Even though the year is coming to an end the blog is definitely not! In fact, we'll be back and ready to tell you more about what floats our boats around the time the bell rings in the new year! So without further ado: My last post of 2013.
Looking back it has been a great year. I've collected so many memories that I wouldn't be without and I've just had a great time watching musicals, being with the people I love the most and enjoying life. I've been more spontaneous than usual, I've learned more about myself and ... I could talk about this forever. But the most important thing: I've watched Frozen!
Okay, well, it may not be the most important thing - but it was a fantastic experience!
Frozen is the new animated Disney-movie based on the fairytale The Snow Queen by H.C. Andersen (Denmark! Woop woop!), and it was just incredible. Funny, warm, exciting and magical - just as a Disney-movie should be and definitely something I'd recommend watching!
The movie centers around the two sisters Princess Anna and Princess Elsa, where the latter posses the ability to do ice-magic. Sadly she can't control it even though she wishes to do so, and Anna sets on a quest to find Elsa, who has escaped from the town and her duty as Queen in order to find peace and a place where she cannot harm people.
Ahhhhhhh! Doesn't it just sound exciting!? And do you wanna hear the best part about it??! Almost all of my favorite actors and actresses from the musical-word are voicing the characters! Idina Menzel, Jonathan Groff, Josh Gad and Santino Fontana! Isn't that just amazing!? And they did SUCH a good job - though it was a little bit weird listening to Idina Menzel singing something else than the Wicked soundtrack! It's non the less very good and I'm sure you've heard this song a billion times already, but here you go - Let It Go from the movie:
Anyway, I hope you will consider watching this masterpiece of a new Disney movie (maybe it even has been out for ages in your country ... how should I know - we only just got it in Denmark)! And you'll take care and have a LOVELY NEW YEAR as well!
After a long, refreshing and maybe a little bit too filled summerbreak I'm back and ready to share my love for everything musical-ish once again. Are you ready, because I am! My fingers are practially itching to start writing again- if that's not a sign, I don't know what it is!
As I told you in my last post weeks ago I was going to London with my friend to watch musicals. Kind of crazy to think about now that it is actually over (I got home around 2 weeks and a few days ago - cannot believe it), but such an amazing experience just to run around and act like crazy without feeling any judgement. :)
Today, I think I want to tell you about one of my favorite parts of the trip - Thursday, the day where we watched Wicked. I know I told you that I was most excited for Phantom of the Opera, but in the end I think Wicked was the show that totally blew me away and the one where I had blank eyes throughout the whole thing.
Why? Because I had no expectations what so ever. I have heard the songs so many times and I once saw a crappy bootleg of Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth as Elphaba and Glinda, but other than that... my encounter with the musical has only been through music and pictures. I had no idea what to expect from the actual show and w-o-w. I was blown away from start till end and was shaking when I finally stood up to join in for the curtain call-applauding. I still cannot believe I've seen Wicked. Actual WICKED. It has been a dream of mine for 1,5 year - unbelievable!
And for those wondering what Wicked actually is about:
Wicked tells the incredible untold story of an unlikely but profound friendship between two girls who first meet as sorcery students at Shiz University: the blonde and very popular Glinda and a misunderstood green girl, Elphaba. Following an encounter with The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, their friendship reaches a crossroads and their lives take very different paths. Glinda's unflinching desire for popularity sees her seduced by power while Elphaba's determination to remain true to herself, and to those around her, will have unexpected and shocking consequences for her future. Their extraordinary adventures in Oz will ultimately see them fulfil their destinies as Glinda The Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.
The show is just so lush and rich of colors with amazing props, beautiful costumes, clever lightning and magical moments. It was also full of humor (one thing I had never really thought about), sadness and love and just thinking about it gives me the chills. Ahhh, can I just go back?
It has everything a good musical is supposed to have.
Including my love.
No, but really, if you ever go to London - go watch Wicked! It's fun, clever, beautiful, sad and exciting. I cried, laughed and fell in love throughout the show. So beautiful visuals, such a beautiful story which end I was nowhere prepared for.
It's safe to say Wicked has a whole new meaning for me now, but that just makes it even better and it's because of that show I'm determined to dance through life as best as I can.
Also, I may have bought a Wicked-t-shirt and met a few of the actors...
Me, my friend and Louise Dearman (Elphaba, SO GOOD)
Me, the amazing Gina Beck (Glinda) and my friend!
(Will show the shirt among other musical gems I got in London in another post :))
As I am writing this it is not Monday but Wednesday - why you may ask? Because I'll be in Greece Monday and I'm beyond excited, even though I've just returned from Roskilde festival and I'm a bit bombed; psychically and emotionally but it's all good and my spirit is high so whatever.
