Due to a family emergency and some other issues earlier in the week, no blog entries or columns were prepared for posting this week. I want to apologize to my loyal readers out there who were expecting something from 10 FAVORITES or IT'S THE LITTLE THINGS. I intend to come back next week with an all new 10 FAVORITES and my predictions for the upcoming Emmy Awards. In the meantime, please enjoy this clip of the Australian comedy band the Axis of Awesome as they perform their phenomenal "4 Chord Song," just because it's AWESOME!
We are almost at the end of April and Easter is finally fast approaching (April 24th is the latest the holiday can be!). This particular holiday can be just a tad controversial for some and cause the political correctness scale to go a little haywire. But I shall brave the controversy and the political correctness to talk about movies. In particular, movies that have drawn their source from quite possibly the most influential book in all of Western Culture. But, since I couldn't get my hands on a copy of Snooki's book, we'll have to talk about the Bible.
The stories from the Bible have been some of the most difficult to depict on film. Some films have gotten overly preachy (King of Kings), some get too ambitious for their own good (John Huston's massive flop The Bible) and some go too far in their dramatic interpretation (Samson and Delilah). There have been few films that have that happy medium between knowing what they are (i.e. what genre they are!), knowing what they are based on (The Bible!) and knowing how to best serve their audience (who are really only looking for entertainment when they go to the movies!). So this week's 10 FAVORITES are:
THE 10 BEST BIBLE MOVIES
MOVIE #10
The Passion of the Christ (2004)
Mel Gibson's controversial and graphic interpretation of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ is one of the most poignant of the Bible films (and the most successful!). I must admit that I avoided this movie for the longest time (pretty much because of the controversy surrounding it). But once I saw it, I discovered what there is to appreciate about it. It's not the absolute best, but it is worth watching (especially around Easter time!).
MOVIE #9
The Ten Commandments (1956)
Talk about another must-watch! This film is the It's a Wonderful Life of Easter time (even though it's about Moses, not Jesus!). And there is much to appreciate about it, especially considering what master filmmaker Cecil B. DeMille was able to accomplish in 1956. The parting of the Red Sea scene is particularly fascinating.
MOVIE #8 King David (1985)
This film is little known and it does get a little overly dramatic, especially in Richard Gere's performance as the title character. But it is nice to see a Biblical movie that doesn't involve Moses, Jesus or Noah!
MOVIE #7
Jesus Christ Superstar (1973)
The first of three musicals to appear on this list, this too also gets a little uber-dramatic in its interpretation, but it IS a musical (and a musical in the rock opera sense!). Once you accept the genre you are in, you can thoroughly enjoy the Andrew Lloyd Webber-Tim Rice score and the rockin' performances coming from Ted Neeley (in the title role), Yvonne Elliman (repeating her Tony-nominated performance as Mary Magdalene) and the late Carl Anderson (who was absolutely phenomenal as Judas).
MOVIE #6 The Prince of Egypt (1998)
Dreamworks wanted to prove they could do the animated musical as well as Disney and, in order to do that, they got Biblical! This film is quite enjoyable each time I see it, especially because of the songs by Oscar-winner Stephen Schwartz (Wicked).
MOVIE #5
Ben-Hur (1959)
Okay, technically it is not a Bible film, but it does incorporate Jesus' story with that of Ben-Hur's. And the film is constantly pointed to as part of the "Biblical" genre. Like DeMille's Ten Commandments (which also starred Charlton Heston), William Wyler's massive epic is quite stunning (especially the groundbreaking and thrilling Chariot race!). It was the first film to garner 11 Academy Awards, a record that took almost 40 years to be tied (by Titanic in 1998).
MOVIE #4
The Last Temptation of Christ (1988)
Before Mel Gibson tampered with controversy and Christ, there was Marty. Martin Scorsese, who is quite possibly one of the greatest film directors of all-time, played with fire and directed a dramatic look at Jesus' inner struggle. When it comes to storytelling, no one does it like Scorsese and this film is among his best. It features jarring imagery and stellar performances from Willem Dafoe (as Christ), Barbara Heshey (as Mary Magdalene), Harvey Keitel (as Judas) and (in the role of Pontius Pilate) David Bowie!
