Last night I was lucky enough to score last minute tickets to see Jersey Boys on Broadway. As your blogger waited for her train back to her own corner of Jersey, this review started to form:
Most musicals, admittedly, are about love. More specifically, they are usually at least partially (if not completely) about romance. The couple meets, there is some conflict, but ultimately the couple (or couples) get together and everyone sings. Every once in awhile we get introduced to a different kind of love story, a story where the focus is on the music more than anything. That is what you will get when you go see Jersey Boys. The play is a musical history lesson, where the members of the Four Seasons share their experiences in forming the group and how it changed their lives forever. The play is perfect for those interested in music history or music in general. It is especially fun seeing the personal connection certain members had with specific songs. A love of the Four Seasons' music is a must, as the show features their songs almost exclusively. If you are not a fan of their music or the time period then this show is probably not for you. Otherwise, this is probably one of the most entertaining history lessons you will ever get. Below is their performance at the 2006 Tony Awards to give you a taste (although the cast has changed since then):
Showing posts with label review. Show all posts
Showing posts with label review. Show all posts
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Desperate Housewives - A Little Night Music
*blah blah blah SPOILERS blah blah*
Tonight's intro gave us the lowdown on events leading up to the present with the Bolen family. It told the tale of two eco-terrorists who planned to set off a bomb, except people got hurt and our friend Angie didn't like that. She didn't want to go to jail, especially since she was pregnant, so she ran away with Nick's help and they all became a family.
If this made you think that they would be the focus of the night then you were as disappointed as I was probably. Their story did progress somewhat, but it either happened at the very beginning or very end. Don't get me wrong, what did happen was great. I just wish there had been more! I'll save the best for last though and take a look at the rest of the residents of the lovely ladies of Fairview.
Lynette had invited Eddie the psycho into her home, thinking he was helping him out of a bad situation. Little did she know she was inviting a troubled killer into her house. She starts to see signs of this when he goes off on Porter and Tom in two separate instances of them disrespecting her. After the incident with Tom, the two parents discuss kicking Eddie out of the house. Lynette eventually convinces Tom that they should try getting the kid some therapy first before they leave him to fend for himself. The therapist says it will take time to deal with Eddie's issues but it would go faster if they had his mother present. Lynette volunteers to get her to agree to it. When she goes to the house to look for her, however, a neighbor reports she has not been seen for days now. This is where we left things with Lynette, but she is one step closer to figuring out the truth about this kid. I'm just scared about what happens if he feels threatened in any way by her or her family.
Gabi and Susan kinda had their stories intertwine tonight. Last week we saw Mike ask Carlos for money, because he is too proud (and stupid) to accept help from his wife. I already told you how I felt about this last week, so I won't bore you with that rant again. This week we saw Mike start paying Carlos back what he owes, but neither of them has told their wives the situation. Carlos covers by claiming to Gabi that the money is tied up in a business deal. He won't tell her any more details though, so she goes to investigate and finds out about the money that he gave to Mike. She goes to Susan and when she sees the new piano in the house, demands she get her money back. This is how Susan finds out about what Mike did. They then conspire together a way to get back at their husbands and make them realize how it feels to not be told everything. They make Carlos think Mike has spent the money on the piano, while simultaneously making Mike think Carlos and Susan are having an affair. Eventually it comes out that the girls are just screwing with their men, but it was still fun while it lasted. Susan's part of the story did end on a serious note, however: with her making Mike promise to never keep something like this from her again, then looking through all their finances to see where they stand.
Bree and Sam start their day with a bit of grocery shopping, but things turn serious when Sam runs into someone he recognizes (and obviously didn't want to see). Bree goes back to talk to the woman later and finds out that she is actually Sam's mother (who is supposed to be dead, according to him). When asked how he could go around telling people his mother is dead, she answers, "He's a complicated boy." That seems to be an understatement, to say the least. Apparently Rex tried to get full custody of Sam when he was a boy, but the mother wouldn't allow it. Sam found out about this a few months ago and became furious. We see just how angry he can get later, when Bree confronts him about it. He claims he said his mother was dead because she is dead to him. He also gets very angry about the lifestyle he grew up with because his mother wouldn't let him live with his father who was better off than they were. Bree apologizes to Andrew for not listening to him sooner, but after seeing Sam's temper, she is scared to make any attempts to get rid of him.
