Exactly two months ago, I saw an entertaining and inspiring Marc Kudisch concert entitled "What Makes Me Tick." As he explained what makes him tick, I started to ponder what makes me tick. After taking some time to really think about it, I came up with six things that make me tick: Experience, Creation, Exploration, Connection, Expression, and Activity.
Experience
Experiencing life, love, joy...living is about experiencing. I try to experience something joyful every day. My favorite experience is watching a musical. My favorite musical to experience is Les Miserables, not surprisingly. Experiencing Les Miserables fills me up with emotion in the best way possible.
Creation
As someone who appreciates the arts and loves musical theatre, I love the act of creation. "Making something out of nothing" ~ There is something amazing about that. I love to create too, whether I am writing a blog post or essay, taking pictures, or crafting a collage, there is something very special about making something that wasn't there before. It produces a feeling of achievement and leaves something behind that wouldn't be there without you.
Exploration
I love to travel and visit cities, and one of my favorite things to do in a new place or somewhere I haven't been in a while is explore. I love to walk everywhere and discover things I've never seen. There is so much to see and do in life, and if I could, I would spend my life traveling the world (and seeing shows along the way). Exploration leads to understanding of other cultures, geography, people, etc.
Connection
Without connection, life would be...unbearable. Connecting with family, friends, strangers...as people, we're meant to be with other people. Moreover, connection is key to theatre. Actors need to connect with an audience. Connection is a very powerful feeling.
Expression
I think most everyone feels the "need to express, to communicate." We all have feelings, and every one has different means for sharing them. New musicals and plays are part of someone's form of expression. For me, this blog is a way to express myself. It's essential, and it can lead to amazing works of art.
Activity
If my month of September didn't make this point, I am person who keeps busy with lots of activites. Usually, when I don't have much going on, I am planning my next trip, my next show, my next dinner with friends ~ something. I have trouble understanding the idea of rest and relaxation. Even on vacation, I'm like the energizer bunny ~ I just keep going and going and going. We only have so much time, and I strive to make the most of every second I'm given.
Why do the above make me tick? They excite me. They energize me. They make me, me. Most of all they electrify me. Billy Elliot sang it best ~ "I can't really explain it. I haven't got the words. It's a feeling that I can't control. I suppose it's like forgetting, losing who you are. And at the same time something makes you whole...electricity, sparks inside of me. And I'm free, I'm free!"
~ LBD
Musical Theatre Quote of the Moment: "But then I feel it move me. Like a burning deep inside. Something bursting me wide open impossible to hide. And suddenly I'm flying, flying like a bird. Like electricity, electricity. Sparks inside of me. And I'm free I'm free" ~ Billy Elliot
Thursday, September 29, 2011
One Day More!
It's been a while since I've written...but a LOT has been going on. The highlights are: I officially started graduate school for an MS in arts administration, and I traveled to London, New York City, and Philadelphia. The best part is that come tomorrow, I will have seen 15 shows this month. New record!
In London, I managed to see 10 shows in 8 days, including Phantom of the Opera, War Horse, Ghost, Richard III, Wicked, Billy Elliot, Wizard of Oz, and Les Miserables. A wonderful, eclectic mix of shows. It was an ideal vacation.
Phantom of the Opera surprised me. I was lucky to see it with its 25th Anniversary Cast, starring John Owen Jones as the Phantom, Katie Hall as Christine, and Killian Donnelly as Raoul. Naturally, I was pleased to see a cast full of Les Mis alums. The show is truly stunning. The lavish music, set, and costumes have delighted audiences for a quarter of a century. When the chandelier rises as the show begins, you know you're in for a treat. I'd only seen touring productions in the past, and even then, I hadn't seen the show live in about 14 years. Nonetheless, the show will always hold a special place in my heart since it was the first musical I ever saw. This production made me realize why Phantom of the Opera is still on Broadway. It continues to amaze audience members, including me, after 25 years.
Another spectacular production I saw was War Horse. I was determined to see the show again in London even though tickets seemed impossible to get. While I had an odd view from a balcony, the resulting back ache was worth it. The show is quite different from the Broadway version. Even though the main storyline remains entact, the means of getting there is a bit different. Firstly, there is only a Song Man, no Song Woman. I really missed the Song Woman. The Song Man was incredible; I'd just been accustomed to hearing a woman's voice too. Secondly, when I read the play, I noticed the use of foreign languages in the story - cheifly German and French. However, on Broadway, the whole story is presented in English. This is not the case in the West End produciton - the show incorporates French and German where it should be used. Lastly, some of the subplots of the story, especially int he second act, were very different. Either way, the main characters - Joey and Albert - still melted my heart. I think the whole audience was practically in tears by the end of the show.
I also saw a very technically stunning show while I was in London - Ghost. I don't think I've ever seen as much technology incorporated into one show. Spiderman may have come close, but I think this show had more technology displayed in it. For the must part it worked, but at times, it was a bit distracting. I especially enjoyed the way the elements of Sam as a ghost were incorporated into the musical. I also appreciated the show's music, sung beautifully by Richard Fleeshman (Sam) and Caissie Levi (Molly).
