I've been on a serious Billy Elliot kick for a few days, so now I'm putting it to good use.
I saw this musical sometime last year with some of my family. My reaction during every single scene.
(YAY ZACHARY QUINTO)
Seriously, that really was my reaction. Billy Elliot was so fantastic. All the kids in it were unbelievably amazing. I just couldn't wrap my head around it. The dancing was so intense, that they switched Billy Elliots after intermission. I was so impressed by the dancing, that the music seemed second to it. Party because I didn't understand a lot of the references, and I also had a hard time at first with the accents. I've recently been listening to the recording, and I'm starting to really appreciate all of it. 'Tis exciting. But enough talking. Here is the most beautiful temper tantrum you will ever see ever.
Angry Dance
As that was at the Tony Awards, they didn't have the full set. So let me tell you what actually happens. When Billy is told that he isn't allowed to dance, he climbs some stairs to his room, which is like a scaffold basically, and he tears apart his bed and there is intense music and he's tap dancing and screaming and he throws everything in his room across the stage from like 20 feet up. Oh also, the entire set is spinning around at the same time all of this is happening. And the the rest of it happens like in video. SO CRAZY COOL. And then when it came to this part,
the focus of the show really slid into place. It focuses on Billy, but also serious issues.
Lets have a lighter scene now. I already posted this, but these kids are just so amazing, I have to post it again. It makes me giggle.
Won't we get into trouble?!
Will we? Bollocks! Me dad does it all the time!
DID YOU WATCH THEM DANCE?!?! I just can't get over the talent needed for this show. I just want to hug them, and then probably cry everywhere.
Speaking of crying, I absolutely hate crying in front of people, and I do my very best not to do it. But with this show....I just couldn't NOT...especially when Billy Elliot sings with his mother...who is dead...
"Bye Mum,"
"Bye Billy."
"See you soon."
"No, I don't think so. Do you?"
"No, not really."
makes me so sad. so so so sad. sadness and sad.
D'AAAAWWWWEEE. Now I feel better.
I'm going to leave you with this.
We walk proudly and we walk strong
altogether we will go as one
the ground is empty and cold as hell
but we all go together when we go
Well done Sir Elton John, I salute you.
Also at the very end, the whole cast came out in tutus. It was beautiful.
I just want to use this post to bring awareness to the fact that drag queen characters in musicals pretty much have really awesome songs. For you skeptics out there, let me assure you that it's not all like this.
Up first is "We Are What We Are" from La Cage Aux Folles. If you love The Birdcage, starring Nathan Lane and Robin Williams,
We've been robbed!
then you will love La Cage Aux Folles. It's the same story! But with more song and dance! What could be better!
We are what we are
and what we are is an illusion
we love how it feels
putting on heels causing confusion
This musical is amazing. It has won 9 Tony Awards between it being originally on Broadway, and its revival. Tony Awards include Best Musical, Best Book, and Best Original Score, Best Revival, to name a few. Boom.
Second, a more serious number from Cabaret, "I Don't Care Much," starring Alan Cumming (INSERT INTENSE APPLAUSE).
Words sound false
when you coat's too thin
feet don't waltz
when the roof caves in
That song is soooo beautifully done.
Third, "Welcome to the 60's" from Hairspray. Tracy's mom isn't a drag queen as a character, but she is always played my a man in drag. ALWAYS. There is no exception. Here is the Edna, John Travolta style.
Hey Tracy, hey baby
look at me!
I'm the cutest chickie
that ya ever did see
HAHAHA John Travolta is so perfect.
This last song is "Stranger in this World" from Taboo. I don't know much about this one except for the fact that it's absolutely gorgeous.
I'm turning my back on this life for as long as I can
someone make me a star 'cause I sure as hell can't be a man
I'm too fragile and clever you know
and this universe just leaves me cold
I can't believe I had never heard of this before yesterday. Sort of the more serious side of things. I must say, I completely love the costume.
IT'S BEAUTIFUL. I WANT.
Had something here about annie and oliver, but I took it down to add something even better at the end...
I hope I introduced you to some new things.
Don't be a drag...
BE A QUEEN.
I love you.
I'M SO MAD I FORGOT THIS ONE IT'S AWESOME. "Expressing Yourself" from Billy Elliot.
What the hell is wrong with expressing yourself
This the best version of this song I have ever seen. Those kids are amazing. This last video I must include. I found it on the side of youtube as I was looking up videos for this post. If you've gotten this far on this post, then you have no choice but to watch. You will go "WHAAAT?!?!" and then you will be ridiculously impressed.
I love Harry Potter. I love the series, and anything associated with it. What I don't love however, is that when the movies were created, most of them overlooked major details in the books that were pretty much REALLY IMPORTANT.
1. Sorcerers Stone
I'm cool with this one actually. The book was followed closely, and there wasn't really anything that made me mad.