That brings us back to the Bolen family drama. Early in the episode we see Patrick run over Nick while he is jogging in the street. Nick survives but is significantly injured. Nick tells Angie he thinks they should run but she wants them to stand their ground. They do send Danny someplace safe though (albeit grudgingly). When Nick is told he has to be placed in a coma to reduce swelling in his brain from the injuries, he wants Angie to go stay with Danny for a few days. She agrees, but comes home to find Patrick waiting for her - and he has a gun. At first she thinks he will kill her, but he says he needs her alive to "do her a favor". He won't say what it is until the next morning though. He is all packed and plans to spend the night in the guest room. "Can't she just kill him in his sleep?" you might be asking. I wondered the same thing. And apparently Angie did too, as she asks him how he knows she won't do just that. His answer: "If the past 20 years have taught us anything it's that you're not comfortable killing anyone." He also says that if she tries to run then he will kill Nick in the hospital. My argument for all of this: maybe she had problems hurting people before, but this guy has threatened her family for 20 years now. Not only does that change a person, it gives them a pretty good motive. The more her family feels threatened, the stronger her "mother bear" instinct is going to kick in and she is going to want to protect them. All I'm saying is this guy might want to sleep with one eye open tonight.
My only complaint about this episode was wanting to see more of the Bolen story. I know they have always played a backseat to the rest of the cast, but we are coming down to the wire here and have lots more we can do. Also, don't make the intro about them and then not show them again until the last five minutes. That's just cruel. Other than that though, I really enjoyed this week. I especially liked seeing Gabi and Susan working together instead of competing with each other like they usual do. When they put their minds together, they make an unstoppable duo.
Things I want to see next week: MORE PATRICK LOGAN, PLEASE. I love this story and the actor playing him and want him on the screen as much as possible before it all ends. Also, can we please see Lynette finally realize this kid is more troubled than she can help and that he should be getting some special care - preferably in a room with padded walls and happy pills?! Thanks!
What about the rest of you? Did you like tonight's episode? What do you look forward to most about next week? And what do you think Patrick is going to ask Angie to do? I look forward to all of your responses.
Tonight's intro gave us the lowdown on events leading up to the present with the Bolen family. It told the tale of two eco-terrorists who planned to set off a bomb, except people got hurt and our friend Angie didn't like that. She didn't want to go to jail, especially since she was pregnant, so she ran away with Nick's help and they all became a family.
If this made you think that they would be the focus of the night then you were as disappointed as I was probably. Their story did progress somewhat, but it either happened at the very beginning or very end. Don't get me wrong, what did happen was great. I just wish there had been more! I'll save the best for last though and take a look at the rest of the residents of the lovely ladies of Fairview.
Lynette had invited Eddie the psycho into her home, thinking he was helping him out of a bad situation. Little did she know she was inviting a troubled killer into her house. She starts to see signs of this when he goes off on Porter and Tom in two separate instances of them disrespecting her. After the incident with Tom, the two parents discuss kicking Eddie out of the house. Lynette eventually convinces Tom that they should try getting the kid some therapy first before they leave him to fend for himself. The therapist says it will take time to deal with Eddie's issues but it would go faster if they had his mother present. Lynette volunteers to get her to agree to it. When she goes to the house to look for her, however, a neighbor reports she has not been seen for days now. This is where we left things with Lynette, but she is one step closer to figuring out the truth about this kid. I'm just scared about what happens if he feels threatened in any way by her or her family.
Gabi and Susan kinda had their stories intertwine tonight. Last week we saw Mike ask Carlos for money, because he is too proud (and stupid) to accept help from his wife. I already told you how I felt about this last week, so I won't bore you with that rant again. This week we saw Mike start paying Carlos back what he owes, but neither of them has told their wives the situation. Carlos covers by claiming to Gabi that the money is tied up in a business deal. He won't tell her any more details though, so she goes to investigate and finds out about the money that he gave to Mike. She goes to Susan and when she sees the new piano in the house, demands she get her money back. This is how Susan finds out about what Mike did. They then conspire together a way to get back at their husbands and make them realize how it feels to not be told everything. They make Carlos think Mike has spent the money on the piano, while simultaneously making Mike think Carlos and Susan are having an affair. Eventually it comes out that the girls are just screwing with their men, but it was still fun while it lasted. Susan's part of the story did end on a serious note, however: with her making Mike promise to never keep something like this from her again, then looking through all their finances to see where they stand.
Bree and Sam start their day with a bit of grocery shopping, but things turn serious when Sam runs into someone he recognizes (and obviously didn't want to see). Bree goes back to talk to the woman later and finds out that she is actually Sam's mother (who is supposed to be dead, according to him). When asked how he could go around telling people his mother is dead, she answers, "He's a complicated boy." That seems to be an understatement, to say the least. Apparently Rex tried to get full custody of Sam when he was a boy, but the mother wouldn't allow it. Sam found out about this a few months ago and became furious. We see just how angry he can get later, when Bree confronts him about it. He claims he said his mother was dead because she is dead to him. He also gets very angry about the lifestyle he grew up with because his mother wouldn't let him live with his father who was better off than they were. Bree apologizes to Andrew for not listening to him sooner, but after seeing Sam's temper, she is scared to make any attempts to get rid of him.