MOVIE #3
Godspell (1973)
This one is like a mix of the previous two musicals: The story of Jesus with the songs of Stephen Schwartz! Honestly, Schwartz' score is the major reason I love this film, but the movie does make great use of its New York scenery (especially the World Trade Center) and delightfully fits into the Biblical film genre.
MOVIE #2 The Greatest Story Ever Told (1965)
Of all the Biblical epics (Ben-Hur, Ten Commandments, etc.), this one is truly the best and filled with an all-star cast. George Stevens (who helmed legendary films like Giant and The Diary of Anne Frank) gives his audience a picturesque and dramatic narrative. And the performances (led by Max Von Sydow's amazing performance as Jesus) are first rate.
AND... MOVIE #1 Monty Python's Life of Brian (1979)
Okay, once again, people may think I'm cheating but I just love this film! And if Ben-Hur counts, then so does this one! There's not much I can say about this film that I haven't said already on this blog. Everything about it makes me smile, especially the final song.
As I may have just angered a lot of people with my #1 choice, I will sign off now. But I do hope my regular readers come back next week as we talk British royalty (in honor of Prince William's upcoming nuptials!). In the meantime, enjoy your Easter holiday! (And if you don't celebrate Easter, have a great weekend!)
It is one of the most popular TV shows in the past year. It has dominated ratings, award shows AND even the music charts! Of course, I am referring to the FOX musical smash hit comedy series Glee. The show first made its high-profile appearance after an American Idol finale back in May 2009. Over that summer, the series became the most anticipated show of the 2009-10 Fall Season. It has created a fan-base (known as Gleeks!) that rivals that of Trekkies or Potter-heads. The show has since garnered several chart-topping hits on iTunes (the cast has proven themselves over and over that they are very adept at covers!) and won several Emmy Awards (including one for standout "villain" - Jane Lynch). The show, now very close to finishing its second season, was also honored as the Golden Globes' Best Series-Musical or Comedy two years in a row. We are now less than a week away from the next new episode (the last new episode aired on FOX on Tuesday, March 22), and so I find it fitting to name off my 10 FAVORITE musical moments from this breakout phenomenon. So, here are:
THE 10 BEST MUSICAL PERFORMANCES FROM GLEE!
NOTE ON THE VIDEOS: No copyright infringement is intended by the use of the videos. Gleeis owned by the FOX Broadcasting Company. And most of these videos can be found on YouTube.
MUSICAL PERFORMANCE #10 Empire State of Mind Episode: Audition, Season 2 Original Artist: Jay-Z featuring Alicia Keys When the second season began, the Glee club needed to recruit new members. And to do it, they decided to perform for the school at lunch Jay-Z's anthem/ode to the City that Never Sleeps. Even though I'm not a fan when the cast raps, Artie (Kevin McHale), Finn (Cory Monteith) and Puck (Mark Salling) do Jay-Z proud; but the song really takes off when the ladies (including the Mercedes of Amber Riley and Lea Michele's indomitable Rachel) add their lush harmonies to Alicia Keys' poetic refrain.
MUSICAL PERFORMANCE #9 Push It
Episode: Showmance, Season 1
Original Artist: Salt-N-Pepa
If you were not sure Glee was a comedy series, then this musical performance (along with the reactions of Matt Morrison's Will Schuester and Jane Lynch's Sue Sylvester) should make you a believer. It is clear the writers knew exactly what they were doing!
MUSICAL PERFORMANCE #8 Time Warp Episode: The Rocky Horror Glee Show, Season 2 Original Artist: The Cast of The Rocky Horror Show For their Halloween episode this season, the cast went all out and performed numbers from the cult musical The Rocky Horror Show. And what kind of musical would it be if it did not have a smash-bang finale (using the most popular and requested song from the original show!).
