Memphis

I believe it was Bryan Darcy James who said it best when he said, “Revivals are for wusses” (or something close to that) on an ATW panel about performing. It’s true and Memphis is just another show that proves his theory. This show is a big splashy musical comparable to Hairspray, but in my opinion Memphis is much better. The show to me is about the passion to do what you think is best regardless of what everyone else thinks and the reality of Newton's law for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. Also there is a plot line on how fickle fame can be. Be sure to check it out if you can!

Favorite aspect: Sets – they were beautiful
Favorite number: Stand up
Favorite Song: Memphis Lives in me
Can't get out of my head: Steal your Rock n Roll
Favorite scene: Felicia catching her train or Bus
Talent to watch out for: Derrick Baskin, James Monroe Iglehart, and Hillary Elk.

One question - 30 something producers?

Violet the Musical

I usually encourage people who like theatre to research smaller low key musicals because you never know what you'll find. I tell people this because I am a firm believer that every show has something for you to learn and discover about people. 9 out 10 times when you are sitting in the audience you identify with the situations that those characters are going through. Violet the Musical is an example of one of those shows that has a lot to say. If you are not familiar with this musical I highly encourage that you check the soundtrack out.

Violet is about vanity, healing, and perceptions. It contains a great message to teens about self-acceptance and it has a unique Southern heart to it which makes it memorable.

Billy Porter currently has a CD out with Soulful Broadway tunes, and on it he sings a song from the show called Let it Sing (which is available on itunes). It's a beautiful song and to me it is about breaking away from whatever holds you back from living your life.

Great site for just listening to random shows

Musical Theater International: http://www.mtishows.com/

(These posts will most likely all be completely random like this one)

9 to 5

*Saw this show in previews - some things may have changed and improved

hmmm - I thought this show was entertaining, an enjoyable night of musical theater. However I was disappointed with this show because it just did not live up to the hype surrounding it. From the trial run I was expecting the next Wicked, but I thought that before about Young Frankenstein and clearly I was mistaken. Don't get me wrong there were very commendable aspects such as the music was great (especially Stephanie J. Block's Ballad in act two) and the performances were top notch. The Lighting Design & Choreography were my favorite tech aspects for this show. I expected more from the sets but the office and house sets were beautiful.

I didn't like all the crazy fantasy segments I thought they were kind of Hokey - The best number was most likely Roz's number in the Women's Restroom in Act One.

Allison Janney is a great actress - her singing voice isn't my favorite but still creditable.
Meagan Hilty - Is really great in this role
Stephanie J. Block - Has a fantastic voice and did her best with what she was given.
Marc Kudisch - Really talented guy he holds his own against the powerful women cast

Show stealer = Kathy Fitzgerald who played Roz

This show had a lot of heart and is really a (for lack of better term) "girl power" type of musical. The friendship that develops between the three women is really the heart of the show and aspect of the show is really well written.

I guess I just felt what I've felt about a lot of shows recently - that it could have used some more work.

Would recommend for - A girls night out - College groups