2. Chamber of Secrets
I'm pretty cool with this one too. Even though the second book isn't my favorite, I like the second movie the best in terms of accuracy. One thing though, I really wanted to see Nearly Headless Nick's Death Day party. Oh my goodness I forgot. WHERE IS PEEVES. I hate whoever decided to not include him at hall. Wtf, man. I hate you. It's like if they decided not to include Tom Bombadil in the Lord of the Rings movies. OH WAIT THEY DID. NOW I'M IN A RAGE.
Oh how the tables have turned.
3. Prisoner of Azkaban
I'm going to be mean about this one because Prisoner of Azkaban is my favorite book, and I feel like they butchered it in the movie. For the most part.
Annoyance #1: Why aren't they wearing school robes? It's because they don't for most of the movie! They wear tacky jackets and jeans, like the whole time. Also Harry wears that exact shirt in every single movie. Maybe it's a sentimental thing for Daniel Radcliffe, but I feel like Harry gets all his non-school clothes through Dudley and would rather wear his robes anyways. Like a normal wizard.
Annoyance #2: Emma Watson is in an awkward acting phase for this movie. Maybe it's because they made her completely un-Hermione-ish, and she doesn't know what to do with it.
Annoyance #3: New Dumbledore, but that can't be helped :( I hate the new Dumbledore's beard ponytail. Who thought that was a good idea. Dumbledore did not have a beard ponytail.
Annoyance #4: They didn't clearly explain the Secret Keeper thing, Wormtail being in debt to Harry, or really that entire situation.
Altogether I just felt like the scenes and actors/actresses were all disconnected with each other, and that I needed a play-by-play of what was happening.
I straight up did not like the movie.
4. Goblet of Fire
#1. The biggest problem with this movie is that is based off a book the size of a frickin' brick, and should have been split into two movies.
#2. Dumbledore is waaaay out of character.
He is of course worried about Harry, but in the book he is calm and collected and knows that Harry has nothing do with it, and would absolutely not push Harry around and scare the crap out of him. In fact I hold the belief that Dumbledore knows about everything that happens ever, and lets Harry fumble through it all blindly so he learns stuff. Or something.
#3. Dobby, Winky, visits to the kitchen, S.P.E.W. none of it is there!! Winky had a HUGE part in regards to Crouch's son. Don't you love how Barty Crouch Jr's continued existence is never explained?! Or even Crouch Sr's death?!?! NONE OF THAT IS EXPLAINED. EVER.
5. Order of the Phoenix
I don't have the energy to fully talk about this one because the 5th book is my least favorite. Two things though. I'm sad they left out the George, Harry, Draco fight scene. Not a necessary plot line I guess, but it was a good scene. Also I feel that Sirius' death scene was badly done. I dunno. I don't really like this one in general. It begins Rowling's killing spree I think.
6. Half-Blood Prince
This one was pretty good. Though, they left out a lot of memories about the horcruxes. This one I think was more aimed to the general public more so than the other ones. There were more comic scenes that weren't in the book. Those scenes didn't really hurt the plot so I'm okay with it. My main issue with this movie is that they don't explain the whole Half-Blood Prince thing. I mean, Snape's all, "I am the Half-Blood Prince," but there wasn't enough focus on that situation.
This is my favorite Snape scene from this one.
you just bought yourself a month's detention McLaggen.
7. Deathly Hallows Part 1
Camping, jealous Ron, more camping, super pissed off Ron, more camping. Not much happens in this one really. I like the Very Potter Musical version of this.
Ron: "If I had a horcrux, I would drop it at the bottom of the ocean. Or I would put it in a pyramid with King Tut and all of his jewels. Or I would blast it into space with a monkey who knew nothing about horcruxes.”
Hermione: “Or it could be hidden somewhere around the mundane British countryside and our search could entail months of depressing camping, breaking into gringotts, and drinking boatloads of polyjuice potion.”
Harry: “Well, the medallion says that that’s dumb so we’re not gonna do that. But it does say that it’s in one convenient place. Get this: Hogwarts.”
Ron: “Oh. That’s awesome. I love Hogwarts.”
Harry: “What’s even better, it’s in Dumbledore’s office.”
Ron: “Oh, bitchin’.”
Anyways, things are pretty accurate in this one, basically the only problem I have is that Wormtail was supposed to die. He tries to kill Harry but because Harry saved Wormtail's life in the third one, Wormtail's magic silver hand thing that Voldemort gave him turns against Wormtail and strangles him. Not a happy scene, but I'm surprised it was left out.
7 1/2. Deathly Hallows Part 2
Overall. A good movie. But the mistakes with the plot REALLY IRRITATE ME
Example #1:
Let me throw it out there that Snape's death scene was amazingly done.
but when he said the "You have your mother's eyes" line.....