MUSICAL PERFORMANCE #7 Like a Prayer Episode: The Power of Madonna, Season 1 Original Artist: Madonna In their go-for-broke tribute episode to the Material Girl, the Glee creators delivered one of their best episodes both musically and plot-wise. But it was the powerful and poignant finale (Madonna's religious and controversial hit) was the moment that had Gleeks dancing the night away. Below, the cast performs the number at their very successful live concert.
MUSICAL PERFORMANCE #6 Thriller AND Heads Will Roll Episode: The Sue Sylvester Shuffle, Season 2 Original Artists: Michael Jackson AND The Yeah Yeahs When Glee was announced as the show that would follow this year's Super Bowl, everyone knew that the show had to deliver something spectacular. Their Christmas episode (the episode before it) was not universally well-received, so many critics had their doubts whether Ryan Murphy and company could pull it off. But the New Directions not only delivered, but gave us a message about worlds colliding and making the best of things as the show's football half-time number displayed.
MUSICAL PERFORMANCE #5 The Journey Medley (Faithfully, Any Way You Want It, Lovin' Touchin' and Squeezin' AND Don't Stop Believin') Episode: Journey, Season 1 Original Artist: Journey At their first Regionals performance, the New Directions relied on the band that inspired Mr. Schuester to keep the glee club going. Their medley was one of the most exciting moments of season one (and shattered our hearts when they failed to win the top prize!). Below, is the cast performing part of the medley at their sold out Glee Live! concerts in 2010. To see the medley in context, click here.
MUSICAL PERFORMANCE #4 Get It Right AND Loser Like Me Episode: Original Song, Season 2 Original Artist: The Cast of Glee For their second trip to Regionals, Mr. Schuester agreed that the New Directions needed to do something daring. They needed to do their OWN original songs! With Rachel belting out her poignant ballad followed by the group's catchy production number, the most recent new episode entertained audiences to no end and made Gleeks everywhere salivate for the next new episode.
MUSICAL PERFORMANCE #3 Somebody to Love Episode: The Rhodes Not Taken, Season 1 Original Artist: Queen
The Queen power ballad has been covered by almost everyone, but the New Directions showed their strength and took on Freddie Mercury's unmistakable (and almost intimidating) lead vocals. The song became the cast's second signature number.
MUSICAL PERFORMANCE #2 Don't Stop Believin' Episode: Pilot, Season 1 Original Artist: Journey This was the moment where you knew the show could be something special. It also is the moment in the show where not only Mr. Schuester thinks that the glee club will survive, but arch-nemesis Sue Sylvester discovers that the club could pose a threat to her and her Cheerios. The song has become so identified with the show and is clearly the cast's signature number (as the cast recently performed the song on the British hit series The X-Factor).
AND... MUSICAL PERFORMANCE #1 Don't Rain On My Parade AND You Can't Always Get What You Want Episode: Sectionals, Season 1 Original Artists: Barbra Streisand AND The Rolling Stones If "Don't Stop Believin'" was the moment where you knew the show was special and "Somebody to Love" was the moment you felt the show could last longer than a year, then it was this, the New Directions' Sectionals performance, where you knew that the show was great. First of all, the cleverness to follow a Streisand number with a Stones song is not only exciting but extremely aware of the wide range of the audience. Then, there are the performances of the New Directions themselves. Their energy is so infectious and Lea Michele's powerhouse rendition of "Parade" was so phenomenal that it garnered her a well-deserved Emmy nomination. Like their Original Song Medley later in Season 2, this is the format (Lea Michele ballad followed by high-energy group number) that works best for the show.
NOTE ON THE VIDEOS: No copyright infringement is intended by the use of the videos. Glee is owned by the FOX Broadcasting Company. And most of these videos can be found on YouTube.
When Glee returns on Tuesday, April 19, we shall see if the show can match some of their best moments as they head to their season finale: the Nationals competition in New York City. Next week, in honor of the upcoming Easter holiday, I will discuss the Bible and its impact on film, television and pop culture. Good Times!