Roskilde festival and Greece are not the only places I'm going to have been this summer, because I am actually going to London as well! I know right! Can't believe it either. Me and my wonderful friend Susannah from the Netherlands are going to meet up there in the end of July/start of August and then we're going to watch musicals en masse. I can't describe how excited I actually am for this trip - it has been something I've wanted to do for quite some time and now it's happening!! Only 20 days left!
We've already bought tickets for Les Misérables, Wicked and Phantom of the Opera and especially the last two ones are those that make me toss and turn of excitement in the night. I am 100% sure I am going to shed a tear or thousand when I'm sitting there in theatre watching what I've been dreaming of watching since... I don't know... It feels like it has been forever.
Those are not the only shows we are going to watch though, because we are planning on queuing for a few other shows as well in the morning when the ticket office opens to see if we can get some cheap tickets for them - and I really hope we can get some for Once and Matilda, because I just want to watch them so bad even though they're a bit expensive.
Even though my summer is a bit packed I don't really mind because it's all great things happening and I don't know whether to cry or smile of happiness. I guess both is good? ;) I hope you have an amazing summer as well and I'll see you next week - if I don't forget it, that is. Sorry for not posting an entry last week - I'll make it up for ya!
Today I want to talk about an absolute wonderful movie I watched a couple of months ago. I was having a kind of bad day and was in need of something to make me forget everything. And this movie certainly helped, even though I was weeping like a baby in the end. Not because it's that sad, but because it's an extremely well written and such a beautiful story.
I'm talking about the movie Once.
Set in Dublin it revolves around a Guy busting in the street and a Girl, who is a Czech immigrant who randomly meets. It is a story of friendship, love and the special bond music can create between people.
I absolutely love everything about it; from the low-budget filming (which only adds its own charm!) to how natural and real Markéta Irglóva's and Glen Hansard's portrayals of the Guy and Girl is. It is such a real movie that really captures life with it's "raw" pictures and how unexpected it can turn out. Once really proves that as long as you have a story to tell, you do not need a lot of money or the most high-tech equipment. As long as you have your heart in it and makes the best of what you have in hand it'll work!
The movie has a hauntingly beautiful soundtrack composed by Irglóva and Hansard and the song Falling Slowlyactually won an Oscar. Don't fret when I'm mentioning it's a musical though, because it is so well made and the song just fits that it never seems very musical like. It is just a part of the story, just like the music is a part of the Guy and Girl lives.
I am a very, very big fan of it and I hope other people will give it a chance as well. It really deserves it.
Hope you have a brillant next week and happy July 1st!
If there's one thing you all should know about me it's the fact that I LOVE (yes, L-O-V-E) reading about people and musicals, so when I found these questions I just had to answer them. You know, sometimes musicals can say a lot about your personality! For example I'm secretly in love with Phantom of the Opera because I myself live in the basement and Phantom sort of does as well and the reason why Wicked has such a special place in my heart is because I'm green (no, it's NOT easy being green)!
Nah, just kidding! Here's my answers and the questions!
1. Do you have a favourite theatre? Which one, and why?
I haven't been to a lot of theatres but Det Ny Teater (the New Theatre) in the middle of Copenhagen is pretty cool and definitely a place I could imagine Phantom living in. It has everything from the chandelier, the grand stairwells to the small corners and lots of doors. I also really like Østre Gasværk mainly because it's a place you wouldn't instantly think about being ideal for theatre. It got this really gritty, raw and medieval look. It's really one of the coolest theatres we have in Denmark, and the two shows I've watched there (HAIR being one of them) was absolutely fantastic. They really know how to work that stage and to take advantage of their building - I love it! Just look at this picture of the scene:
2. At the moment, would you rather watch a comedy or a tragedy?
Really depends on how it's done. I'd rather watch a really well-made tragedy than a bad comedy and vice versa. But right now I think I need a little cheering up to be honest. Something to get really lost in and something to make me laugh.
3. The funniest show or performance you’ve ever seen?
I haven't exactly seen it yet; only half of a crappy bootleg, but I have to say Book of Mormon. That is some funny sh*t - even if you only listen to the soundtrack. God, I love those songs! Hasa diega eebowai! ;)
4. The saddest show or performance you’ve ever seen?
I think it's Spring Awakening - that scene with Melchior in the graveyard (if you've seen the show, you know what I'm talking about) kills me every time. And the fate of a certain character. Beautiful and yet so incredibly tragic.
5. Who is your favorite musical actors/actresses?
Without a doubt Sierra Boggess, Laura Osnes, Idina Menzel, Ramin Karimloo and Jonathan Groff - eff yeah!
