Why I Love Live Filmed Musicals

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I love live filmed musicals. I'm talking recorded musicals on stage in front of a live audience. When I get into a musical, I will always look on Amazon to see if there is a stage recording of it. But why do I, and many other theatre kids alike, enjoy live stage recordings so much? Well, today, I will answer that question for you as best as I can from my own perspective.

Sometimes you don't have access to live theatre

Bear with me while I try to explain this. Some people are unable to go see a show live because of where they live and also how much some shows cost. Plus, if you are like me, sometimes you go to see a show that was magnificent and you want to see it again, but you are unable to due to cost and show dates. With live stage recording, you can watch live theatre in the comfort of your own home. Plus, it is performed by professional actors which makes the experience that much more special.

You get to experience the show in its purest form

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The problem with theatrical productions being turned into movies is that directors and producers go in and mess with the production. They will cut songs and plot points and add in their own scenes. Live stage recordings give you the experience of seeing the show you love untampered and how it was meant to be performed. Don't get me wrong, I love seeing movie musicals, but there is a difference between watching a movie versus an actual live performance.

Seeing your favorite actors in your favorite shows

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There are many shows where you wish you could see certain actors who were in those roles. With live stage recordings, you can. Through these recordings, I was able to see the original cast of Shrek the Musical, Jeremy Jordon as Jack Kelly in Newsies, and Sierra Boggess and Ramin Karimloo in The Phantom of the Opera. It gives so many people the opportunity to experience these talented actors in these roles, even if they can't see them live.


There are many reasons that people love buying and watching live filmed musicals, these are just a few of my reasons why I love them. And even though I have been able to see these performances on DVD, I do still want to see them live on stage because I truly believe that nothing can beat the experience of watching live theatre. But for now, until I can see these shows live, I will continue to watch my live stage recordings and experience the thrill of these amazing shows performed how they are meant to be performed.



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Final Rent Inquiry Blog: Twenty Years Later

Michael Gioia, a writer for Playbill, interviews the original cast of Rent about their auditions for the show, stories from off stage, and Johnathan Larson, the creator of the hit musical who passed away from an aortic aneurysm just after previews had started for Rent off-broadway. But Gioia didn’t just interview them for fun. April 29, 2016 was the date of the twentieth anniversary of Rent opening on Broadway.

Anthony Rapp
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Anthony Rapp (Mark) felt that after the tragic death of Johnathan Larson, there was always something at the center of every cast photoshoot and every stage performance. That something was Larson. Rapp also felt that they (or at the very least he) needed to share Johnathan’s story.

Adam Pascal
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Adam Pascal, who originated the role of Roger off-broadway,
mentioned that the cast became a family. He was never alone when he sat in the Nederlander Theatre and since this was his first ever show, he basked in the excitement of sitting in a theatre with no show going on onstage.

Wilson Heredia

Wilson Heredia (Angel) described the feeling of being on stage the night after the Tony Awards and receiving a standing ovation before the show even started. “I felt very proud for us....” He even made short mention of his wig falling off one time during “La Vie Boheme”.

Daphne Rubin-Vega
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Daphne Rubin-Vega (Mimi) remembers being in the hall waiting to audition
and standing by the door listening to Anthony Rapp audition with “Losing My Religion”. She remembers the cast and herself also hanging out before and after shows, having so much energy and fun. They would even walk around telling people to go see Rent.

With so many cast and crew apart of this production now twenty-one years ago, it is so easy to see the impact this show had on them. They carry the memories of this show, the good and the bad with them forever and Gioia captures this perfectly in his article.

Gioia, Michael. (2016). 20 Years Later, Rent cast Remember Auditions, Memories, and Mishaps. Retrieved from http://www.playbill.com/article/20-years-later-rent-cast-remember-auditions-memories-and-mishaps



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Musical Theatre Kid Tag

Hey guys. As you know, I enjoy doing theatre tags because it allows me to let you guys into my life as a theatre kid and lets you guys know a little more about me. So today I am doing the Musical Theatre Kid Tag! (Link to where I found the tag)

