or “Now for something completely different”
So last weekend my parents treated me to a show in San Francisco called “Rain”. I start with this observation because this must be distinctly understood, or nothing wonderful can come of the story I am going to relate.
A Christmas Carol references aside, I wanted to catalogue all the wonderful shows that my folks have taken me to over the years, which not so coincidentally usually happened around Christmas time. You see I was raised for the most part in the great state of New York (recently made famous by Jimmer). As such, I was able to partake in the happenings of the city with that state’s namesake. The capital of the world/universe (not to be confused with the capital of the federation of planets…San Francisco) is not only a financial center, but a cultural cornucopia of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Broadway shows ensued…
Admittedly, my memory is terrible… in fact, me-pops, told me I left out Steely Dan in my supposedly complete listing of concerts in an earlier post. So I’ll need similar reminders from yall. I do not attest of completeness and accuracy or timing, only existence and valuation. (audit joke… hardy har har)
Ok ok, I’ll get down to business. I historically have always acted as if I didn’t like musicals…only because some people in the family tend to play the same song over and over, but alas I digress. Truth is, I actually like, nay, love a good musical (though it’s also good to finish them instead of skipping the Nazi part in The Sound of Music like the aforementioned family member… sound oddly specific? Indubitably). Some musicals are better than others (some are winning! Duh!)(that’s my topical reference of the blog…). I’ve seen most of the classic movies, but seeing them on stage is another thing entirely. It elevates some of the mediocre movie versions to be something special.
Oklahoma: I went in thinking it was gonna be boring like the state, but it was entertaining.
Thoroughly Modern Millie & Annie get your gun: Great fun, but not lifechanging.
Flower Drum Song: I’ve seen it twice, very funny (more so than TBS)
The King and I: Can’t remember if I saw it live, mom? If I did, it was fantastic I swear. I mainly have memories of going to Siam…err Singapore and thinking about the movie.
Beauty and the Beast: So I recently acquired the blu ray and remembered how it’s a perfect movie. All the elements are there including comedy, drama, and most importantly for this discussion: a perfect musical score. (that I submit is the greatest Disney song, so many themes the interweave throughout the movie, and a great introduction of the characters) So I already knew I was going to love it before I saw the broadway version. But dang, they didn’t disappoint. Gaston was fantastic, hearing the music live was a treat.
Les Miserables: Unlike Beauty and the Beast, I did not know much about the music or the story. I knew it was classic, but up until I saw the show I was, well ignorant n such. My what a wonderful show, its classic for a reason. It’s story is inspiring and appeals to the better angels of our nature. Its music? Wowsa (I knew some of the songs from me madre singing them but didn’t know they were from this show) (also don’t click on this if you don’t like songs to be stuck in your head)
Phantom of the Opera: I knew more about this one going into the show. I likes me the music of the night. This show for me is made a step above the rest by the score. Again, nothing like live music.
Jersey Boys: So this one was out of left field. I had never heard of it before but well, I knew all the songs. It’s the story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. Very entertaining, fantastic harmonies, though it swore up a storm (whatya expect, they are just a couple of kids from Jersey). Loved it.
Rain: So its basically a Beatles concert, whats not to love! They go through all of the stages, connect them with historical footage and play a great gig. Hearing I am the Walrus, Sergeant Pepper, and A day in the Life live? Yes please J.
Yours Truly,
James Elvin Harrington