6. Your favourite stage door photo or memory?
Sadly I haven't stage-doored yet (if that's even a verb) - but wait and see. After this summer I might have a photo or two to show you! ;)
7. Do you prefer an grand or simple musical - design-wise? Why?
I love Phantom because everything about is so grand - from the set-pieces to the costumes ... even the songs are as well! On the other hand I'm extremely fascinated about how a simple show can convey so many emotions (Spring Awakening and Next To Normal are good examples of this) and tell a story without needing a lot of props. That's magical. In general I just like something that has been put a lot of thought in!
8. The most memorable performance you’ve ever been to? The Lion King in London's West End. That show gave me some SERIOUS CHILLS throughout the whole thing and it was just beyond magical; the costumes, songs, story and the set-pieces. Wauw. If you ever go to London and don't know what to watch The Lion King is a very, very safe and good choice: You will get blown away. I guarantee you.
9. Is there a movie you’d like to see adapted to a musical?
I'd love to see Pride and Prejudice, actually. I know people has been talking about making one, but it hasn't happened yet (not that I know of, that is). But I don't really know, most of my favorite movies are actually musicals and those who aren't... well, I can't really see them becoming musicals.
10. How about a musical you’d like to see onscreen?
Can they make a remake of the Phantom of the Opera-movie? Pleeeease? I'd also REALLY like seeing Wicked as a movie (and yes, Idina Menzel has to repeat her rose af Elphaba - all your arguments are invalid! SHE IS NOT TOO OLD TO DO IT) and Spring Awakening as well. I think Spring Awakening could be a really powerful movie and something that'd be remembered and watched forever. Next to Normal could be a good choice as well!
11. What is the last stage show you saw? Review it in three sentences.
A bootleg of Cinderella. I loved how they twisted the story. Laura Osnes is the most beautiful and talented human being. Gorgeous, funny, lovely and epic musical with astounding costume changes!
12. A show you’d recommend to everybody?
Next to Normal. I think it's a show everyone will love plus it deals with some very difficult issues and make you just think about life in general.
13. A show you wouldn’t recommend to your worst enemy?
The Danish version of Shrek: The Musical. No... Just no. But! I'm quite sure it had to do with the venue - Forum doesn't do anything good for a musical - because I've seen something from the Broadway version of the show where it looked quite good and more intimate.
14. A show you’re ashamed to admit you like?
Oh God... I don't know. Phantom of the Opera maybe? Not that it's a secret, but I think my love for it is kind of intense and only a few people know how much I actually LOVELOVELOVE it. Also, I enjoy the music of the show A LOT even though it's quite operatic, and sometimes I feel a bit ashamed when blasting it as loud as possible I find myself hoping no one hears that I'm listening to Carlotta screaming her head off in Poor Fool He Makes Me Laugh.
15. How important are visuals for you? Can you enjoy a show with good acting but ugly visuals? Or can good visuals save an otherwise bad show in your eyes?
Neither. A good show is always one where everything is thought through. Everything has to go up into a higher unity in order to succeed.
One of my favorite stage designs - from Matilda: The Musical
16. What is the prettiest show you’ve ever seen?
Without a doubt The Lion King and Love Never Dies. Wow. Lion King just embraces that African savannah, whilst everything about Love Never Dies just is so glittery and lavishly. Aaaah!
17. A costume or a prop that you love?
I'm all in for Christine's Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again-dress. If I had to own one of her dresses it would definitely be that one!
18. You can only watch productions of one show for the rest of your life. Which show you choose and why?
Phantom of the Opera because I love the musical and it has so many layers. Everytime I watch it I notice something new (today for example I realized that Raoul actually is proposing to Christine when he sings All I Ask of You - the more you know....)!
19. Do you research the shows you consider seeing, or do you just pick a show to see and hope it’s good?
I listen to the cast recordings and watch some clips - a little research is always good so you don't waste your money. Usually I discover new, good shows because of an actor I'm a fan of is in it. :)
20. Your favourite act 1 ending?
A tie between Wicked's Defying Gravity and Phantoms chandelier crash.
Idina Menzel as the wicked, green witch Elphaba defying gravity
21. The most times you’ve ever seen the same show or production?
Does it have to be live? Because then I'd have to say twice (We Will Rock You and Love Never Dies). I've watched the DVD of Phantom's 25th anniversary more than twice though. FAVORITE THING.
22. A performance by an actor or an actress that has impressed you the most?
I feel like Phantom of the Opera is taking over this post, but I have to say Ramin Karimloo's take on the Phantom. Quite phenomenal! I am in love with his acting choices. I also really enjoy Louise Fribo's Christine in Love Never Dies - she owns the part! And sings like an angel - just watch this video and you'll know what I mean:
If that's not beautiful I don't know what is!
23. Have you ever walked out of a performance? If not, could you consider doing so?
Then it had to be really bad... but no, I don't think I'd do it. I'm one of those people who hates wasting money and hey, it can always surprise you in the end!