Back in February, because of my month-long tribute to the Academy Awards (and my predictions, which were almost spot on, if I say so myself!), I missed the opportunity to dedicate a 10 FAVORITES list to Valentine's Day (one of the most popular holidays of the year - especially for greeting card and candy companies!). So, I decided that this week's 10 FAVORITES should be a sort of "make-up" one (No, it is NOT about cosmetics!). It's about love and couple-hood, more importantly SITCOM couple-hood (so technically, fake love, but whatever)! In most sitcoms, there always seems to be a "core" couple that everyone in the series (and everyone who watches the show religiously) wants to emulate or see get together or make it work. So many of today's current shows (Glee, Modern Family, Chuck, The Big Bang Theory and more!) have fans that have dedicated their "blogosphere-lives" (if you can call it a "life," but that's another post!) to promoting the central couples online (via Facebook, Wikipedia, etc.). So it is safe to say that being a Sitcom couple has the potential to be a pop-culture phenomenon. But who are the best Sitcom couples? I know there have been several articles that have pontificated and given their opinions, so why not add mine to the pot?!?! Here are:
THE 10 BEST SITCOM COUPLES
HONORABLE MENTION
Ralph & Alice Kramden, The Honeymooners (CBS) They are the couple that many other couples have been based on or inspired by (The Flintstones, The King of Queens, etc.). The great Jackie Gleason and the lovable Audrey Meadows infused the blue-collar marriage with hilarious timing and unmatchable delivery.
COUPLE #10
Kevin Arnold & Winnie Cooper, The Wonder Years (ABC) Growing up and watching ABC's groundbreaking sitcom (one of the first major "dramedies"), everyone was rooting for awkward Kevin (played by Fred Savage) to make it work with "girl-next-door" Winnie (played by Danica McKellar). The two became teen icons and forever embodied "first love."
COUPLE #9
Jim Halpert & Pam Beesly (later Halpert), The Office (NBC) When the show first began, these two were the most endearing characters mainly because of sales rep Jim's (seemingly) unrequited love for receptionist Pam. When they finally did get together (and get married AND have a baby), they became the TV's biggest power-couple.
COUPLE #8
Roseanne & Dan Conner, Roseanne (ABC) This Sitcom couple proved that you could stay together through anything (and NOT just because of mere necessity). The brash Roseanne and her big bear of a husband Dan (the highly underrated John Goodman) were never living the high life (except in the last season...and the less said about that, the better!), but through all their blue-collar troubles, they had each other.
COUPLE #7
Carrie Bradshaw & John James Preston (AKA Mr. Big), Sex and the City (HBO) It took an entire 6 seasons (and one movie!) for these two disparate lovers to finally come together and tie the knot. Sarah Jessica Parker's chic sex columnist spent many a sleepless night and a saucy brunch or dinner with her 3 best gal pals pining over Chris Noth's aptly named businessman, sparking a fan base that inspired the creators to make a second (and really horrible!) movie!
COUPLE #6
Archie & Edith Bunker, All in the Family (CBS) Just watching them together singing the iconic theme song to the show demonstrates how these two felt about each other. Good-hearted bigot Archie and his ever-so-sweet-but-scatterbrained wife Edith (played to perfection by Carroll O'Connor and Jean Stapleton, respectively) were in one of the most groundbreaking sitcoms of all-time, where nothing was off-limits.
COUPLE #5
Cliff & Clair Huxtable, The Cosby Show (NBC) He was a doctor and she was a lawyer, now talk about your power-couples! What always struck me about their relationship was how much they not only loved each other, but respected each other, which is what every person wants in their marriages and relationships. We could all take a lesson from Mr. Cosby and Ms. Rashad!
COUPLE #4
Marge & Homer Simpson, The Simpsons (FOX) As most of you know (from my Simpsons posts earlier this year), I am a huge fan of this couple. Homer may be a simpleton and Marge may be slightly neurotic, but their love is strong and pure. I think of them every time I hear The Carpenters' rendition of "Close to You" (only true Simpsons fans would understand that reference!).
