The Last Five Minutes - A Review of the Film The Last Five Years

The Last Five Minutes - A Review of the Film The Last Five Years

Mark Robinson
Stage To Screen, Cinematters

For me, there has been no more exciting composer-lyricist regularly represented on Broadway in the last ten years than Jason Robert Brown. Every project he touches drips with a fierce honesty and lyrical poetry that sets him apart from just about everyone writing these days (save Adam Guettel). There is something inherently theatrical about the premise of each piece, which is probably why they register so beautifully on the stage. I admit that I was skeptical about how a film version of Brown's The Last Five Years would play. It turns out that my concerns were well-warranted.

What Was Your First Broadway Musical?

What Was Your First Broadway Musical?

Mark Robinson
Music That Makes Me Dance

One of my favorite questions to ask a Broadway enthusiast is "What was your first Broadway musical?" I find it an interesting study to explore how people were introduced to the lights of the Great White Way. Was it a parent who chose the show? Did you get to choose it yourself? Like millions, were you indoctrinated through Cats, reeled in by the promise of its enticing (and deceptive) television commercial? How did your first Broadway musical shape your opinions on Broadway? Did it establish your likes and dislikes? Was the experience so completely overwhelming and transforming that all musicals since have paled by comparison? 

Driving Out Jack Frost - Movie Musicals to Warm You Up

Driving Out Jack Frost - Movie Musicals to Warm You Up

Mark Robinson
Stage To Screen, Cinematters

The weather was pretty brutal this weekend in upstate New York, and from the weather map, it appears that most of the country has been plunged into a deep freeze that even the creators of Frozen hadn't envisioned. I spent my weekend curled up under a blanket, drinking coffee and watching movie musicals. I do this on warm days as well, but considering the draft that was coming in the window via 40 mile-an-hour winds this Sunday, I decided to put together the ten-best movie musicals to watch on a cold winter's day. 

A "Couple" of Laughs - Comedy Duets for Valentine's Day

A "Couple" of Laughs - Comedy Duets for Valentine's Day

Mark Robinson
Music That Makes Me Dance

A month ago, I wrote a piece on the anti-love song, exploring the bitter and the scorned characters of Broadway musicals. With Valentine's Day just a few days away, I suppose I should provide an antidote to all the vitriol and tears. Since the straightforward love song is not particularly my bag, I have decided to celebrate Hallmark's pay dirt by reveling in my ten favorite musical comedy duets about love. It's not as romantic a topic, but infinitely more sincere and satisfying. 

Load More