24. Do you collect theatre memorabilia? If so, feel free to show off your collection!
Unfortunately not! I always forget to buy the programmes :( Maybe I should start doing that.
25. You have to swap lives for a week with a character from one of your favourite shows. Who do you choose and why?
Though one! Hmm, I think Phantom actually? I think it'd be interesting to see how he sees the world. Maybe Elphaba from Wicked as well, since I'd like to know how it is being green - oh, and Angel from RENT because she knows how to own the life you've been giving! I could use a little of that.
26. A headcanon about your favourite show?
Raoul and Christine gets married and she discovers she is pregnant and when their son is 10 years old they move to New York to sing at Hammerstein's Operahouse only to discover that it's actually the Phantom that has lured them away from France so he can he reunited with his lost lover and write beautiful music again... wait, is that Love Never Dies? Sorry.
I hope you have enjoyed reading my answers and feel free to answer the questions as well! I also really hope you've had a wonderful weekend, will have some fantastic next 6 days and I'll see you next week! :)
And so it's apparently Monday again! How time flies - and how I wish I could just stop it, take a very long break and THEN study for my religion exam this Thursday. Unfortunately life is not that easy so here I am. Yet again. Trying my best to make sure I get a decent grade. Yay.
Since the weather is so great today (19 degrees celcius and sunny - has been a long time since it has been like that here in Denmark!) I don't want to bore you with a long post (okay, also because I really need to pull myself together and get some studying done - I'm one big procrastinator), so I want to link you to a few musical songs I've been humming along to the past week! Yay!
Magic To Do from the new musical Pippin which won a whole lot of 'em Tony awards! This song is just so uplifting and I love everything about it - we sure got some magic to do! Booya!
Kinky Boots won best musical at the Tony's, but I haven't watched it yet. However I've listened to this song quite a lot! Yay for History of Wrong Guys! (Also, Annaleigh Ashford is THE BEST and funniest human being on this planet. Period.)
Scott Alan's song Say Goodbye sung by the wonderful and extremely talented Willemijn Verkaik! (I would've linked this his song Surrender as well, but can't find my favorite version with Melissa van der Schyff... it's on Spotify though, so you can always check it out on there! And the rest of the album. It's quite phenomenal acually.)
It's Possible from Rodger's and Hammerstein's Cinderella - a little reminder and motivation is good now and then (especially in these dreadful times of exams!)
And last but not least,
Raise a little hell from Bonnie & Clyde! I love the aggression and the context where the song is from. It's perfect listening to when you're tired of everything and just want to sleep the day away (let's not talk about that, okay?)!
Yay for good songs!
I hope you have a WONDERFUL Monday filled with everything you'd like it to be filled with. I gotta get back to 'em books!
See you next week - if I survive this Thursday's exam, that is.
In the midst of me preparing for my Ancient History exam it dawned upon me that it was in fact Monday and I had to write something cool and profound on here!
The last couple of days can roughly be described as really unproductive studying-wise. Yesterday it was the big night of this years Tony's (which I haven't watched yet, so I won't be writing anything about it today - maybe next week!), so I've - naturally - been watching a lot of videos with various actors, stalked a few twitters and instagram-accounts and listened to a bunch of great soundtracks trying to brighten up my mood and the time.
Even though I'm not going to talk about the Tony Awards I will, however, talk about someone who was nominated this year for best actress in a musical.
I remember back in November when I watched a video clip of Macy's Thanksgiving Parade (is that even what it's called??!) where she and the company of Rodger's and Hammerstein's Cinderella performed. I've always been a huge fan of the story about the girl and the glass slipper, so I was of course very excited about it. The performance was excellent and I remember going back to watch it a few times... and then suddenly the musical was on Broadway! I believe it opened sometime in March, but I'm not quite sure.
Laura Osnes
Anyway, that was the way I learned about Mrs Osnes and her talent and knew that I had to check out everything else she had done! Even though I lovelovelove Cinderella I won't talk about it this week (maybe another fantastic and magical Monday); I really want to talk about a, in my opinion, greatly underrated show starring Laura Osnes and Jeremy Jordan who only got ONE SINGLE MONTH ON BROADWAY instead. The show I'm talking about is Bonnie & Clyde.
I watched a bootleg sometime last week and I instantly fell in love with the story about the outlaws and lovers Clyde Barrow (Jeremy Jordan) and Bonnie Parker (Laura Osnes) - one of America's most famous criminal persons who lived during the Great Depression. The musical with music by Frank Wildhorn, lyrics by Don Black and a book by Ivan Menchell focuses on their relationship between the two lovers and how they eventually became what they are known for today whilst painting a picture of how it was to live in the 30s. It's extremely well made and a quite interesting idea for a musical that really works!