COUPLE #3
Ross Geller & Rachel Greene, Friends (NBC) More so than Jim and Pam or Carrie and Big, this couple had fans salivating and asking "Will They?" or "Won't They?" everywhere. It has been 7 years since Friends ended (and almost 17 since it began, man I'm old!), but David Schwimmer and Jennifer Aniston will forever be remembered for the relationship that set '90s pop-culture a-buzz (now matter what bad movies they make now!).
COUPLE #2
Lucy & Ricky Ricardo, I Love Lucy (CBS) Even though the show was on long before I was born and I never really cared for the show (but I will never deny the influence and fanbase it has), this was the couple to which every other TV couple was compared. It didn't hurt that the two actors (Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz) were really married at the time and were television's first major power-couple (they ran their own studio!).
AND...
COUPLE #1
Sam Malone & Diane Chambers, Cheers (NBC) No other couple matches the chemistry between these two and you felt it the minute the sweet and snobbish college student first walked into the ex-pitcher and smooth ladies' man's bar. Shelley Long and Ted Danson were perfect in their roles and audiences tuned in every week to see if one of their long childish arguments would end with a passionate kiss.
Special Thanks have to go out to the fans of these show who create FanVids on YouTube dedicated to some of these couples. It makes it easier to find videos that best define these couples' relationships even though some of the respective production companies don't allow their property on the site. Next week, we stay in the Television realm by talking about the "buzziest" show in the last year: the FOX musical phenomenon that is GLEE!
Happy April Fool's Day all! Today's 10 FAVORITES will be all about the funny! We all love to laugh and there are certain people in this world who can make us laugh to complete satisfaction. This week's 10 FAVORITES is devoted to the stand-ups who have done that for me. I won't be saying a lot this week as I want to let the videos speak for themselves.
VIDEO DISCLAIMER: The videos below are solely for entertainment purposes only. Some of them contain some very graphic language and material that may be too offensive for some readers. No offense is intended by sharing the videos and discretion is strongly advised.
THE 10 BEST STAND-UP COMICS
COMIC #10
George Lopez The stand-up comic turned sitcom star turned late night host has gotten in some trouble recently for comments he made about the new Dancing With the Stars cast, but his comedy has always made me laugh. Anytime he's talking about the cultural differences in our society or imitating his tough relatives or talking about his passion for golf, Lopez knows exactly how to entertain his fans.
COMIC #9
Billy Crystal He will ALWAYS be my favorite Oscars host and, after the debacle that was this year's choices, that fact has never become more prevalent. His comedy, like Lopez', centered in ethnic diversities and the many cultural differences he grew up around in New York City. But coming from that endearing face and that sincere smile, you couldn't help but laugh.
COMIC #8
Whoopi Goldberg
She is original, unapologetic, controversial and the only woman on this list (sorry ladies, Ellen didn't make it!). Though now she is known for her outrageous Viewpoints (sorry folks, I couldn't resist!), her comedy is the thing I've admired most about her. The best thing about stand-up is her delivery and her timing. It seems so natural to her and so Whoopi! Those qualities have probably aided her in her Oscar-winning acting career as well (like in Ghost or The Color Purple or as Guinan on Star Trek: The Next Generation).
COMIC #7
Jerry Seinfeld
His sitcom probably helped to define my generation and his delivery is unlike any other (some would liken it to a whinier Woody Allen!). Jerry Seinfeld was at his best when he was talking about anything and nothing (much like the premise of his sitcom!). He, much like several comics of his time, would kill the audiences just musing about everyday things.
COMIC #6
Steve Martin
I first saw Steve Martin in The Muppet Movie and then his guest appearance on The Muppet Show. Both that cameo and that episode were two of the funniest things ever involving the Muppets (whom I adore!), and I figured it had to be their common theme: Steve Martin! Later, my brother introduced me to some of his stand-up and his performances in hilarious films like The Jerk, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels and Parenthood. He is truly a "Wild and Crazy Guy" with no boundaries and we love him for it.
