Random Theatre Thoughts

[NUguy514]

I saw Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird tonight, and it would've been much more accurately named Aaron Sorkin's To Kill a Mockingbird or (The Expected Bastardization of an American Classic Through Condescending Speechifying).

[emmygrammyoscartony]

I saw it in Philly this past summer and thought it was brilliant!

So...I am 7 years late, but I just saw "Hamilton" for the first time, and not since "Rent" has a musical captivated me like this. And that was 2005 when I saw it ON Broadway. And this show will date impeccably which is not the same for "Rent," though it will always be my fave. I do love the nods to Larson and "Rent" in structure.

This was a touring company. I have since watched the recording on Disney+ 3 times AND all I have done is listen to the OBCR. I have a new different favorite song every day. Title track, "My Shot," "You'll Be Back," "SATISFIED" (omg), "Wait For It," "Ten Duel Commandments," "That Would Be Enough," "History Has Its Eyes on You," "Yokrtown," "Dear Theodosia," "Non-Stop," "The Room Where It Happened," "Cabinet Battle," "Washington on Your Side," "One Past Time," "The Reynolds Pamphlet," "Burn," "The World Was Wide Enough," and "Who Lives, Who Dies, Who Tells Your Story?" are all brilliant. I think the best is "It's Quiet Uptown." I knew the Kelly Clarkson version, but seeing this performed LIVE is the power of theater and why I love it!

I will say, based on the OBCR and recording of the show that I understand the brilliance of the original cast...except Daveed Diggs. His enunciation and trying so hard to make a syllable out of everything annoys the shit out of me. He is the ONLY weak thing of this OBCR and the recording. How he won thr Tony, I have no fucking idea because he was pretty terrible. I loved Christopher Jackson so much more.

There is so much more to post about this show and its brilliance, but DAMN. This will be an all-time great.

[Above the Title]

This year's Lead Actress in a Musical category will be one for the ages, across any awards show.

Annaleigh Ashford, "Sweeney Todd"
Sara Bareilles, "Into the Woods"
Victoria Clark, "Kimberly Akimbo"
Micaela Diamond, "Parade"

Possible: Phillipa Soo ("Camelot") or Anna Uzele ("New York, New York") both of which haven't opened yet so we can't judge

Also in line for the fifth spot pending Soo/Uzele, we also have Patina Miller for "Into the Woods," Adrianna Hicks from "Some Like it Hot," and Lorna Courtney for "& Juliet."

Reminds me of 2004 when the nominees were Idina Menzel* and Kristin Chenoweth for "Wicked," Donna Murphy for "Wonderful Town," Tonya Pinkins for "Caroline, or Change," and Stephanie d'Abruzzo for "Avenue Q." Just an embarassment of the riches.

[malcolm1980]

Hamilton is coming to Manila. Its first Asian stop for the international touring production.

[emmygrammyoscartony]

I am so very interested in "Kimberly Akimbo." I love Clark, and she looks to be aces.

[malcolm1980]

Bought my ticket to Hamilton. Can't wait!

[emmygrammyoscartony]

The new BCR of "Sweeney Todd" sounds fucking AMAZING!!! Annaleigh Ashford's accent is annoying at times, but this album is amazing!!!

[emmygrammyoscartony]

My 10 Favorite Musicals of All Time
Cabaret
A Chorus Line
The Disney Four (The Little Mermaid, Beauty & the Beast, Aladdin, The Lion King)
Hamilton
Les Miserables
Moulin Rouge! (movie ONLY; I detest the stage version)
Next to Normal
Rent
The Sound of Music (movie)
South Pacific