Claybourne Elder and Melissa van der Schyff as Buck and Blanche Barrow
The soundtrack has a great mix of Americana such as blues, gospel, country and some of the the most hauntingly beautiful and heartfelt ballads I've heard in a very long time which I've been humming along to all week. Even though the show is about crime and outlaws it is also about love and how far you'd go for it - and the consequences of it!
Yes, it has definitely become one of my favorite musicals (and no, I don't have too many of them - there's no such thing as too many favorite musicals!). It has everything a good musical needs. It's sexy, funny, exciting, sad and full of heart. Laura Osnes and Jeremy Jordan shines as the two main characters, but also Claybourne Elder as Clyde's brother Buck and especially Melissa van der Schyff as Buck's faithful wife Blanche are someone you really come to love as the story evolves and they were, maybe, those I came to like the best.
Jeremy Jordan and Laura Osnes as Bonnie & Clyde in the musical
The set is also one of a kind and I enjoyed the way real pictures of Bonnie, Clyde and the gang and newspaper articles was a part of the show as well - the same with how they sometimes had on the same clothes as their characters wore back then. Really clever and it made the musical so much more believable.
Real-life Bonnie & Clyde
I don't think there's anything else to say other than I'm really sad it got such a short run, but I can definitely recommend watching a bootleg of the show (just search for it on youtube and it'll show up) and maybe read a little about the real Bonnie & Clyde - it's really fascinating reading!
So without further ado, I'd like to present you one of my favorite songs from the musical Bonnie & Clyde and bid you all a goodbye and see you next week - I promise to remember it!
Rebecca :)
P.S. I want to be Laura Osnes in my next life - that's not too much to ask for, is it?
Sorry for not posting anything last Monday. I sort of lost track of the days... well, what can one do when one is on study break?! I for sure don't know! Anyway, I'm back and ready to give you your weekly dosis of musical madness! Yes! Today I'm going to talk about a musical I've never watched but listened to quite a lot the past few days!
Even though I haven't watched the musical live I couldn't help but chuckle my way through the written mock-exam I had in Danish today. Suddenly my analysis of my poems wasn't as dry and boring anymore and a ray of sunshine shone through the windows and brightened my mood x 1000.
I am talking about The Book of Mormon - a musical from 2011 by Trey Parker, Robert Lopez and Matt Bone (the creators of South Park and co-composer/co-lyricist of Avenue Q) centering around the mormon missionaries Elder Price and Elder Cunnigham who get sent to Uganda… to do their mormon-stuff. What I can gather from the songs it's about the african people, cultural differences and trying to convert them to being mormons. Also, AIDS, circumcision and a hilarious song about baptizing. (Please don't shoot me if I'm wrong!)
I don't really know that much about it actually but something tells me I need to dig a little deeper, because I am really digging the soundtrack! It. Is. So. Incredibly. Good. And. God. Damn. Catchy.
Something also tells me that the songs will be more fun when listening to them in chronological order though, so I'm going to leave you with the first song of the show ("Hello") and then I'll return soon and tell y'all about what I think of the show. When I've found a bootleg, that is or somehow magically transported myself to London. :)
Hope you have had a fabulous start of the week! :)
In honor of Denmark winning the Eurovison Song Contest this Saturday night and just because I love everything Eurovision so dearly I've decided I wanted to talk to you about my favorite part of the year and present a few (okay, a lot) of my favorite songs in a playlist on Spotify I've compiled just for you (or well, also myself but whatever):
Click HERE in order to see and listen to the whole playlist!
I can't believe Denmark actually won. Last time we won was back in 2000 with the Olsen Brothers and their song Fly on the Wings of Love - something I did not experience since my love for Eurovision was born the year after when Denmark was to host the big finale. I remember being extremely fascinated by the hostess big, pink princess gown and not being able to keep myself awake. Which was a shame since AQUA performed while people were voting.
After that experience it has been something I've watched every year and obsessed quite a lot over. I can talk about it for hours without getting tired of it and there's just something so incredibly amazing about so many countries coming together to sing, dance and party. I like the way it brings people together despite differences such as language and cultural views. There is no barrier when it's about music.
Sure,Eurovision has its bad sites - for example when they held the show last year in Baku and they tore down several of buildings in order to build the big arena, but also the contestants coming from corrupt countries - but it is also, as mentioned before, something that brings joy and happiness and unity. It shows how a lot of people can work in collaboration in order to get the best show possible.
Talking about the best show possible: If I had a top three over my absolute favorite shows Sweden's would definitely be in the top! I loved their funny features (especially with the EBU-woman going around showing the world Sweden - and a bit of Copenhagen as well) and the wave of goosebumps that washed over me when the grand finale started. The song "We write the story" and the people walking with the flags were a perfect combination and a perfect start to a perfect night with a perfect result.