COMIC #5
Richard Pryor
So many of today's comics point to the late Richard Pryor as their biggest influence and for several reasons. But the first reason that always comes up is that he would say anything. Nothing was off-limits with Pryor. Not race, not his drug use, not his many brushes with death and not even his sex life were left out of his hilarious routines. And we are all the better for him.
COMIC #4
Bill Cosby His sitcom was my favorite sitcom growing up and I adored his Fat Albert tales (and the animated series had some of the coolest music EVER!). Cosby knew how to make his family universal while sharing their funny quirks. When he talks about his parents becoming grandparents and the problems that arise, my parents completely identified with that.
COMIC #3
Robin Williams Zany, outrageous, mile-a-minute and flamboyant are just a few of the adjectives that can be applied to Robin Williams. The first time I saw him was on the successful TV series Mork and Mindy where he played an alien from the planet Ork. That should tell you a little bit about Williams' out-there personality. He is one of the few comics who as also managed to be one of the most respected actors. After all, "Dying Is Easy, Comedy Is Hard!"
COMIC #2
George Carlin
The late George Carlin seemed to step right out of the hippy-era 1960's laughing. Carlin was my father's favorite comic and when it came to groundbreaking, there was no one like him. Just watch his notorious "7 Dirty Words" talk below (Parents read the DISCLAIMER above!).
AND...
COMIC #1
Eddie Murphy
There is NO ONE better than Eddie Murphy for me. He is quite frankly the best stand-up comic from my childhood! He is the best and funniest parts of Disney's Mulan and Dreamworks' Shrek series. And Beverly Hills Cop and Trading Places are two of the funniest films of the 1980's. There's really not much more I can say, so watch him talk about ice cream.
So I hoped you enjoyed this tribute to stand-up comedy on this hilarious April Fool's Day! Next week, we'll take a look at some of TV sitcom's best lovers! Isn't that the way? One week: We're funny and the next week: We're sexy! We're all over the place!
Today is a very special day for those of us who follow musical theatre. Two very important people in Broadway history share this day as their birthday. Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber, composer of hit musicals The Phantom of the Opera, Cats and Evita, is celebrating his 63rd birthday. And legendary musical composer Stephen Sondheim is happily going onto his 81st year. Now, we can devote a list of 10 FAVORITES to Lord Lloyd Webber next year. I want to focus on Mr. Sondheim. Last year, the composer was bombarded with a year-long of celebrations worldwide in honor of his 80th birthday. I feel that was appropriate, but, today, not one mention of his birthday. And he is 81! People seem to forget about the year following the milestone. And Sondheim is such a legend that he should be celebrated every year. So, this week's 10 FAVORITES, on this Sondheim's birthday, is devoted to the great songs that he wrote throughout his long career in the Broadway theatre. Now, this list is only dedicated to the songs he wrote both the music and lyrics to, even though he wrote the lyrics to landmark shows like West Side Story and Gypsy (two of my favorite musicals of all-time!). So, without any further stalling and information, here are:
THE 10 BEST STEPHEN SONDHEIM SONGS
SONG #10
A Little Priest
from Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
First Heard: Broadway, 1979
When Sondheim was writing his opus Sweeney Todd, he came upon the last line of the first Act of Christopher Bond's gothic play about the murderous barber: "And the two fell into each others arms with laughter." Sondheim knew this was a moment to musicalize and what resulted was one of the cleverest and most devious duets in Broadway history. The song is always a showcase for the actors playing Sweeney and Mrs. Lovett, as demonstrated below by George Hearn and the great Angela Lansbury (Broadway's original Mrs. Lovett).
SONG #9
Unworthy of Your Love
from Assassins
First Heard: Off-Broadway, 1990
The idea of putting a love ballad into a show about Presidential assassins (and would-be assassins) is only something someone like Sondheim could pull off. To have John Hinckley (who attempted to assassinate President Reagan) and Lynette "Squeaky" Fromme (who attempted on President Ford's life) sing to the objects of their affection (Jodie Foster and Charles Manson, respectively) while plotting their actions feels like something out of a counterculture novel or a film by Truffaut or Kubrick! Yet, it is one of the most poignant ballads Sondheim has ever written (despite the disturbing imagery even in the regional production shown below).