Even though I could write a novel about the fantastic shows I saw in London, I'll move on to my personal favorite: Les Miserables. The show was the first show I saw this month on September 3, and it will conclude my month tomorrow, September 30. I don't think I will ever not want to see this show. The music, story, characters, themes, etc. get me every time. This time was particularly special, largely because Alfie Boe (Jean Valjean) and Matt Lucas (Thenardier) were in the cast. Alfie Boe's voice reverberated throughout the entire theatre. I've never felt Jean Valjean's words so strongly, so powerfully. Truly inspired performance. Meanwhile, I've never appreciated Thenardier's parts as much as when Matt Lucas performed them. Typically, you don't see actors ad lib in well-renowned shows, like Les Mis, but he did and pulled it off. I also must mention Caroline Sheen (Fantine) and Liam Tamne (Enjorlas) since their performances struck me as well. Caroline Sheen is already a well-established actress, but Liam Tamne is rather new to the scene. I predict he's going to be as huge as Ramin Karimloo in the future, especially since his voice is just as magical.
Upon returning from London, I had a brief trip to New York City, where I saw Mary Poppins, Spiderman, and Rent. Even though I've seen them all before, I'd never seen Mary Poppins on Broadway. That was a standout performance since it starred the original Mary and Bert, Laura Michelle Kelly and Gavin Lee respectively. What a treat! I love to hear the voices of those on the original cast album when I can. I'm still hoping to hear the original Jean Valjean, Colm Wilkinson, sing live one day.
Tomorrow, the final day of September, I'll conclude my month at Les Miserables. Talk about ending on a high note! I've seen the tour before, but some of the cast has changed, and I am looking forward to seeing a new take on the characters. I can't quite believe that in "one more dawn, one more day, one day more" September will be over. This memorable, musical-filled month has been inspiring.
~ LBD
Musical Quote of the Moment: “Take my love, for love is everlasting" ~ Les Miserables
In London, I managed to see 10 shows in 8 days, including Phantom of the Opera, War Horse, Ghost, Richard III, Wicked, Billy Elliot, Wizard of Oz, and Les Miserables. A wonderful, eclectic mix of shows. It was an ideal vacation.
Phantom of the Opera surprised me. I was lucky to see it with its 25th Anniversary Cast, starring John Owen Jones as the Phantom, Katie Hall as Christine, and Killian Donnelly as Raoul. Naturally, I was pleased to see a cast full of Les Mis alums. The show is truly stunning. The lavish music, set, and costumes have delighted audiences for a quarter of a century. When the chandelier rises as the show begins, you know you're in for a treat. I'd only seen touring productions in the past, and even then, I hadn't seen the show live in about 14 years. Nonetheless, the show will always hold a special place in my heart since it was the first musical I ever saw. This production made me realize why Phantom of the Opera is still on Broadway. It continues to amaze audience members, including me, after 25 years.
Another spectacular production I saw was War Horse. I was determined to see the show again in London even though tickets seemed impossible to get. While I had an odd view from a balcony, the resulting back ache was worth it. The show is quite different from the Broadway version. Even though the main storyline remains entact, the means of getting there is a bit different. Firstly, there is only a Song Man, no Song Woman. I really missed the Song Woman. The Song Man was incredible; I'd just been accustomed to hearing a woman's voice too. Secondly, when I read the play, I noticed the use of foreign languages in the story - cheifly German and French. However, on Broadway, the whole story is presented in English. This is not the case in the West End produciton - the show incorporates French and German where it should be used. Lastly, some of the subplots of the story, especially int he second act, were very different. Either way, the main characters - Joey and Albert - still melted my heart. I think the whole audience was practically in tears by the end of the show.
I also saw a very technically stunning show while I was in London - Ghost. I don't think I've ever seen as much technology incorporated into one show. Spiderman may have come close, but I think this show had more technology displayed in it. For the must part it worked, but at times, it was a bit distracting. I especially enjoyed the way the elements of Sam as a ghost were incorporated into the musical. I also appreciated the show's music, sung beautifully by Richard Fleeshman (Sam) and Caissie Levi (Molly).
Even though I could write a novel about the fantastic shows I saw in London, I'll move on to my personal favorite: Les Miserables. The show was the first show I saw this month on September 3, and it will conclude my month tomorrow, September 30. I don't think I will ever not want to see this show. The music, story, characters, themes, etc. get me every time. This time was particularly special, largely because Alfie Boe (Jean Valjean) and Matt Lucas (Thenardier) were in the cast. Alfie Boe's voice reverberated throughout the entire theatre. I've never felt Jean Valjean's words so strongly, so powerfully. Truly inspired performance. Meanwhile, I've never appreciated Thenardier's parts as much as when Matt Lucas performed them. Typically, you don't see actors ad lib in well-renowned shows, like Les Mis, but he did and pulled it off. I also must mention Caroline Sheen (Fantine) and Liam Tamne (Enjorlas) since their performances struck me as well. Caroline Sheen is already a well-established actress, but Liam Tamne is rather new to the scene. I predict he's going to be as huge as Ramin Karimloo in the future, especially since his voice is just as magical.
Upon returning from London, I had a brief trip to New York City, where I saw Mary Poppins, Spiderman, and Rent. Even though I've seen them all before, I'd never seen Mary Poppins on Broadway. That was a standout performance since it starred the original Mary and Bert, Laura Michelle Kelly and Gavin Lee respectively. What a treat! I love to hear the voices of those on the original cast album when I can. I'm still hoping to hear the original Jean Valjean, Colm Wilkinson, sing live one day.
Tomorrow, the final day of September, I'll conclude my month at Les Miserables. Talk about ending on a high note! I've seen the tour before, but some of the cast has changed, and I am looking forward to seeing a new take on the characters. I can't quite believe that in "one more dawn, one more day, one day more" September will be over. This memorable, musical-filled month has been inspiring.
~ LBD
Musical Quote of the Moment: “Take my love, for love is everlasting" ~ Les Miserables
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