1. Favorite show you've performed in?
• I would have to say Sleepy Hollow. It was one of the best shows I had ever been in and the cast and crew were absolutely amazing. Plus it was the first show I was in where everyone wanted to be there.
2. Least favorite show you've performed in?
• Christmas on the Gangplank (Read about that disaster here)
3. Favorite role you've played?
• Pin from CinderOz (this was the show I was sick in) because I enjoy playing villains, even if the villain isn't well established
4. Most embarrassing moment on stage?
• I was in one show where I did not know all of my lines. I have never done that since.
5. Worst injury you've gotten from a show?
• I was running backstage in junior high, and I slipped and fell onto a piece of wood. My costume didn't tear, but I definitely cut myself on my upper thigh. That was the worst of it.
6. Go to audition song?
• I haven't auditioned for anything in a long time, so I don't really have one yet. Will let you know when I do.
7. Ever seen any shows on Broadway?
• No, I haven't, but I want to.
8. Broadway Idol?
• Adam Pascal, Barrett Wilbert Weed, Anthony Rapp, Jeremy Jordan, Sierra Boggess, and Ramin Karimloo 
9. Some of my favorite memories from backstage/rehearsals?
• We had this little boy who was playing a ghost in Sleepy Hollow. I was also a ghost in Sleepy Hollow. He went over to the guy who was playing Ichabod Crane and he was told to grab his leg by our director. For context, in this scene, the ghosts were trying to kill Ichabod. The little boy wrapped his arms pretty high up Ichabod's leg. One of the other ghosts said something along the lines of "Woah there boy" and the kid moved his arms to Ichabod's calf. He was a little kid no older than 7 at the time so he didn't understand what he did, but we did get a good chuckle out of it.
10. How many leads have you played before?
• 6 (some of them are questionable)
11. Ever had a rehearsal meltdown?
• Yes, but it was because my director was kind of a bully to me. I am not going into specifics, but she was very intense and intimidating. We didn't get along very well even after working together for quite a while. 
12. What do you normally keep in your rehearsal bag?
• My script, deodorant, perfume, hair ties, and Advil (because I get migraines). It depends on the show as well
13. Have you met any Broadway stars?
• No. Someone, please introduce me to Adam Pascal. Thank you!
14. How many Playbills do you own?
• I have 14 programs if that counts.
15. Ever gotten caught up in drama with one of your cast members?
• Not really, If anything, I've been the emotional support for people. 
16. Whats your favorite costume you've ever worn?
• My costume in Aladdin because it was just a t-shirt and genie pants. It was so comfortable. I still own the genie pants I do believe.
• Also, my costume in CinderOz. That one was pretty cool.
  
• And I almost forgot my dress in Clue. That was awesome.

  

  I'm in the chair if you couldn't tell

17. Whats your least favorite costume you've ever worn?
• My outfit in Christmas on the Gangplank because the wig was terrible.
  
18. Ever had a stage kiss?
• Not yet
19. Tap, ballet, or jazz?
• I did all of these when I was a kid. From what I remember, I would have to say jazz. But I love watching tap numbers. 
20. What's your dream role?
• It has changed a little, Maureen in Rent, Christine in The Phantom of the Opera, and Ivy in Bare: A Pop Opera

Comment down below your answers to these questions if you would like. I would be interested in hearing your answers.

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An End to an Era

DVD Cover
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In 2008, Rent performed one last time in the Nederlander Theatre on Broadway. This would be the last time the Tony-winning musical would be shown on Broadway. So naturally, it was only fitting for @Radical.Media to film this historic onstage moment for people to see in years to come. 

They open the show to Roger and Mark in their loft on December 24th. And as Adam Kantor begins to sing for his character Mark, the audience cheer in thrill and excitement. 

The stage show is much different to the Movie in many ways, they use just a few set pieces, lighting, and props to change the setting in a way that you can’t even tell every set piece is the same. 

The raw emotion that is on that stage while they are performing captivates you as I am sure it captivates the audience. Any mishap that occurs on stage is for the public to see, there is no stopping the show. This makes it the experience of watching it from this type of view that much sweeter. 

As the show goes on, you see the actors continuing to embrace their roles and accepting what they are doing. Roger is just as emotionally distant as always, if not more so, and Maureen is even zanier. It is awesome to see a different adaptation of these characters that people are used to seeing with the Original Broadway Cast. 

Even when the cast breaks into “La Vie Boheme”, you can feel their excitement and their need to make this the greatest show they have ever done, especially since it is the last. 