SONG #8
Everybody Ought to Have a Maid
from A Funny Thing Happened On the Way to the Forum
First Heard: Broadway, 1962
This is probably Sondheim's funniest and most delightful song. The context of the song doesn't really matter (and the farcical story is too complicated to explain anyway!). But the actors performing it (whether it be in a full-fledged production or a concert, like below) seem to have so much fun with the lyrical content and the bright melody, that one doesn't care WHY the song is being performed. Just that it's being performed!
SONG #7
Every Day a Little Death
from A Little Night Music
First Heard: Broadway, 1973
Within Sondheim's light-hearted musical based on Ingmar Bergman's Smiles of a Summer Night, this poignant duet sung by wives struggling to come to terms with their husbands' blatant infidelities blew me away the first time I heard it (in a local regional production). The melody is haunting but it is Sondheim's lyrics that struck me hardest with the ladies singing about dying every day and suffering the indignities of being lied to and humiliated. Then, the lyric about men being "stupid and vain" just threw me for a loop and made me really think about the way our society treats women and fidelity. Below, Carol Burnett and Ruthie Henshall beautifully sing the song in the Sondheim review Putting It Together.
SONG #6
Sunday
from Sunday In the Park With George
First Heard: Broadway, 1984
This was my mother's favorite Sondheim musical and every time the show (or the soundtrack) got to this song, her eyes would well up with tears. Not only is it a very moving and powerful song, but it also has a very natural quality to it. The way it moves and flows musically is such a typical Sondheim "build." The song is about the people in the Georges Seurat painting noticing the beauty in their every day lives and what it brings to their existence (at least on the metaphorical level!). It certainly makes me think about the things I notice, especially on Sundays! Below, Bernadette Peters leads a chorus of singers in the song at a Sondheim concert at Carnegie Hall.
SONG #5
Pretty Women
from Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
First Heard: Broadway, 1979
Sondheim is very good at contrasting the images in his shows with the poetic content of his songs (as demonstrated above with "Unworthy of Your Love" from Assassins). In Sweeney Todd, the most beautiful song comes at a time when the main character (Sweeney) is preparing to murder his customer (the wicked Judge Turpin). As Todd takes his sweet time with his revenge, he lulls the Judge with a gorgeous tune about the aesthetical pleasures of the opposite sex. The song is SO beautiful that the audience forgets for a moment what Todd is planning to do with that razor! See below, in Tim Burton's 2007 film version starring Johnny Depp and Alan Rickman.
SONG #4
Being Alive
from Company
First Heard: Broadway, 1970
Every time I hear this song, I fall in love with it more and more. Company was a landmark show about several characters who surround the life of a bachelor named Bobby. Bobby, in typical late '60s-early '70s style, is a cad who cannot commit and flits from relationship to relationship. In this finale song, Bobby finally states what he really wants out of life and, of course, it is to not be alone. This powerful song is really a masterful wake-up call for those who strive to find love and companionship in this world (especially when it is sung by the likes of Raul Esparza in the 2006 Broadway revival of the show).
SONG #3
Move On
from Sunday In the Park With George
First Heard: Broadway, 1984
While "Sunday" was the song that made my mother cry, this was the song I always looked forward to because it was the "closure" song (not the finale, mind you, just a song about closure). What do you do when you feel emotionally spent (whether it be after a break-up or a medical emergency or a world crisis)? You move on to the next thing and that is what Sondheim captured so well in this song. Plus, the way original Broadway stars Mandy Patinkin and Bernadette Peters sang this song together was so hauntingly beautiful that you couldn't feel anything but hopeful at the end of it.
SONG #2
Children Will Listen
from Into the Woods
First Heard: Broadway, 1987
This, for me, is one of Sondheim's most achingly beautiful songs and one of his most important lessons to the world (because, after all, artists are nothing if they are not teachers!). In a show about fairy tales and what happens after "happily ever after," the moral of the story is to be careful with what we say to children because they DO listen, watch and behave from example (NO, this is not a PSA, everyone!). The song, each time I hear it, makes me want to be more responsible and ensure the future by showing a good example for younger generations. Hey, even older generations could use good examples too! Below, Bernadette Peters leads the Original Broadway Cast in the song as it builds into the finale of the show.
