May 23

May 23 The Most Screwed Up Children’s Animated Movie Musical Ever

In 1977 my parents took me on my 4th birthday to see the new Raggedy Ann and Andy film that has just opened the day before in movies. For those of us who grew up in 1970s, Raggedy Ann and Andy merchandise was everywhere. It had already been around for decades, as the original Raggedy Ann doll was created in 1915, with Andy introduced to the mix in 1920. For many, these clown-like rag dolls were an affectionate part of your childhood innocence. They were safety blankets, if you will, to hug and hold when the nights got too creepy and the monsters under your bed began to emerge. They were associated with all things good and safe.

Oct 16

Oct 16 Guilty Pleasure Thursday - "Our Favorite Son" from The Will Rogers Follies

Mark Robinson

Music That Makes Me Dance, Guilty Pleasure

In a season that boasted such arresting musicals as The Secret Garden, Miss Saigon, and Once on this Island, we saw the Tony Award for "Best Musical" go to the bouncy, chirpy, twangy, and, at times, insipid The Will Rogers Follies. The impact, innovation, and depth of the previous three titles are underscored by the more traditional, vaudeville-pastiche of The Will Rogers Follies.Not to worry, though, as there are pleasures to be had in this often predictable Cy Coleman-Betty Comden-Adolph Green score.

Oct 9

Oct 9 Gulity Pleasure Thursday - "Style" from The Magic Show

Mark Robinson

Music That Makes Me Dance, Guilty Pleasure

A delightful Stephen Schwartz score that people are not as familiar with as they are with Wicked and his other hits, The Magic Show features some poigniant character numbers and inventive melodies. Very few people remember that The Magic Show was one of the longest-running musicals of the 1970s, but it was, in fact, as popular as Stephen Schwartz's other musicals of the period: Godspell and Pippin. So, if the score is respected and the show was a hit, why doesn't anyone produce The Magic Show anymore? Surely this report card would have producers clamoring to revive the piece. The answer is simple: the musical was less of a reason for musical theatre and more a reason to show off the magic tricks of popular magician Doug Henning. Schwartz just happened to concoct some great music for a star vehicle that was almost absent of plot.

Oct 2

Oct 2 Guilty Pleasure Thursday - Gigi - It's coming to Broadway...again

Mark Robinson

Music That Makes Me Dance, Guilty Pleasure

Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe created intoxicating scores for the musical classics Brigadoon, My Fair Lady, and Camelot. The songs from these musicals will sweep you off their feel with their theatricality, emotional sweep, and revealing character pieces. Lerner and Loewe also produced the score for the "Best Picture" winner of 1958, Gigi, also picking up an Oscar for the the title song. Vincente Minnelli directed the elegant musical (based on the story by Colette) about a young french girl groomed for courtesanship by her aunt and grandmother in the hopes of securing Gigi's future by pimping her out to the rich playboy Gaston. Apparently, being a "kept woman" is a family trade, passed down through the generations.

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