That brings us back to the Bolen family drama. Early in the episode we see Patrick run over Nick while he is jogging in the street. Nick survives but is significantly injured. Nick tells Angie he thinks they should run but she wants them to stand their ground. They do send Danny someplace safe though (albeit grudgingly). When Nick is told he has to be placed in a coma to reduce swelling in his brain from the injuries, he wants Angie to go stay with Danny for a few days. She agrees, but comes home to find Patrick waiting for her - and he has a gun. At first she thinks he will kill her, but he says he needs her alive to "do her a favor". He won't say what it is until the next morning though. He is all packed and plans to spend the night in the guest room. "Can't she just kill him in his sleep?" you might be asking. I wondered the same thing. And apparently Angie did too, as she asks him how he knows she won't do just that. His answer: "If the past 20 years have taught us anything it's that you're not comfortable killing anyone." He also says that if she tries to run then he will kill Nick in the hospital. My argument for all of this: maybe she had problems hurting people before, but this guy has threatened her family for 20 years now. Not only does that change a person, it gives them a pretty good motive. The more her family feels threatened, the stronger her "mother bear" instinct is going to kick in and she is going to want to protect them. All I'm saying is this guy might want to sleep with one eye open tonight.
My only complaint about this episode was wanting to see more of the Bolen story. I know they have always played a backseat to the rest of the cast, but we are coming down to the wire here and have lots more we can do. Also, don't make the intro about them and then not show them again until the last five minutes. That's just cruel. Other than that though, I really enjoyed this week. I especially liked seeing Gabi and Susan working together instead of competing with each other like they usual do. When they put their minds together, they make an unstoppable duo.
Things I want to see next week: MORE PATRICK LOGAN, PLEASE. I love this story and the actor playing him and want him on the screen as much as possible before it all ends. Also, can we please see Lynette finally realize this kid is more troubled than she can help and that he should be getting some special care - preferably in a room with padded walls and happy pills?! Thanks!
What about the rest of you? Did you like tonight's episode? What do you look forward to most about next week? And what do you think Patrick is going to ask Angie to do? I look forward to all of your responses.
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Trust Him, He's The Doctor
Amy: Who are you?
Doctor: I don't know yet, still cooking.
Sizzling is more like it.
After weeks of speculation as to whether or not Matt Smith would be a suitable Doctor, I can honestly say that we need not worry. Matt makes the character his own from the moment he jumps out of the TARDIS and into the life of his new companion, Amy Pond. Speaking of the TARDIS, it's new and shiny too, as is the sonic screwdriver. Even the opening titles have a slightly new theme, although it is essentially the same tune we have grown to love over the years. If anything it is just slightly edgier and darker than what we are used to. Overall I would say stop worrying about Matt Smith and Steven Moffat and just let the show be what it is: a timeless adventure that will make you feel as if you had been running right alongside your beloved Doctor.
Every episode is followed by a special Doctor Who Confidential, which can be found on the BBC America website along with other behind-the-scenes features.
So, all of time and space. Everything that ever happened or ever will. Where do you want to start?
Doctor: I don't know yet, still cooking.
Sizzling is more like it.
After weeks of speculation as to whether or not Matt Smith would be a suitable Doctor, I can honestly say that we need not worry. Matt makes the character his own from the moment he jumps out of the TARDIS and into the life of his new companion, Amy Pond. Speaking of the TARDIS, it's new and shiny too, as is the sonic screwdriver. Even the opening titles have a slightly new theme, although it is essentially the same tune we have grown to love over the years. If anything it is just slightly edgier and darker than what we are used to. Overall I would say stop worrying about Matt Smith and Steven Moffat and just let the show be what it is: a timeless adventure that will make you feel as if you had been running right alongside your beloved Doctor.
Every episode is followed by a special Doctor Who Confidential, which can be found on the BBC America website along with other behind-the-scenes features.
So, all of time and space. Everything that ever happened or ever will. Where do you want to start?
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Memphis (and the music) Lives in Me
Memphis is in New York now, on Broadway to be exact. This is the next great musical to hit the stage this season. It stars an outstanding cast of both old pros and rising stars. These talented performers sing and dance in a magical way, and take you to a time and place where life wasn't easy but the music sure was smooth. It is fascinating to see how one person uses the power of music to break down barriers in a way no one thought possible. All he wants to do is make the music he loves accessible to everyone, but it becomes much more than that. It's something you should see for yourself. The show is currently in previews with opening night scheduled for Monday, October 19th. So grab a friend and take them down to Memphis for a night of music and thrills they won't soon forget.
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