So yeah, as you can tell, I'm quite passionate about it and I will proceed to watch it every.single.year. It's - after all - the best night of the year and every year when the last bit of credits roll over the screen I start getting excited for next year. Which will be held in Denmark! Fingers crossed it'll be in Copenhagen! But whereever they decide it's going to be held I'm sure going to be there. I wouldn't want to miss it for anything.
I think we all can use a little light at the moment - especially now that it's soon time for some seriously studying and some scary, scary exams.
Where do I want to go with this? I simply want to show you a few of my favorite musical songs I always listen to when I'm having a bad day. Or when I feel like I need a little epicness in my life. Also, they'll be in random order since there's so many good ones out there! Yeephe!
Matilda: The Musical is one of my recent favorite soundtracks, and this song, When I Grow Up, is simply brilliant. I love how talented these kids are and how innocent the song is!
I think I've mentioned before but Dancing Through Life from Wicked is definitely one of the songs I always put on whenever I'm feeling a little sad. Just listen to the wise words of Fiyero and school won't matter anymore.
Sierra Boggess is one of my all time favorite actresses when it comes to musical theatre and her rendition of Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again from Phantom of the Opera is nothing but absolutely breathtaking - it brings it to a whole new level! I aspire to be her one day.
Feeling a little down? Listen to Totally Fucked from Spring Awakening! The energy, the beat, the lyrics - I am in love!
I remember getting home from the cinema where I've watched Hairspray and not being able to get Without Love out of my head. This is still one of my favorites and I feel so lucky I've actually seen it being performed live!
I actually always put on some Newsies whenever I need a little motivation or just something to smile over. These songs are the best and Carrying the banner is one of my favorites from the soundtrack! One day - one fine day - I'll watch it live and cry because I'm so happy!
If there's something that's fun it's definitely The Book of Mormon and this song might be the best shower-song you could ever choose. Listen to it, watch Andrew Ranells cuteness and fall in love with I Believe.
Next to Normal is perfect and so is I've Been! It's impossible for me to count all the times I've been standing in front of my mirror rocking out to this one.
And last but not least,
Seasons of Love from RENT. I don't know how much I need to say about it, other than it is freaking perfect and beautiful and so, so uplifting. It makes me want to embrace everything life can offer me!
Ever since I spent a whole summer listening to the soundtrack of RENT, watching the movie and shedding thousands of tears it has been one of my favorite moviemusicals (yes, I have only watched the movie - shame on me) and soundtracks. I'm not sure why I didn't mention it on the list of my favorite musicals, but as you might can tell already, I forget things easily and I tend to like way too many things at once.
RENT is the story of a group of friends living in New York City. It's the early 90s, a lot of them are broke (heart and money-wise) and AIDS and HIV is suddenly a part of their world.
Following their ups and downs in a year we get introduced to what a life could be and how unexpected it can turn out; but also how we should live our live and simply enjoy it. It's too short for anything else.
There's just something beautiful over RENT and every time I watch it, I have an urge to go in there and hug the heck out of all of them. And yet, they are so, so inspiring; finding joy in what they are doing and trying to seize the day even though it might not want to be seized. It makes me happy. Simple as that.
The stories of each character are unique and yet they are all alike. It's a beautiful portrayal of how a life can turn out and how quickly things can change; how opportunities needs to be seized now and not tomorrow. There is, after all, no day but today.
Companied by songs en masse it sets the standard for future musicals, makes you want to dance and aspire to live as if you were to die tomorrow. It's so full joy for life and I cannot recommend it enough. Also, Christopher Columbus movie is extremely pretty cinematic and it's simply a joy for the eye to watch. Definitely a musical that can cheer up a gloomy day despite its serious topics - just try and listen to two of my favorite songs:
Seasons of Love
Finale B
Until next time - keep smiling and let the sun shine in! ;)
It's Monday, school is kind of busy and I feel dragged down by fatigue and the fact that the weather can't decide whether it'll be winter-y or summer-y.
Why am I telling you this? Well, today I want to show you a musical that NEVER FAILS TO CHEER ME UP (yes, that needed to be in capslock) despite the serious topics it discusses. I never mentioned it on my list over my favorite musicals, but it should've been on it.
Original Broadway cast of Next to Normal
I'm talking about ... Next to Normal; a clever, clever musical with books and lyrics written by Brian Yorkey and music by Tom Kitt. Through 37 extremely well-written and catchy song it tells the story of a dysfunctional family. The parents Diana and Dan lost their son 16 years ago and it has taken a great toll on both of them, and especially Diana who now suffers from bipolar disorder. Trying to fix what's left they get the daughter Natalie, but she is suffering from the fact that the son, Gabriel, never left. The ghost of him is always there in the house making sure that they, and especially Diana, will never forget him.
