My first Broadway Trip!

I've been back from the US for 3 days now, and whilst I'm still pretty jet lagged (I did not appreciate the 4.30 am wake up call this morning), my brain is slowly growing less foggy.

I was asked to write a blog post about my thoughts on Broadway and the shows I saw there, and thought this was as good as time as any- in the time where I can now form coherent sentences, and the shows are still pretty fresh in my mind. 

We saw five shows on Broadway- The Phantom of the Opera, Dear Evan Hansen, Anastasia, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Wicked. 

I'm going to do a quick run down on my thoughts of each, and some general thoughts on the US Broadway experience. So, here goes:

General: 

First things first- this isn't my photo of Times Square above. 

Only because I'm writing this at work on my lunch break (I tend to hit a wall at about 1-2 pm, and getting anything productive done after that is a struggle), and all my photos are on my camera at home. 

Anyway, my first thought on seeing Times Square was WOW. And honestly, that didn't go away the entire week we were there (except maybe Saturday night when it was even more insane than usual with people around, but that was brief). 

Having all the theatre at our fingertips all the time was a dream come true. It is the sole reason I'm still thinking "man, I want to live in New York" (the rest of me, is like... 'nah, I'm good')

Theatres:

The theatres in NY are gorgeous, and historic. But there are some odd layouts. It's a little disarming to walk pretty much right off the street into the theatre. 

We loved how intimate all the theatres are- not all the theatres in Australia are this intimate. But we also found that the audio levels seemed lower than usual... it wasn't noticeable in all the shows, but especially in one or two shows, particularly the vocals seemed quieter than the orchestra. 

Here, the audio is part of the immersive experience and seems to surround you. We were expecting the same thing here, and didn't get it. 

Stage Door:

We only attempted stage door once on Broadway- for Anastasia. For Phantom, we didn't know of anyone; Evan Hansen, we knew we wouldn't get close enough to so much as see Ben Platt so didn't bother; and after Anastasia, we didn't want to repeat the experience for Charlie or Wicked.

We knew stage door would be busier than back in Australia, but it was just too much. Everyone was pushing, and in everyone's faces, and I just couldn't deal with it. I was getting crabby with the pushing, and SD is not supposed to be a crabby experience. 

We did get to see most of the cast, but I was feeling overwhelmed, tired and a little sick, so we left before the end. 

One more thing....

Is it a general Broadway thing, or did we just get really unlucky to have people talking near us at every single show??? (Actually, I think except DEA. And I don't remember Phantom. But definitely Wicked, Charlie, and Anastasia)

We had people right behind us, who felt it was completely ok to whisper to one another throughout the entire show. 

I'm a pretty polite person. But honestly, shut up. Do Not Talk During Shows. Conversation is for intermission. I came a long way, and waited a long time to get to Broadway and see these shows- every time I have to turn around to glare at you takes me out of the show and annoys me a little bit more.

This has been a PSA

OK, on to the shows.

Shows:

The Phantom of the Opera:

To be honest, this is the show I remember the least clearly beyond how amazingly tired I was. I hadn't quite adjusted to the time difference yet, and we'd pretty much been going to bed around 8-9 pm, and Phantom didn't start until 8. 

I'd seen the live DVD version with Sierra Boggess multiple times, and I've seen the Gerald Butler movie (which I did not hate as much as everyone else appears to), but we were really looking forward to seeing it live- the last time it was in Australia was like 2008(?) so I missed it. 

And it was good, I really enjoyed it. I found the chandelier falling a little anti climatic in reality, which was disappointing, but I loved the sets and staging. Our Meg also wasn't as strong as I'd seen/heard elsewhere. 

I just really wish I'd been more awake (side note- why do theatres in the US only sell alcohol and water??? The only theatre we were at with other beverages available was the Gershwin. I really needed a sugar hit, guys). 

Dear Evan Hansen:

Phew. Where to start? First of all, wearing makeup was a mistake.

DEA was... everything I wanted it to be. I've been listening to the music on repeat for months, I've seen half a bootleg and read the script (I am not good at waiting for things or surprises), but it was still more than I expected. 

Ben Platt was amazing. Let's just establish that, say "well, duh" and move on. 

We had the understudy for Connor, who was great and the rest of the cast was excellent. 