HOW COULD THEY HAVE OVERLOOKED THAT DETAIL IT MAKES ME SO ANGRY
I'M IN A(nother) RAGE
Also the fact that it is extremely implied that Snape is Harry's dad. I wish it were true, but it's not and it gives me false hope. People who have never read the book will believe it. I've found tons of questions on the internet that are like "Just saw the last Harry Potter movie...is Snape Harry's dad?" And they have no clue and then Harry Potter people post mean answers, and it's not even their fault that they don't know. The movie was completely misleading on that.
My last thing about this one. The ending for the Malfoys. I hate hate hate it. They just walk away and leave the battle like they're cowards. Which they are in general, but at the end of the book they join forces with Hogwarts, and leave Voldemort. It shows that they do actually have some good in them. Their ending in the movie was dumb.
That was a really exhausting post. I'm so happy that I finally got all of that out of my system. Excuse me while I...
While looking through my iTunes library, I realized that I have quite a few songs with the word "ballad" in the title. This post will be about a few of those. But only the coolest ones, just for you.
Here. in case you don't have a lighter. Because it's what you're supposed to do when you listen to ballads. You mess around with fire.
This first song is titled "Ballad of Booth" from the musical Assassins, and is based on the perspective of John Wilkes Booth in terms of his assassination of President Lincoln. hmmm... I'm going to go with the Victor Garber and Patrick Cassidy version for today.
An indictment. Of the former President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln, who is herein charged with the following high crimes and misdemeanors.
I was quite taken aback at the lyric "damn you Lincoln you righteous whore!" But it definitely made me pay better attention to the song. I find the whole concept fascinating.
"The Ballad of Sara Berry"
Check Sara, choose Sara, vote for Sara Berry
I was introduced to this song like a week ago, and I thought "I could see Lady Gaga singing this." I wouldn't want that, but it seems to fit her style. This song was written using this picture as inspiration.
Kind of cool. But terrifying at the same time...
And lastly, a ballad starring Alan Cumming and Cyndi Lauper. This is from a Broadway show adapted from opera. The Threepenny opera. Don't be intimidated by the fact that it was originally an opera, opera is not bad. This song is fantastic for sure. The name of it, is "Ballad of the Pimp." Impressed yet? you should be. It's gonna get even better. Here you are.
I.LOVE.ALAN.CUMMING. He is completely fearless.
I saw this and thought of his role in Cabaret, singing about money. Will get to that musical eventually :)
I'm actually going to post one more, because this one is totally silly, Christopher Sieber is cool, and I couldn't resist. "The Ballad of Farquaad."
Daddy up and left me Left me good as dead Now he lives in squalor Sleeping seven to a bed
yep. that just happened.
You may now extinguish your lighter. Battle of the ballads is over.
I've decided that once a month I'm going to make a post about bits of awesomeness that don't make sense together. BECAUSE: There are tons of cool things that I love that would be difficult to write a whole post about. For example:
I feel strange seeing C-3PO wearing a pocket watch. Like it's his cousin or something.
As you can see, C-3PO in classy duds isn't relevant to anything, but it's totally awesome.
Joe Walker as Dolores Umbridge in A Very Potter Sequel
See, I did it again.
While in middle school, I would always run home after school and watch a variety of pbs shows with my brothers. One of these shows was Liberty's Kids. I had totally forgotten about it until like two days ago. It's a show for kids about the American Revolution. It was totally boss, and I would walk around the house singing the theme. Actually quite a cool song, and I like how they start rapping in it. Classic.
I wish it was still on tv, because I would probably watch it. Making my list of shows that I actually watch expand to Liberty's Kids, and Glee. Good combination right? whatever.
Speaking of tv shows, I REALLY want to get into the Big Bang Theory. Especially after seeing this...
"I distinctly ordered the Leonard Nemoy Mr. Spock cardboard standee. Why would I feel safer with Zachary Quinto at the foot of my bed?" "I don't know, he was pretty badass on heroes." "you're right, I'll give him a shot."
Just the simple fact that they reference Zachary Quinto already makes this show awesome for me.
Ahem, Zachary Quinto:
Pretty sure the sign was photoshopped to say that, but I thought it was funny. And he's adorable.
Because of the 2009 movie, I started looking up clips from the original Star Trek with Leonard Nimoy as Spock. It looked pretty good. But then...but then...
I was like "NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO" and then cried everywhere.
I had absolutely NO idea what I was going to write about this weekend. I spent the whole week reading the Hunger Games Series (OMG I WEPT), and studying for music history, and as a result sleeping very little. So I was going to take a nap instead of update because I couldn't decide what to write about anyways, but then I got on facebook. A friend of mine had posted a video of Linda Eder singing A New Life from Jekyll and Hyde, and I was reminded that I super love her. But, I had already written about Jekyll and Hyde, and then I remembered her singing this...
