For My Bro

Today is my brother's birthday,

and as you can see Joel and I are super best friends, so I wanted to make a post for him about a few of his favorite songs from musicals and outside.

"The Temple" from Jesus Christ Superstar:

Get out! GET OUUUUUUUUT.

This is the part where Ted Neeley (Jesus) took it upon himself to destroy every prop in sight. Hopefully they didn't want to do any additional takes on that scene because he pretty much destroyed everything. 

"Smells Like Teen Spirit"

This interpretation is done by the Rockjazz artist Elew (the most entertaining pianist I have ever seen). I picked this version for this post because I saw Elew live as he was the opening act for Josh Groban,  and I got Joel a t-shirt that said "Elewminati" on the back. This is relevant to our relationship because after we watched Angels and Demons together, for a while we would make crazy facial expressions, point to each other and accuse each other of being "ILLUMINATUS!!" which is normal brother and sister behavior.  

"30/90" from tick, tick...BOOM!

Peter Pan and Tinkerbell
Which way to Never Never Land?
Emerald City's gone to hell
Since the wizard 
Blew off his command

I hope Joel doesn't interpret his birthday the same way that the character does in the song, because that would be sad. Giving me a sad face. I've heard however that my other brothers have been trying to give Joel "birthday spankings" which would make anyone sad. But I've also heard that Joel has been hitting them back. So...whatever.

And lastly, a song just for him provided by the Potter Puppet Pals .

Magic Wizard Magic Party!

Happy birthday bro, have a good one!!!!!

New Discoveries!

So as this was  my first week of school after spring break, I didn't really have a heavy homework load, so I basically split my time between practicing and hunting for musicals that have thus far been elusive to me.

Treasure #1: The Civil War Musical, music by Frank Wildhorn (HAHA told you I'd mention him again at some point).

By the vow we have taken
Now we awaken
Our flag flying high
We will live or we'll die 
By the sword 

Tenor EXPLOSION. What I love the most about this musical is that there are so many perspectives involved. The songs are sung by union soldiers, confederate soldiers, slaves, wives of soldiers, even Abraham Lincoln. Truly incredible. There's even a really depressing song that is based off of a real letter written by a soldier to his wife during the war. Sad, but also very beautiful. I loved all of the music so much that I got it immediately.

Treasure #2: A Tale of Two Cities the musical, music by Jill Santoriello.

It is a far, far better thing that I do 

Based off of the book by Charles Dickens. What I've heard so far from this musical is phenomenal. Much love. I don't know who the woman is that sings around the 50 second mark, but she is now on the limited list of women singers that I enjoy listening too. Congratulations mystery woman. I'll figure out who you are. And then the guy that sings after her, my friends, is the talented and attractive James Barbour. Sigh. Moving on.

Treasure-ish #3 Love Never Dies, music by Andrew Lloyd Webber (was his b-day yesterday, should have watched Jesus Christ Superstar or something).

Of course, as you say, you've beaten me before

But that was a long time ago Vicomte

And we were playing a different game

This one isn't really new to me, but it's new on dvd. They recorded the Australian cast which is wonderful, I just don't really care for the actress who plays Christine, which obviously is a big part for this. So for people who don't know, Love Never Dies is  the sequel to The Phantom of the Opera in which (hand at the level of your eyes, here be spoilers) we discover that Christine actually chooses the Phantom! AT LAST. I was really excited for the above song because at the end of it when the Phantom grabs Raoul by the throat, I really thought he was going to beat the crap out of him. That didn't happen, but Raoul probably at least wet himself. I'm team Erik here obviously. Yes, Erik. The Phantom does have a name. Side note, everyone should read the original book by Gaston Leroux, it's terrifying/AWESOME.

Treasure #4: Jane Eyre the musical, music by Paul Gordon. 