Seasons of Love
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When Act 2 kicks in, people who have heard the song “Seasons of Love” remember the memorable lyrics telling the audience not dwell on what could have been, but to focus on what is and who is around you. To be surrounded by love.

“525,600 minutes
525,000 moments so dear
525,600 minutes
How do you measure, measure a year?
…
How about love?
How about love?
How about love?
Measure in love
Seasons of love

Act 2 starts on a high but quickly goes downhill. Couples are fighting, people are breaking each other's hearts, and Angel is dying.

In Angel’s last song, “Contact”, even though the raunchy background, you see Angel, who is ready for the suffering to end, even if it means leaving the people he/she loves.

“Take me
Take me
Ohhh
Take me
Take me
Ohhh
Today for you 
Tomorrow for me
Today me
Tomorrow you
Tomorrow you.”

I'll Cover You (Reprise)
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You hear Collins sing the reprise of their love song, “I’ll Cover You” and see the tears welling up in Michael McElroy’s (the actor who plays Collins) eyes as he sings his goodbye to his lover.

You hear the pain in Mimi’s (Renee Elise Goldsberry) voice as she says goodbye to her love Roger and accepts the fact that she needs to get through her drug addiction.

But nothing is more impactful than the final song “Finale B” where they send their message to the audience and Angel (Justin Johnston) comes out one last time to say goodbye.

But the final production on Broadway can’t end like that. It has to end with a bang and it sure did. You see Rent alumni, such as Anthony Rapp, Jesse Martin, Daphne Rubin-Vega and many others come out on stage with the rest of the cast and sing Seasons of Love one last time. 

That show marked the end of an era. It’s time for other places to take the wheel and keep this how alive. Keep spreading the message throughout this whole production, no matter what version you do. 

“No day but today.”

Kamen, Jon (Producer), & Warren, Michael John (Director). (2008). Rent: Filmed Live On Broadway [Motion Picture]. United States: RadicalMedia

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June Musical of the Month (2018): Bare: A Pop Opera

Album cover
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As many of you know, part of the reason I started doing my "Musical of the Month" series was to introduce me to new musicals. Well, this month is a little different because I was introduced to this musical a little over a year ago. I have a review on it as well if you want to check it out. One of my good friends was in a production of it last year so this is not new to me. What is new is the fact that it took me a year to actually add Bare: A Pop Opera into my musical rotation on Spotify. That is why I have made Bare my June Musical of the Month

Over this last month, I have been listening to Bare: A Pop Opera quite a bit and it was almost like listening to it for the first time. I had forgotten how beautifully sad this show is. I went with my mom to work to help with filing in early June and decided to listen to it whilst I was working. I got to the end, reliving the masterpiece I had seen in 2017, and my eyes started watering.

Jonah Platt as Jason
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Bare is about two gay men, Peter and Jason, struggling to come to terms with their sexuality whilst in a Catholic boarding school in the 90's. The show is just as relevant today as it was over 20 years ago. It is filled with love and heartbreak and everything good and ugly in a relationship.

The music truly helps to convey the message to the audience that love is love and to be proud of who you are. It makes you understand what these men are going through and what they both truly want deep down; acceptance.

The score incorporates the classic sound of pop music while adding a musical theatre twist with some ballads as well. Each song portrays the characters emotions so vividly throughout the show. Joy, angst, tension, anger, sadness, betrayal, content, and confusion are all displayed throughout the show in either the characters words or songs, making it a classic and under-rated musical.

This show has a plethora of amazing characters with their own personal struggles, but these are my personal favorites (in no particular order):

Payson Lewis as Peter
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• Peter: He is in a secret relationship with Jason, but desperately wants to come out to his friends and family. He has fully accepted who he is but is still daunted by the prospect that coming out would change everything.
• Jason: He is in a secret relationship with Peter and wants to keep it that was fearing of what the world will think of him if he decides not to pretend that he is straight.
• Ivy: She is considered "perfect". She's in love with Jason but learns the consequences of her choices.

Favorite songs (in no particular order):

Lindsay Pearce as Ivy
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• "You & I"
• "Role of a Lifetime"
• "Best Kept Secret"
• "911! Emergency!"
• "One"
• "God Don't Make No Trash"
• "All Grown Up"
• "Bare"

If you get the chance, go and listen to this musical. It is one of those shows that will remind you how beautiful life and love is. Plus, it has an amazing and powerful story behind everything.