Next to Normal speaks up about a lot of different and serious topics that I haven't stumbled upon in a musical before. Bipolar disorders, how you deal with loss and grief, drug abuse and how you should approach modern psychiatry and the ethics concerning that; these are all part of our society and it's great having a musical that can convey these to the audience and make them question it but also educate them.
Alice Ripley as Diana Goodman
The gallery of persons in the musical consist of the Goodman family; Dan, Diana, Nathalie and Gabriel, the psychiatrists Dr. Fine and Dr. Madden and Nathalies boyfriend Henry, and while a lot of musicals have a huge cast, I don't think the story of Next to Normal would be the same without the simplicity it consists of. It is the raw emotions that drives the story and whether it's a rock-song, a soft ballad or a simply melody waving through the audience it moves you and there's always a song that fits your mood, thus bringing me full circle. It never fails to cheer me up.
Also, can we take a moment and appreciate the fantastic set-design? Simply and yet so expressive the three niveaus complete with staircases serve as house, school, psychiatry etc. Such a clever choice that fits the musical!
Set of Next to Normal
Eventhough there's 37 songs on the soundtrack and the story are told pretty much through song throughout the whole thing you never get bored. The songs are so nuanced that you will always notice new things when listening and it's just wonderful.
So yes, this is definitely one of my favorites as well and if you want, you can watch Aaron Tveit (Gabriel), Alice Ripley (Diana) and J. Robert Spencer (Dan) perform one of the most popular songs from the show at the Tony awards. It's definitely worth a watch! Just saying!
I hope you've had a wonderful weekend and see you all next Monday.
I'll go back to listening to my soundtrack and crying a bit over how perfect everything is! ;)
A new week has begun thus meaning that I have to write an entry on here. Last time I gave you an overview over my absolute favorite musicals and hinted that I'd be visiting a certain green troll in his swampy home with his faithful companion, Donkey.
As you might can guess from my hints... Yes, I went to watch the Danish production of Shrek: The Musical with a couple of friends including Sofie, Christine and Laura from here (it was actually a birthdaygift to Sofie).
I love the story about the green troll and it has always been one of my favorite movies; one of those you could always return to knowing you'd be cheered up instantly. The wicked and funny characters really makes an impact on you, which is why I was quite excited to see how the musical would be.
My feelings about it are quite mixed. I like the spin they took on the original movie and I really digged the minimalistic stage-design with three big, oval shaped scenes upon each other which served both as a castle, a hill and the swap when being lighted up by projecting pictures. There wasn't anything wrong with the actors as well; they were really good and I loved the costumes and their voices! Especially Maria Lucia's, who played Fiona, but I think I've always had some sort of musical-crush on her.
I wasn't exactly blown away though, and it kind of really annoys me since I have had so many expectations to Shrek: The Musical. The production lacked intimacy; it may have to do with were we were sitting (quite in the top actually) and the venue (Forum Copenhagen is one big no-go when it comes to musicals) but it doesn't change that fact that I was left with a quite empty and anticlimactic feeling when we had applauded for the last time and the actors had gone off the stage. No, I do not demand getting dragged onto the stage so I physically can be a part of it, but I just wanted to be invested in these characters and feel like I was tagging along with Donkey and Shrek on their adventurous fare even though I was just sitting in my seat. Because that's what the story is about; it's about watching these three total different people form a friendship. Most of the time I caught myself thinking that this could be a movie; I did not feel like I was watching something live.
The musical had its magical moments, yes, and Martin Brygmann who played Lord Farquaard was absolutely genius, but I think I have to say that it wasn't really down my alley. I had some laughs, a few chills, and the songs were okay ... but they didn't really make an impact on me (beside thise one) and, unfortunately, neither did the musical.
There are tons of tons of stuff I want to share with you on this blog, but since it is my first “real” entry on here I think I should limit myself to only one subject for today.
I’ve been thinking about what would be a good thing to start with all week and I’ve come to the conclusion that favorite musicals and why I love them might be a good one to pick. Let’s get to the basics! (and you’ll be prepared for future references…)
I’ve loved everything musical-ish ever since I saw my first Disney-movie (including High School Musical – I don’t think I have to elaborate on that one. What’s not to like about a singing school?), but it was when I went to London’s West End with my mom and sister to watch The Lion King and Hairspray my love for watching them live began to grow. There is just something hauntingly beautiful about a live-production and seeing people on that stage never missing a beat and just having a burning passion for what they’re doing.
Later I started in high school and I signed up for the choir of the annual school musical (even though I’m not the best singer – very close to being the worst, actually, if not the worst), which turned out to be none other than Spring Awakening – an absolutely stunning, fantastic and extremely clever musical about a bunch of kids in the 19th century trying to figure out life and what it involves.