Damn the passion, damn the skies
Damn the light that's in her eyes
I know too well where it has led before
She saves me but I can't be saved
Frees me but I'm still enslaved
Now I battle what I most adore

Oh hey James Barbour AGAIN. Geez, this makes it seem like I'm becoming slightly obsessed with him. Which is probably true. But that's okay because he's the reason why I found this in the first place. Because I follow talent.

Alright, that's enough for now.

Here Be Dragons

HAHA JK JAMES BARBOUR PICTURE

"Please sir, I want some more"

Chess in Concert

I know that chess sounds like it would be the worst possible subject for musical, but you have to trust me. So Chess is basically about the World Chess Tournament during the Cold War. And here's what's crazy about it, the match is between an American, and a Soviet. So pretty much a really big deal.

Also if you love Idina Menzel, Adam Pascal, or JOSH GROBAN, you will love Chess because they are all in it. Win. But of course, I should give you more proof.

They are all so beautiful.

Here's a basic rundown of the characters.

Anatoly, played by Josh Groban, is the Russian opponent in the chess match, wins against the American (Freddie, played by Adam Pascal), and leaves Russia and becomes a British citizen so he can be with his opponent's second (Florence, played by Idina Menzel). In doing this, Anatoly is leaving behind a wife and children in Russia. 

Btw, I'm going to skip most of the songs from act one because there are a lot of them and my favorite one's are in the second act.

The reason Florence leaves Freddie is expressed in her song Nobody's Side.

Never take a stranger's advice
Never let a friend fool you twice
Nobody's on nobody's side

Get it Idina. Now a song with Mr. Groban. This is when Anatoly decides to leave Russia after becoming world champion in chess and his response to the situation. Soooo beautiful. Yes, Josh Groban is beautiful, but this time I'm talking about the song. I love it. Anthem. Also the conductor is adorable.

How can I leave her?
Where would I start?
Let man's petty nations tear themselves apart
My land's only borders lie around my heart

End of Act 1

In the second act, Anatoly as world champion has to play a Russian, Viigand, to defend his title. The Soviets want Viigand to win because Anatoly is no longer a citizen. The recruit Freddie from the first match and convince him to trick Anatoly into purposefully losing the match. Let's take a glimpse into Freddie's life story shall we? Pity the Child.

I took the road of least resistance
I had my game to play
I had the skill, and more -- the hunger
Easy to get away

Apparently, this song is also referred to as "Pity the Singer" because it's an extremely difficult song to sing. In my opinion, Pascal's performance is flawless.

Now that I've posted songs of Groban, Menzel, and Pascal, it's time I posted my favorite song. This is the song where Anatoly is playing the last game against Viigand, while also arguing (in song!) with his lover, Florence, and his wife. All at once! AAHHH it's so amazing. Very intense. If you want to skip all the instrumental stuff start at the one minute mark. Endgame.

Anyone can be
A husband, lover--
Sooner them than me,
When they discover
Their domestic bliss is
Shelter for their failing

Super cool. I just watched that like five times. 


So yeah, I'm kind of tired of writing now, so just go watch it. All of it is on youtube, but you should buy the dvd, it is TOTALLY worth it. Go now. Go.


Here Be Dragons

Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson

Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson. A rock musical about (SPOILER) President Andrew Jackson presented as an emo rock star. A REALLY GOOD LOOKING ONE. This musical specifically focuses on the founding of the Democratic Party, populism, and the Indian Removal Act. Also, there are lots of bad words. I didn't write it, just restating.

HISTORY JUST GOT ALL SEXYPANTS. Apparently.

The opening number, Populism, Yea Yea is an example of the overall style of this musical. Very emo-whiny-but awesome.

This is the age of, this is the age of, this is the age of Jackson

And because I want you to see the good-lookingness of Andrew Jackson, I have this picture to share with you.

Those wealthy New England Congress fucks would rather tax us than defend the frontier. Everyone around here's all pissed off but no one's taking a stand! I guess then that it's...I guess then that it's up to me!