AND...
SONG #1
Broadway Baby
from Follies
First Heard: Broadway, 1971
Look at the title of this Blog! How could this song NOT be the #1 choice?!? Sondheim's pastiche song (a pastiche song is a tune that mimics another musical style) about the showbiz hopeful trying to make it on the Great White Way has always felt like an anthem to me and several of my fellow theatre-folk (and has become a standard audition song for many actors!). But it doesn't just apply to Broadway. The singer, when you strip away the stardust notions and vernacular terms, is just someone with a dream, and who can't relate to that? Ultimately, we are all people chasing our dream whether it be in finance, politics, religion, athletics or the entertainment world. And Sondheim never put it better than in this song, as seen below where several seasoned actresses sing the song honoring the great stage actress Julie Harris at the Kennedy Center.
HAPPY 81ST BIRTHDAY MR. STEPHEN SONDHEIM!!!
May you be a "Broadway Baby" forever!
Next week, an April Fools' Day themed 10 FAVORITES!
With a ho-hum Oscars behind us (where most of the awards were predictable and the hosts were less than adequate), I decided its time to jump right back into 10 FAVORITES!
This week, I am stepping away from the world of Hollywood and into the world of Music. More specifically, the Music that I grew up listening to and enjoying. I've mentioned before that I am a child of the 1980's, which was the decade in which Music Videos became the MUST for an artist to thrive in the business. Lately, the Music Video has fallen off the "Relevancy Radar" meaning that while we still can watch a video by say Eminem or Beyonce or Lady Gaga, the video is not as crucial to the success of said artist (thanks to the Internet and music sharing apps like iTunes and Napster). The move towards the Internet not-so-gradually forced a change in MTV's programming habits. What was once a 24-hour Music Video hub is now a place for Reality shows and the like with rarely a video to be shown in-between (but that is a rant for another day!). So, I thought I would dedicate this week's 10 FAVORITES to the songs and Music Videos from my childhood (basically the 1980's and the early 1990's). I'm not going to say much about each video (like 1 sentence!) because I would like to let the Music Videos speak for themselves (thanks to VEVO on YouTube!). Without further adieu, here are:
THE BEST MUSIC VIDEOS
(FROM 1980-1995)
VIDEO #10: Jeremy - Pearl Jam (1993)
For obvious reasons, this song must be on the list.
VIDEO #9: Mary Jane's Last Dance - Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers (1993)
Gotta love those videos with the celebrity cameos!
VIDEO #8: November Rain - Guns 'N Roses (1992)
Only one word comes to mind when I see this video: EPIC!
VIDEO #7: What's Love Got to Do With It? - Tina Turner (1984)
Aretha is the Queen of Soul and Madonna is the Queen of Pop, but Ms. Tina is the Queen of WOW!
VIDEO #6: Janie's Got a Gun - Aerosmith (1989)
Every video has a story to tell and this one just floored me as a kid.
VIDEO #5: Sledgehammer - Peter Gabriel (1986)
Not necessarily the greatest song of the 1980's, but certainly a groundbreaking video.
VIDEO #4: When Doves Cry - Prince and the Revolution (1984)
A majestic video for an amazing song that just gets better each time I hear it. NOTE: The video below is only a clip because the "Purple One" does not wish his music to be available on YouTube.
VIDEO #3: Smells Like Teen Spirit - Nirvana (1993)
The band that captured a generation with this in-your-face musical movement.
VIDEO #2: Like a Prayer - Madonna (1988)
One of the most controversial music videos in my childhood.
AND...
VIDEO #1: Thriller - Michael Jackson (1983)
The Holy Grail of Music Videos Or: The music video by which all other music videos get measured.
Special shout out to VEVO, the YouTube channel from which most of these videos are available!