I cried so much in this show. I need it to come to Australia, like ASAP. 

One thing though was the character of Alana. When I read the script, I knew I'd have issues with part of her story. But it's one thing to read it and another to see it. 

I won't elaborate on this, for those who haven't seen it and don't appreciate spoilers like I do. But if you do want to know more, tweet at me. 

But as I told Kelly back in February, when I rang her at like 8 am and demanded we go see this on our trip, this show is so important (even if my mother only believes me now that Reese Witherspoon saw the show and said the same thing. Don't ask). I'm so glad I got to see it. 

Anastasia:

I adore the 1997 movie, let's just get that straight. I own the soundtrack, I've watched it a million times, I love it. 

This is the movie that got me interested in Russian history. 

I know there's always complaints about it not being historically accurate, but I've always approached historical movies like you do Wikipedia. Use it as a jumping off point to get a basic overview of the topic and to find accurate sources and educate yourself about the topic. 

Because of the movie, I studied Russian history in high school and have always read it about it. 

That being said, the musical had everything you love about the movie, some great new songs, and does a much better job of working an accurate depiction of Russian history into the show. 

It's visually stunning- the costumes are gorgeous, and the sets are wonderful. The one slow bit for me was the Lily/Vlad subplot. Like, I always skip those songs on the soundtrack. It's a bit of filler, and it's amusing but Caroline O'Conner (who plays Lily) is Australian. I've seen her in 2 other shows back in Oz, and she's played pretty much the same kind of character. 

But I got to have a quick chat with her about Australia at SD, which was the best part of SD. 

Now, the producers have already said they plan to bring the show to Australia eventually, and I will absolutely go see it again when it does- multiple times.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory:

This show was a last minute addition to our list. 

We did a walking tour of Broadway over the weekend, and our guide did a good job of talking the show up, I guess! We were also impressed by how the outside of the theatre was done up to immerse you in Wonka land from the moment you approach, so we wanted to see how that carried across to the rest of the theatre.

To our disappointment, it mostly doesn't. But they had some cool merch and a giant golden ticket to take photos with. 

The musical uses some music from the Gene Wilder movie from 1971 ("Candyman", "Pure Imagination", etc). But most of the songs they created for the musical aren't that memorable. I can only think of two of the top of my head, and only one I really liked. 

The Oompa- Loompas were amusing, we'd wondered how they'd be done. It was pretty much like Lord Farquaad in Shrek the musical, if that helps anyone. 

It was a fun show, and the sets and special effects were great, and Christian Borle is an excellent Wonka. But the music wasn't great. 

I definitely liked it better than the last Dahl adapted musical I saw (Matilda- for reasons I won't get into here), but it wasn't my favourite. If it came to Australia, I might go see it again- but would probably depend on the cast. 

Wicked:

Oh, my love <3 

This was my 30th time seeing Wicked. 

And my first time since August 2010 (my second show) getting to see the full production as intended- with a trapdoor in NOMTW and NGD, for example.  Every time after that was the tour production, so no trap door. 

I did not realise how much I miss the trap door.

Jackie Burns was an amazing Elphaba, and we actually had the understudy Glinda (yep, not standby. Understudy) who was excellent, but also perhaps one of the calmest Glinda's I've seen. Fun Fact: This is also the first time I've seen a Glinda who wasn't the lead. 

I came very close to having a breakdown after the show while we were leaving the theatre. I did not want to leave. I honestly debated just living in the Gershwin, like a Phantom of the Opera deal, but far less creepy. It would work, right?

I'm seeing my third community theatre production of Wicked next month, so there is that to look forward to, but it's really hard leaving Wicked behind. And the Gershwin, although not as old or fancy, is probably my favourite of the ones we attended. 

That or the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre where Charlie and the Chocolate Factory was. Just in terms of layout.

In terms of interior decor and design, probably my fave was the Broadhurst where Anastasia was. We both felt it was the perfect theatre for the show. 

To sum up:

I loved my first trip to Broadway so much and it was a dream come true, but I never thought "theatre isn't like this at home" or "this is so much better"

I had a lot of people say to me "you won't be able to watch theatre here [in Australia] after Broadway" and that is definitely not true.