Hear me now Oh thou bleak and unbearable world, Thou art base and debauched as can be; And a knight with his banners all bravely unfurled Now hurls down his gauntlet to thee!
That my friends, was I, Don Quixote from the musical Man of la Mancha. I challenge you to watch that clip without being terribly impressed. Not possible you say? Called it.
This post isn't completely about Linda Eder, but thinking of that video made me want to write about Man of La Mancha.
If you don't know the story of Don Quixote,
A classic, it is.
then shame on you. You don't have to read to book (you should, I've read part of it before being swept away by midterms in the fall), you can watch the movie, but I see it as a significant piece of literature that must be remembered in some way. Like in a musical! Maybe titled Man of La Mancha! Yaaay back on track.
Don Quixote's real name is Alonso Quijano, but he names himself Don Quixote when his mental faculties waver. He makes the decision to go out into the world to offer his chivalry and make the world better, accompanied by Sancho Panza.
This is actually from the opera, but I liked the picture
Sancho Panza knows that his master is crazy, but he loves him anyways and does his best to keep him safe. It's so cute.
Don Quixote does some crazy things, but you love him no matter what he does or how he embarrasses himself. He is such an extremely noble character with beautiful motives. The Impossible Dream.
This is my quest
To follow that star
No matter how hopeless
No matter how far
To fight for the right
Without question or pause
To be willing to march into Hell
For a heavenly cause
That song gets me. Every frickin time. Brian Stokes Mitchell makes a perfect Don Quixote.
Now go look up the story, and fall in love with it.
While you do that, I'm going to go fight some windmills. I mean...ferocious giants...
Oh hey, Holy Week! The perfect time to post about a Jesus musical. I vote Jesus Christ Superstar. Must have Heaven on my mind. Five points if you saw what I did there.
Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber
This musical follows the last few weeks of Jesus' life rock opera style, with emphasis on characters that usually don't get the spotlight. For example, Judas Iscariot. Damned for All Time/Blood Money. Singing starts around 1:15. Be warned, your ears might explode from too much awesome.
I came because I had to; I'm the one who saw. Jesus can't control it like he did before. And furthermore I know that Jesus thinks so too. Jesus wouldn't mind that I was here with you. I have no thought at all about my own reward. I really didn't come here of my own accord. Just don't say I'm ... damned for all time.
RIP Carl Anderson :(
Three things I would like to say about this song:
1. It totally ROCKS.
2. I'm convinced the pharisees are dressed like that to show off Caiaphas' abs.
3. I wish people would calm down about Judas being portrayed so that you feel bad for him. He turned Jesus in, but someone had to do it. Just saying. It destroyed Judas in the end anyways. I feel bad for him personally, and I think his character in this is acted out well. Don't hate me.
In the first movie adaptation, Jesus is played by TED NEELEY. He is one of the best. Gethsemane.
Oh, why should I die? Can you show me now That I would not be killed in vain? Show me just a little Of your omnipresent brain Show me there's a reason For your wanting me to die You're far too keen on where and how But not so hot on why
I love how human Jesus is in this musical, they don't focus on his miracles, just his love for the people. It's so much easier to relate, and to better understand the whole 100% God, 100% man thing. This perspective does cause controversy, but I think it's important.
Trial Before Pilate
I see no reason. I find no evil. This man is harmless, so why does he upset you? He's just misguided, thinks he's important, But to keep you vultures happy I shall flog him.
Even though I love the Pilate in the 1973 movie, I like the Pilate in the 2000 movie better. Which is the only thing I like about the 2000 movie. The 1973 Pilate seems almost indifferent. This Pilate is more involved emotionally with what's happening, and emphasizes his torture in making a decision. Which some people don't like, like with Judas. Whatevs.
Because I love him, here's the 1973 Pilate.
Barry Dennen as Pilate
And finally, to give more reason for the title, here is the song Jesus Christ Superstar.
Did you mean to die like that? Was that a mistake or Did you know your messy death Would be a record breaker?
As a random closing thought, they should give all of Mary Magdalene's songs to Judas because she distracts too much from the plot, and Judas doesn't have enough songs.
I feel guilty for not posting over the past weekend as my goal was to post every week. So to make myself feel better, I'm making this post that's not really a "real" post, but that will ease my guilt until I make a better post.
First, a remake of "Too Late to Apologize" that is way better because it stars King George III, Thomas Jefferson, John Hancock, John Adams, and Benjamin Franklin. It's about the Declaration of Independence. At least watch it for Thomas Jefferson's violin solo. It's quite legit.
Halfway across the globe And we're standing on new ground Screaming 'cross the waves You can't hear a sound There's no fair trials, no trade, no liberties No tea We've colonized America; we won't stand for tyranny, Oh king
And because I'm suuuper nice, I'll also post an adorable picture of Sir Ian McKellen.
