

I'm a Real Boy

As Broadway fans know, Avenue Q is closing September 13. Although I've never seen it, people say it's a great show. Well, tonight I'm seeing a (believe it or not) marionette show called, Pilgrim's Progress, which by the way is nothing like Avenue Q, but is, nonetheless, a puppet show. If anyone has ever seen this, I'm sure you enjoyed it. But personally, I think marionettes are quite childish and not very interesting to watch. Being an actress, I hate to criticize my fellow artists, but with puppetry, it's very different. I've just never really liked marionettes. Their very existence makes me cringe. But I might as well see it, just in case my mind miraculously changes.

Feline Frenzy

Okay, call me crazy: I have never seen a show on Broadway. Sure, I've seen some of the shows on national tour that come to Denver but never Wicked (even though it is my favorite musical!) I haven't even some of the great musicals, like say, Cats. (Now you can let out your gasps of horror.) I always have been a huge fan of Andrew Lloyd Webber (I have seen Jesus Christ Superstar and Phantom of the Opera, so don't worry!) but somehow I have never taken the time to see Cats. And although I'm finally seeing it tonight, I still have this question: why is it so popular?!? While I can't answer this particular question, I'm also trying to figure out why this show was on Broadway for so long (at least Phantom of the Opera deserved it). But based on these two facts, I hope it's worth seeing!