My sister (who did NY a few years ago and saw Aladdin on Broadway) said "oh, it's better on Broadway" (despite not seeing the Australian production), and I can't see that being true. 

The atmosphere of Broadway is amazing, yes. But the quality is just as good as here in Australia, which makes me even more proud of our theatre industry here. 

I think the only time we had a moment where we honestly didn't know who could do the role as well as we saw in the US, was Ben Platt as Evan Hansen. We couldn't think of an Australian equivalent, but it is a younger role, and by the time the show comes here, who knows who'll be around for the role?

Will I go back to Broadway if I ever get the chance? Hell yes.

One Wonderful One Short Day

Kelly and I at Wicked!
My 8th and 9th show
Her 7th and 8th.

Last weekend Kelly and I went to Auckland to see Wicked. For a day. Literally.

We flew in from Sydney on Saturday morning, and flew out Sunday morning. It was absolutely, 100% worth it.

The plane. This is at 4.30 am

Me with Tom Handley and Ryan Sheppard (Ensemble)

 By this point, it had been 18 months since we last saw the show, in Singapore in April 2012 (actually to the day-which wasn't planned!). And it's not like we didn't want to stay longer, but unfortunately there's this thing called "work" which gets in the way of plans; and funnily enough they frown upon teachers having holidays during term unless you've been teaching for like 10 years. I think it's something to do with the 10 weeks holidays we get throughout the year :p

So, anyway, we couldn't get over there during school holidays, and the show wasn't going to be there by the time next school holidays rolls around, so it had to be a weekend trip, because we were not waiting until next May when it gets back to Melbourne.

The purpose of the trip was simple- we missed the show, we were impatient, we wanted to see the new cast members and this would be our last chance to see Suzie Mathers as Glinda, who is amazing (she's my 2nd favourite Glinda after Megan Hilty. 3rd is Lucy Durack), because she's not continuing past the Philippines season in early 2014.

As I said, the trip, as crazy as it was (time-wise) and as tired as I still am,  was totally worth it.

Our view. 

It kind of felt like we were seeing the show for the first time again, because it had been so long and because there were so many new faces.

Me with Glen Hogstrom (Dillamond)

Since the Australian production closed in Korea last October, Wicked has a new Fiyero, Boq, Nessarose, Standby Elphaba and Wizard, plus Melena (Witch's Mother), Chistery and numerous ensemble. And considering Stephen Schwartz has said this is the best production and cast he's seen since the Original Broadway Cast (so, ha! Kidding. But I am excited about that and very proud).

My dress for the matinee show

We saw both shows on Saturday, the matinee and the night show.


The matinee was interesting because not only was it the first time seeing the show in a year and with several new cast members, it was our first time seeing Wicked (live- meaning not on YouTube) with an Elphaba who was not Jemma Rix. But the new standby Elphaba is Ali Calder, who played Vivian in the Australian production of Legally Blonde and I loved her in that, so I was looking forward to seeing it. Plus, as much as I adore Jemma and firmly believe she's the best; I also believe to stand by that, I occasionally need to see others in the role.

My dress for the evening show. Very appropriate for the OzDust ballroom!

FYI, Jemma Rix is still the best.

But Ali is also really good.

Me with Maggie Kirkpatrick (Morrible)

We did Stage Door after both shows, and we got to meet the entire cast, which has never happened before! There's always been at least one person we missed or who wasn't on that show or something. Everyone was so nice, as per usual!

What I thought I'd do, for all the new cast members, is talk about one scene or moment that was the highlight of their character for me. Because otherwise I can only say is that- although different, I loved them all and I think by the time they get back to Australia next year, they should be even better.

Me with Steve Danielsen (Fiyero)

Steve Danielsen (Fiyero): Thank Goodness. He did the whole "surprise-engagement-party-without-actually-being-engaged" thing so well! And then when Morrible is talking, he keeps discreetly nudging Glinda in the side, as if to say "uh, WTF?". I can't describe it, but it was awesome. He also did Dancing Through Life really well and the whole "scandalacious" thing. If I had to pick a weak point... As Long as You're Mine, oddly enough. But only his solo verse. I don't know what it was... he was stronger in the duet part.