The musical quickly turned out to be one of my all-time favorite musicals. I love the message, the passion and the simplicity every production seems to contain. The songs are so, so dear to my heart and even though they’re not your usual Broadway-showstoppers they are just so incredibly catchy! Also, fun fact: Laura and I was in the choir together and I think it was the stepping stone for our friendship. :)
A few months later when the production was over, I couldn’t bear listening to the songs because, well... it reminded me of an extremely good time and, frankly, it was a bit depressing knowing it was already over, so I started listening to the soundtrack of Wicked. The musical is based on the story of Wizard of Oz, only it’s a prequel to the well-known tale and centers around the wicked, green witch Elphaba and the glittery, good Witch from West: Galinda (or Glinda) instead of Dorothy.
I have never watched Wicked live but it’s one of my biggest wishes to do so one day. The score is such good one and never fails to cheer me up when I have a bad day – especially Dancing Through Life is the perfect song to give a listen when you are a little down and do not want to go to school.
I love the way the score is so bright and dance-y without topping over, but also the fact that the story is about friendship, how unexpected it can turn up and the fact that evil persons aren’t necessarily all evil and vice versa.
The theme of evil is also covered in my most recent favorite musical Phantom of the Opera. I went to watch the Danish production of the sequel to it, Love Never Dies, back in October last year and got totally blown away. The only thing though was that I couldn’t remember Phantom that well, so I went home and stumbled upon the 25th anniversary performance of the musical in the Royal Albert Hall and thus my obsession was born.
The music is extremely captivating, beautiful and haunting and as I listen to the score I can’t help but feel the magic rush over me. The fascinating story about the choirgirl, Christine Daaé, and the Phantom of the Pariser Opera is told entirely through songs but it doesn’t matter. The songs are so varied and the music so rich; you will always discover new things when you listen to the score for the billionth time (trust me, I know) and that is why I love it so much. With passion, suspense, love, danger, desire and sorrow it’s basically the most perfect cocktail you could ever stumble upon and I so hope I one day will be able to watch live. It is kind of a contradiction to the other shows I love, but that is why it’s so special to me.
So yes, these are my three absolute favorite musicals. I have a lot of other favorites as well, but 1.) Phantom, Wicked and Spring Awakening are those which mean the most to me and 2.) I think this post is already too long for its own good so maybe I’ll tell you about them later! As you can read from all of this, it is probably a good thing I have this blog to pour out my heart or else people would start ignoring me full-time. ;)
Let me know if you have any favorites and we'll see each other next Monday, where I've, hopefully, been visiting a green troll in his swamp.
As I sit in my bed and type this with Mumford & Sons blasting as loud as possible in my big, red earphones I cannot help but smile. Not only because of the intense use of banjo in Mumford and Sons' music (though it certainly helps!), but also because it's spring, summer is just around the corner and ... well ... okay, the banjo.
For me spring symbolizes new beginnings and a bittersweet goodbye to hot chocolate, lots of covers and a reason to stay indoors sleeping the day away. No, actually, I'm quite happy to put the kind of dark time behind me and step into, hopefully, something brighter. Maybe this blog could be that.
Each of us will have a day of the week (minus Saturday and Sunday - but who knows? Maybe something exciting will be posted there as well from time to time!) to post our thoughts on various topics and just share what we love the most if not just a little glimpse of what's actually going on in our heads.
I'm Rebecca, 18 years old, coffee-lover and 1/5 of the 5 girls running this blog. We're all from Denmark (you know, the small country beside Sweden and above Germany), friends and classmates actually! The idea of this blog came to us in the middle of a night of procrastinating and a wanting to share our diversities with the world. Because I think that's the word that will describe us the best. Diversity. Hopefully we'll be able to show all our different sides through this blog, because God knows, there's many of them.
The words that describe me best are either very obsessive or passionate. Musicals fills up a great part of my life and even though I cannot sing or play a single instrument it's something that has a special place in my heart - thus the reason for why they are going to be my main focus on this blog. I think - actually, I know - that people zones out when I start talking about it, so why not blabber on about it on here where people are free to scroll past my entry if they do not want to read it?
Musicals are not the only thing you should know about me though... I am also the proud owner of a bookshelf consisting of over 300 books (most of them unread because I am lazy and school keeps distracting me!), I lovelovelove Glee and Darren Criss, I love me some colors, Defying Gravity from one of my favorite musicals, Wicked, is my shower-song, I love being creative, cultural stuff interests me and I once saw the recording of Phantom of the Opera from Royal Albert Hall thrice in a week. I try to stay as positive as possible and oh, 'poop' might be my favorite English word whilst I hate getting called 'ginger'.
Hopefully this post gave you a better picture of who I am... and if not, let's see if I can do it better next week!
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