Jun 7

Jun 7 Predicting the 2019 Tony Winners

As I typically do, I have made my pre-Tony Award predictions, my educated guesses as to who will win in each category. This is not particularly my forte, but I am going to do my best here. If anything, it should at least make for some entertaining reading to see just how wrong I can be about what the masses like. How do I reconcile that perception with my own personal opinions and come up with a choice in each category? I just listen to my gut that will most likely be bursting with crow on Monday morning.

Sep 19

Sep 19 When Is a Broadway Love Song… Not A Love Song?

Mark Robinson

Music That Makes Me Dance

Today I thought it would be interesting to explore a certain type of Broadway love song. There are many Broadway showtunes that are declarations of love, an all-out celebration of (usually) boy-meets-girl or vice-versa and they fall instantly in love. But not every love song from musicals is an overt declaration of amour. Some of these ditties are more subtle in their approach, or ironically deny the possibility of love altogether. Here is a list of examples of some of these love songs that seem to contradict the romances that evolve from them.

Aug 24

Aug 24 Part 2: Amazing Songs from Broadway Musicals That Were Inexplicably Cut From Their Film Versions

Mark Robinson

Music That Makes Me Dance

A few months ago, I wrote a piece about songs that were egregiously cut from the film versions of Broadway musicals. This inspired an outpouring of additional titles that people shared with me, and, in response, I felt a Part 2 of the article was necessary. So, here it is: more songs that were inexplicably cut from their film versions.

Aug 22

Aug 22 Why the Hate For Musicals Based on Films?

Mark Robinson

Music That Makes Me Dance

In the last ten years or so, there have been a great many musicals opening on Broadway that are based on movies. I have also noticed a wave of disgust for these adaptations, people citing that we need more original story ideas. Though I often find myself frustrated with the results of these adaptations, I can’t necessarily say that I am opposed to musicals being the basis for a Broadway musical. After all, we have received many quality musicals that were based on films: Waitress, The Band’s Visit, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Applause, Carnival!, Sunset Boulevard, The Full Monty, The Producers, Nine, Billy Elliott, Spamalot, Silk Stockings, Dogfight, Grand Hotel, Grey Gardens, Kinky Boots, A Man of No Importance, Promises, Promises, Shrek, and Woman of the Yearare all fine examples. So, why all sour faces and crinkled noses (mine sometimes included) for the influx of musicals based on films?

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