Me with Emily Cascarino (Nessa)

Emily Cascarino (Nessarose): Act 2. Emily did played Nessa as a bitch.... I mean a witch excellently. She was so cold. And in the beginning, at Shiz, she also did well as acting as though she was ashamed of Elphaba as her sister and all that. But compared to the former Nessa, Elisa Colla... I didn't sympathise with Nessa as much as I sometimes do. Like in the train station scene, for instance. But I still thought it was great.

Me with Ed Grey (Boq)

Ed Grey (Boq): Everything. I can't pick a highlight for Ed. He was just a fantastic little Munchkin and I adored him! I think he's my new favourite Boq.

Me with Jay Laga'aia (The Wizard)

Jay Laga'aia (The Wizard): Wonderful. I have never loved this scene so much. He was just great. It was funny, and I wasn't thinking "hurry up so Fiyero can come". I thought Jay did a brilliant job.

Ali Calder (Standby Elphaba): I don't know if I can pick a moment for Ali... she did a lot of little gestures and things through the whole show I just loved. She was a very smiley Elphaba in Act 1, which was different, but nice. Her Elphaba was very young and more open.

Me with Ali Calder (Standby Elphaba)

Jemma just is Elphaba in every single way, but Jemma is very much that Elphaba of keeping her shields up around her and only showing vulnerability in moments, which is how I picture Elphaba. Ali was much more open and seemingly more... trusting?

Me with Jemma Rix (Elphaba). The Greatest.

I'm not really sure how to word it. But it was interesting to watch, although I still prefer Jemma's. Ali has moved to my #4 Elphaba though (it goes Jemma, Idina, then Eden Espinosa before Ali).

Jemma truly is such an amazing Elphaba. Her voice is so incredible, and her acting is... as I said before, she is Elphaba. In every single way. Plus, she's so lovely in person. She's one of my favourite people I've ever met, and not just in terms of musical theatre people.
The second show may as well have been subtitled "The Jemma Rix fangirl show" because all I did was watch Jemma through every scene she was on.
It's always hilarious to watch, especially during any scene before she and Glinda are friends. Jemma has the best "Is this girl for real?" look to direct at Glinda any time Glinda is being... well, Glinda. In all her blondest
Partly because now having just seen Ali, I was refreshing myself with how Jemma does it. And also because she's amazing. Plus, I saw Jemma back in July when she did her cabaret show, and that was amazing; but there's something about seeing her as Elphaba. Plus, she sang no Wicked songs in her show, so I'd really missed hearing her sing Defying Gravity! 
Because Jemma is so much more experienced, (over 800 shows), she's a much stronger Elphaba, and... ok, I'm going to stop rambling now.

Actually during the second show, it only hit me during March of the Witch Hunters that I wouldn't be seeing Suzie again! And then I sobbed all through curtain call, both for Suzie and because it's now 199 days until I see it again.

Me and Suzie Mathers (Glinda)

I have seen Suzie 5 times as Glinda, and she's just fabulous. And she's so sweet, and friendly. I'm really going to miss her as Glinda, as much as I'm looking forward to seeing Lucy in the role again next year.

So that it's it. That was my weekend to Oz. So worth it, but I wish I could have stayed longer.
Auckland was a lovely place (although slightly chilly!) and we can't wait to go back to New Zealand one day and do all the touristy things! (AKA Lord of the Rings). 

Jemma Rix: The Random Variety

I have really missed hearing Jemma Rix sing.

I've known this, but I don't think I realised how much I missed it until Saturday night when we went to The Butterfly in Melbourne to see Jemma's cabaret show The Random Variety.

The best kind of random 

It was such a fantastic night, and so worth all the travelling (from Tamworth to Melbourne) and the lack of sleep.

Jemma's voice is so strong and beautiful, and made me even more excited (if possible) to see Wicked again. Seriously, Jemma can sing everything, as the show demonstrated over the course of an hour.

I could just say the whole night was awesome and amazing (and it was), but I had some definite highlights.