"Best Kept Secret"
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Panic! at the Disco: Pray for the Wicked Review

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I know what you are probably looking at the title and thinking. "Why is there a review for an album that does not relate to theatre?" Well, I thought and pondered about this for a little while and decided that since Brendon Urie was in Kinky Boots last year, this made it okay to review a Panic! at the Disco album on my theatre blog.

As many of you may know, Panic! at the Disco released a new album titled Pray for the Wicked last Friday. This album comes with so many different styles of music that all sync together somehow. With the traditional use of drums, piano, bass, guitar, and Brendon Urie's beautiful vocal cords, there is the addition of brass and string instruments.

Say Amen (Saturday Night) Video
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Like with every P!@TD album, the sound of it is different than all the others. With this, I think he went a bit more theatrical with some of the songs and a bit more pop with others. I felt that "Old Fashioned" could have come straight out of a musical, which I kind of enjoyed. I also felt like "Dancing's Not a Crime" had more of a Maroon 5 vibe to it, but with that alternative flair. (BTW, I am a huge fan of Maroon 5 as well).

I also felt that there were a couple of songs in the album had an almost inspirational feel to them. "Hey Look Ma, I Made It" and "High Hopes" both talk about never giving up hope that you are going to make it and be the one to get that big break. I feel, as a someone who really wants to become an actress, that is something that you have to have.

Hey Look Ma, I Made It Video
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Now, what did I think of the album as a whole? I absolutely loved it!!!!! It is one of the best albums
that I have ever listened to. I am someone who always has that one song from an album that they don't care for as much as the others, but this is a very rare exception. I love every single song on the album and could listen to them all day. Added bonus: it always makes me want to get up and dance.

I have already recommended it to so many of my friends and for good reason. I even said to one of my best friends that Brendon "hit it out of the park with this one". I seriously have nothing bad to say about this album.

Though, as with most things in life, I do have my favorite songs:

1. Say Amen (Saturday Night)- This was the song that got me to pre-order the album immediately. I love the sound of it and how upbeat and energetic it is.
2. High Hopes- Like I said, it is so inspirational and it is how I feel when I think about pursuing an acting career.
3. Roaring 20's- A) It talks about his time on Broadway, B) I love the sound of it, and C) It is probably my favorite song out of all of them!!!
4. One of the Drunks- I like the style of it and it makes me want to dance (which I have to restrain from doing when I'm driving)
5. King of the Clouds- It has a super cool vibe to it and has an almost escapism element to it that I love.
6. Dying in LA- So beautiful, so magical, so pure

If you haven't already, you guys need to go and listen to Pray for the Wicked ASAP. It is a fantastic and beautiful album that I feel most people will absolutely love!!!

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Musicals and Grief

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In an article written in 2012 for Globe and Mail, Kelly Nestruck explains how Rent helped Anthony Rapp deal with the death of his mother. As illustrated in the Article, Rapp had written a book called Without You and turned it into a one-man musical where he not only describes being apart of the hit musical but also how it affected his life and helped Rapp during a difficult time in his life. 

Nestruck explains how the book shows how Mark and Rapp are similar, but more importantly, how they are different. She describes how Rapp would leave his role with his understudy whenever needed because, unlike Mark, Anthony loved his mother and would rush to her bedside when she needed him most. 

She says at the end of the article, quote, “...even I, a Rent skeptic, was left moved by Without You and with a greater appreciation for Larson and his musical message of living for the now.”

From this Article, it shows me how even someone who isn’t a big fan of the musical, can appreciate the impact it has had on the actors, especially Anthony Rapp. 

Nestruck, J. Kelly. (2012). Rent Control: How a Hit Musical Helped a Son to Grieve. Retrieved from http://ic.galegroup.com.ezproxy1.lib.asu.edu/ic/ovic/NewsDetailsPage/NewsDetailsWindow?disableHighlighting=false&displayGroupName=News&currPage=&scanId=&query=&docIndex=&source=&prodId=OVIC&search_within_results=&p=OVIC&mode=view&catId=&u=asuniv&limiter=&display-query=&displayGroups=&contentModules=&action=e&sortBy=&documentId=GALE%7CA312322973&windowstate=normal&activityType=BasicSearch&failOverType=&commentary=

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