Despite the fact that the look and sound of Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson doesn't quite fit that of the 1800's, the musical itself is quite full of historical goodies (and also sooo much profanity). There is a lot of explanation on Jackson's motives in terms of the Democratic Party, how he met his wife Rachel, and an interpretation of the Corrupt Bargain during the election of 1824. I'm not quite sure how historically accurate the song about the Corrupt Bargain is, but it's hilarious so I'm posting it.

And now, an explanation of the Corrupt Bargain, which took place in the back halls of Washington while no one was watching.

You probably heard some familiar names in there such as Henry Clay, and John Quincy Adams ("my dad was president so I should get to be president too"). Here they are folks.

What a classy interpretation

My favorite song from this musical is the rock anthem Rock Star. 

There's no place in Democracy
For your brand of Aristocracy
Take that shit back to Virginia
(Or Massachusetts Be-yotch!)

According to this song, we have...


George Washington=crossed the Delaware River
John Adams=American Idol
Thomas Jefferson=Rock Star
James Madison=tried to make the presidency seem vital
James Monroe=Douche Bag


Personally I just really appreciate the John Adams one. Because John Adams rocks and I love him. But that is a story for another day. 


Here Be Dragons

WAIT I want to add something. If you don't like Benjamin Walker as Andrew Jackson, perhaps you would like him better as Abraham Lincoln, as he is pictured here as Abraham Lincoln VAMPIRE HUNTER. 

He must have the desire to play weird interpretations of our presidents. I've heard that this movie is supposed to have lots of factual historical references, but I don't think I believe it. 


However, As my roomate once said, "He is the most patriotic person ever. We should elect him president." VOTE BENJAMIN WALKER.

I'm done now.

A Beautiful Mind

I just recently finished reading A Beautiful Mind by Sylvia Nasar. A Beautiful Mind is a biography written about the mathematical genius that is John Forbes Nash, Jr. After reading it, I decided to re-watch the movie version of the same name with Russell Crowe starring as John Nash.

"Perhaps it is good to have a beautiful mind, but an even greater gift is to discover a beautiful heart."-John Nash

WARNING: I would like to emphasize right now that this movie is extremely amazing, and that if you ever plan on watching it, do not read this update, the movie will be ruined for you. COMPLETELY RUINED. You have been warned. Here is a polar bear picture to give you a chance to turn back, and for my amusement.

distraction

Now, A Beautiful Mind is of course based on a true story. It was extremely interesting for me to read the book in comparison to the movie. I learned from reading the book that there are very few things in the movie that actually happened. Yes, John Nash had Schizophrenia, married Alicia, had a son, and hung around Princeton in his later years. Here are a few things in the movie that are contrary to the true story.

In the movie, John Nash's hallucinations consisted of a roommate, his roommate's niece, and Parcher, a man from the government. Nash believed that he was working for the government to fight against the Soviets, and in the movie, all of this ends up being just in his mind.

"Conviction, it turns out, is a luxury of those on the sidelines, Mr. Nash"

The problem that I have with this, is that in real life, this wasn't a hallucination. Nash's delusions were waaay more complicated in real life and it took him decades to recover. However, Nash really worked for the government in proximity with many mathematicians in great secrecy to create strategies, and battle plans for the Cold War. In addition, Nash wasn't just searching for his one "original idea" as in the movie. He was constantly publishing breakthroughs that his teachers and mentors had been unable to accomplish, and made many acquaintances while he was still in school with men such as Albert Einstein.

"Find a truly original idea. It is the only way I will ever distinguish myself. It is the only way I will ever matter."

I could list many fact vs. fiction arguments in terms of this story, but I don't want this to turn into a research paper. I will simply say, if you like the movie, the book is amazing and you should consider reading it. The story of John Nash is tragic, incredible, and inspiring. One could argue that math is boring, so the book is probably boring. Honestly, I don't love math, yet I read through the book like it was any other novel. CHECK IT OUT.

As I am a music person, I greatly appreciate the music in this movie. It's gorgeous. Listen.

Music by James Horner

My next update will be of a musical. Perhaps Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson hmmm?

Here Be Dragons