Also, she looked really pretty- as always :)

1. Jemma singing "With You" from Ghost, the musical. Such a gorgeous song and she was so in character... she looked like she was about to cry, which made me almost cry, and it's this whole thing. 
2. A mash-up of "Quiet" from Matilda the musical, and "Titanium". Wow. They actually combined so well, and it sounded fantastic. 
3. A Romeo and Juliet musical made with Rihanna songs, which I would totally pay to see. It was awesome. And also, Jemma could totally be Juliet. 
4. The song that started the show, an original song written by David Young (or DY), and ending with a medley of all sorts of songs of all genres. It was just fun, and such a high energy way to start the show.
5. Jemma also demonstrated her Japanese skills with a few Wicked lines, which always sounds funny. I've seen it on YouTube, but it was still great to hear. 
6. The random fact that Jemma did highland dancing for 8 years! Like competitions and everything! How cool is that?! 

I think they were all my most favourite bits... but every song was enjoyable and sung beautifully. She did some pop, and some show tunes... a little bit of everything, and really showed how versatile she is as an artist (wow, I've been watching The Voice too much, LOL).

And fully supported what so many Wicked fans have been saying for ages, that Jemma absolutely needs an album. Because I could listen to her voice all day. I actually told Jemma that after the show and she said she'd love to, and you never know! One day, it could happen! 

I always love seeing Jemma, because she's so sweet. We had decided that this, being her first cabaret type show, her first thing that's just her and not a character, deserved to be celebrated; so we'd gone shopping that day for the perfect gift for her. And man, did we find the perfect gift.

IT'S A WIZARD OF OZ MINIATURE TEA SET!!!! How perfect is that??

Oh, and also- the Butterfly Club itself- wow, I love that place. We will definitely going back. The atmosphere is awesome and it's so beautiful! I wish I'd taken more pictures of the interior, but I had to get a photo of this painting... just because it looks like there should be a secret door behind it.

Or maybe I just read Harry Potter too much...

Anyway, to sum up: the Butterfly Club is a very cool and beautiful place, and Jemma Rix is the greatest. The End.

Me and Jemma :)

Musical Theatre Confessions

For the last couple of years, I’ve been really happy to add “Musical Theatre Fan” to my list of titles I use to describe myself. You know, Teacher, Christian, Writer... etc. Theatre has joined the list of my interests and hobbies, and that’s resulted in some great friendships and conversations.

But I have noticed that along with being a theatre fan, that comes with other connotations. For example, if you don’t like a show, especially one that’s deemed a “classic”, it’s a real big deal. I’m not really sure why, because no one is expected to be a fan of all books, or all movies, or all musicians. So why are musicals any different?

So, I’m putting it out there, and here are my Musical Theatre Confessions:

1.   I don’t like CATS. I know, it’s one of those shows that has so much hype, and is so well known... well, I think mostly that’s “Memories”.  I just don’t get why it’s a big deal. I’ve heard “Memories” and I don’t think it’s an especially amazing song, but I couldn’t tell you what the show is about or any other of the songs. I have seen the show (kinda), my grandmother gave me the DVD for Christmas a few years ago, knowing I like musicals. I watched the first fifteen minutes and was really bored.
2. Whilst on the subject of CATS, which of course was composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber...  ALW is a composer who is such a big name in the Musical Theatre world, but none of his shows (that I’ve seen) are amongst my favourite musicals. And honestly, the first thing that comes to mind when I think of ALW... ok, it’s Phantom of the Opera. But the second thing? The Nanny. Because even when I knew nothing about musical theatre, I knew from watching The Nanny who Andrew Lloyd Webber was because of his rivalry with Mr Sheffield.
3.   I don’t really like musicals that are mostly singing. I like my singing/speaking ratio to be more balanced. I have seen Phantom of the Opera, Love Never Dies, the Broadway version of RENT and of course, the Les Mis film. And in three of those cases (save for RENT, which will be elaborated upon in my next point), I enjoyed the story, but really felt they could have done with less singing. Especially because in every case, few songs really grabbed me because there were just so many.  I remember watching Phantom of the Opera and in cases such when they’re reading the note from the Phantom? There’s a voice in my head going, “Why can’t you just speak this?”
4.     I like the RENT movie. Love it. Over the stage show. Now, maybe it’s because I saw the movie before I saw the stage show. But you know what? The movie works. They cut out a bunch of songs and proved that they weren’t needed. The film, the story, the characters work without those songs. I know there’s a lot of theatre fans who say film versions who cut a lot of songs out destroy the original show, and maybe that’s true. I’ve only seen shows where they’ve added songs (e.g. Mary Poppins. And yeah, the changes from the movie threw me at first and I didn’t think the original songs they added to the show were that great, but I still enjoyed the show), so I can’t comment.
5.  Also still on RENT... I only like about half the songs. I don’t even own the whole soundtrack, I just bought the songs I do like from iTunes (there’s 10).  And those 10 songs were accumulated over about 3 viewings of the movie. Only 1 of those songs permanently lives on my iPod (Finale B).
6.   Les Mis is really depressing, which OK, I don't really think is that shocking. And I do love a lot of depressing things. I saw the movie (haven’t seen the stage show) and before I did, I knew some of the songs (3, I think) and I had a faint idea of the story. And yeah, I wished there’d been a bit more dialogue. And no, Russell Crowe can’t really sing. And I know everyone is super excited that they’re doing it again... but unless someone I really like is in the cast... I probably won’t see it. Maybe once, because my Dad wants to see it, and I like doing stuff with my parents and sharing experiences with them- and if my Dad wants to see a musical, you take that opportunity.  But it’s another one of those shows that is such a big deal. And again, I know there was a lot of discussion from fans of the show protesting against well... Russell Crowe, and the changes that were made.  But did any of the changes really hurt or work against the story? Having not seen the stage show, I can’t comment on the differences. But whatever changes were made didn’t stop me from crying at the end, or from enjoying the film, or from recommending it and praising it to others, or from deciding that I will be buying the DVD (I haven’t had the chance to do it yet though. And I haven’t bought the soundtrack).
7. A lot of these big shows, CATS, POTO, Les Mis, etc, if it’s revealed that someone doesn’t like the show, it’s often met (in my experience) with a lot of exclamation like “What?! How can you NOT like this show?!” Which seems weird to me, although I can readily admit that when I hear of people not liking Wicked, I have that same reaction. Because well... it’s Wicked (to be fair, I also have that reaction when people don't like Harry Potter. Or something else I love). And yeah, my Wicked is someone else’s... CATS, or whatever.  I guess this one isn’t so much a confession... or it is, but just that I can be a bit hypocritical even though it annoys me when I get this reaction from people about other shows.  Come talk to me once they’ve made the Wicked movie (eventually. I’ll probably be 50 by the time they get around to that -_-) and I’m sure I’ll be one of those people complaining about any changes they’ve made (honestly, my main concern is casting- but that’s another issue).

For me, whether or not I go see a show depends mostly on the story. Addams Family is in Sydney at the moment and there’s a lot of hype and friends who know me and know I like musicals (mainly Facebook friends) keep asking me if I’m going to see it. And you know what? I’m not. And not just because I’m now living several hours away from the city, which makes it more difficult. It’s just... I have never really been a fan of the TV show.

King Kong is also coming to Australia. I have no interest in that either. If an actor I really loved was in the cast, I might go once, and you never know, it might surprise me and I might like it enough to go again. I am however, super psyched for Grease (love that movie, and has a totally awesome cast) and The Lion King (it’s Disney. Enough said). I wasn’t sure how Legally Blonde would work as a musical, but I love the movie and the cast, which was enough to get me to want to see it, and I loved it.

Really, this post was inspired because a friend is watching RENT (the filmed Broadway version) and tweeted the following:

Now, I don't think this makes her a bad musical theatre person. And whilst I don't think I have trouble understanding RENT, there were bits I had to ask about. Like would people in 1989 New York be that openly casual about their drug use, or HIV/AIDS. It turns out yes, in that part of New York, they would. And that's fine and now I know. All I was going off was from watching Philadelphia with Tom Hanks, because he definitely wasn't open about having AIDS and for good reason. 

And I don't think we should be ashamed for being a musical theatre fan and not liking certain musicals- even (or maybe especially) those that are heavily hyped, referenced and discussed in musical theatre fan circles. Hence, my above confessions. 

It's like when people release those lists of The 100 Books you must read before you die, and I haven't even heard of half of them. Does that make me a bad reader? I don't think so. I read a lot of books, all different types. From classics (Charles Dickens, Jane Austen, JRR Tolkein) to books that probably should never have gotten published (*cough* Twilight *cough*). Same goes with movies- I like a lot, all different sorts and genres. So, why is it a bad thing or something I should be ashamed of to admit I don't like CATS or that I didn't love Les Mis. And despite the many critics (and I am still finding and reading less than raving reviews about Wicked even now), I'd rather see Wicked than Chicago a hundred times. OK, I haven't actually seen Chicago (stage or screen), but you get my point (basically my mum can't stand Catherine Zeta-Jones or Renee Zellweger, so there's no way Chicago the movie would ever be played in our house. And since moving out of home, I just haven't seen it). 

These are just my opinions, so I hope no one is offended by what I've said. I just got thinking about it, and thought it needed to be said. That's all. 

Feel free to share your own thoughts/confessions, etc. 

Top 20 songs from Stage Musicals!

This list was really hard. Especially when I was only allowed 20 songs total and 5 from Wicked. 

1. This is the Moment (Jekyll and Hyde) I know- it's not Wicked, and you're all shocked. I'm surprised too. But I haven't even seen this show, but I know this song from when Anthony Warlow sang it in The Main Event, which was a concert with John Farnham and Olivia Newton John in like 1998. It was a big deal at the time. My mum and both grandmothers had the video and my grandmothers also had the CD, so I heard it a lot. I just get goosebumps every single time I hear this song. I have posted about this before.
2. Defying Gravity (Wicked) This was so close to being number 1. Because it is the greatest moment I've ever seen in live theatre. I've been known to forget to breathe in this moment (it happened once in Singapore, OK? Let's move on) so of course it's on the list. I love Idina singing it, but anyone who reads this blog enough knows all I need to say is "Jemma Rix" and you will understand. (In case you don't read this blog that much- I really, really love Jemma. She's my favourite Elphaba).
3. King of Pride Rock (The Lion King) I said I wasn't going to provide links in this post because it takes FOREVER to write otherwise, but this is an exception because people may not have any idea what I'm talking about. It's this moment (yes, the video is from the movie, but it's in the musical so it counts). Soaring instrumental music, and then Circle of Life reprise by a choir? What's not to love? I actually want this in my wedding... somehow. I don't know exactly how that would work yet. 
4. Tomorrow (Annie) This is such a positive, happy song! It just always makes me happy. And because Annie is so popular, it's usually one of the first musicals/songs that kids are exposed to. I'm pretty sure it was one of the first I heard anyway when I saw the movie on TV. I've seen both Annie movies, saw the musical in Melbourne and have heard Idina Menzel sing it on her Barefoot at the Symphony DVD, and I love it. I like to play this when I'm feeling sad.
5. The Wizard and I (Wicked) From the first second of the first time I saw Wicked, I loved it and knew it was going to be amazing. But it was in this song that I fell in love with it and Jemma Rix's voice. Plus, it's so happy as you hear Elphaba's dreams and this vision she has for her future. Of course, in subsequent showings, it just becomes bittersweet, but still. 
6. Circle of Life (The Lion King) One of the best starts to a musical. It just sets the mood instantly, and grabs your attention from the very first second. I'm dying to see this live when the musical comes back to Sydney this year.
7. As Long As You’re Mine (Wicked) This song is the Fiyeraba (Fiyero+Elphaba) anthem, and the big love song in the show, so of course, it's on this list. But I love that it's so dark and passionate. You can tell from just the music what they got up to in that forest ;) My favourite rendition I've seen is the third show I saw in Singapore with David Harris and Jemma Rix. It was perfect. 
8. Finale B (Rent) So yes, my favourite Rent song is the last song. That feels awkward to me, but it's true. I love the harmonies, the melody's, the combination of songs. This finale has set the bar for all musical finales for me.
9. No Good Deed (Wicked) Such a passionate, emotional, raw song. Again, I have been known to forget to breathe in this moment. It's so powerful, to see Elphaba's pain and desperation to save Fiyero. And (if you see the actual Broadway version, not the tour version) that moment when Elphaba rises through the floor with that "Fiyerooooo!" riff... ugh. I die. 
10. Another Day (Rent) I love how this song switches between rock and ballad. And then how the others join Mimi at the end. The first time I saw Rent, it was the movie. And I liked Seasons of Love, but after that for a lot of the time, I wasn't sure whether I was going to see this through to the end. Another Day got me hooked. 
11. Part of Your World (Reprise) (The Little Mermaid) Part of your world is a beautiful song all on its own. But to then have the reprise, which builds upon the inital song and have the big belting notes, that gets me every time- movie or musical (which I have only seen bits of on YouTube, but am hoping it comes to Australia one day. My friend Kelly and I think David Harris would be an awesome Prince Eric. We have our reasons!)
12. I'm Not That Girl (Wicked) This is such a heartbreaking song. And I don't think I know any girl who's seen it and hasn't related to this song. (I haven't asked any of the guys I know who have seen the show). Your heart just goes out to Elphaba in this song.
13. I Dreamed a Dream (Les Miserables) Another song full of raw emotion. I don't know what I can say about this song. I think though we can all relate to dreaming, and that pain that comes with those dreams not coming true. Plus, I mean the Lea Michele/Idina Menzel duet version on Glee? Pretty amazing. 
14. The Lonely Goatherd (The Sound of Music) This is just such a fun song! It always gets stuck in my head after I watch The Sound of Music. It makes me smile every time. Plus, I like puppets.
15. Beyond My Wildest Dreams (The Little Mermaid) I think I love this song because of the tune. If you listen to it, you'll know what I mean. But I also relate to how Ariel is feeling in this song. That feeling when you're in a place you've only dreamed about and you can't even fathom that this is reality. 
16. Somewhere Over the Rainbow (The Wizard of Oz) It's a classic. Need I say more? I never get tired of this song. At the moment, my favourite version is by Katharine McPhee as can be seen here (thank you very much, Smash pilot episode for making me realise this existed!)
17. Beauty and the Beast (Beauty and the Beast) Such a beautiful ballad. "Tale as old as time, song as old as rhyme, Beauty and the Beast." I never get tired of listening to it. 
18. Any Dream Will Do (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat) "I close my eyes, drew back the curtains, to see for certain what I thought I knew. Far far away, someone was weeping, but the world was sleeping any dream will do." I think I just love this tune! It's so catchy! But I was first introduced to this song through the movie, which has Donny Osmond who my mum loves, so that could be a factor.
19. I Have Dreamed (The King and I) I've only seen The King and I once when it was on TV, and to be honest I prefer Anna and the King (even though it's not a musical). But I heard this song when David Harris sang an arrangement of this and "Maria" from West Side Story, and I kind of fell in love with it. 
20. I Still Call Australia Home (The Boy from Oz) I'm a patriot. That's the whole reason this song is on this list. I love Australia, so I love this song. I used to be glued to the TV whenever the Quantas ad was on growing up (when they used this song for their ads, of course). "Someday we'll all be together once more, when all of the ships come back to the shore. Then I realise something that I've always known, I still call Australia home." 

Honorable Mentions (AKA "Songs that just missed out"):

1. Chip on my shoulder (Legally Blonde)- especially when sung by David Harris!
2. For Good (Wicked)- just because I was only allowed 5 Wicked songs
3. Without Love (Hairspray)
4. Phantom of the Opera (Phantom of the Opera)
5. On my own (Les Mis)

Holiday plans

We have 2 weeks until school holidays!

I'm super excited, mostly because I get to go home. I haven't seen my family all term, and I really miss my parents and siblings.

This is the first holidays this year that I'm not travelling anywhere, but I'm still planning to do heaps.

The first weekend I'm having an entire musical weekend! We're seeing Legally Blonde the musical on Saturday night, and then on Sunday we're seeing a local performance of Beauty and the Beast the musical!

And the second weekend is my cousin's wedding. The guy she's marrying is lovely, and she's my oldest female cousin, so I'm really excited and happy for her. Plus, it means I get to see the rest of my family, which I don't get to do too often. This will be the first time I've seen my cousins and aunts and uncles since my grandfather's funeral in February, which hopefully won't be too sad.

Other than that, I'm just looking forward to relaxing and catching up with friends. I've already got plans for a day with Nerrida :)

I always say I'm going to do heaps of writing in the holidays... and I never get as much done as I hope to. But we'll see! It would be nice to make some headway on 40 weeks; I've kind of stalled lately due to lack of time and motivation. Plus, it's slow moving until I get to a certain point.