Musicals that Transport and Musicals that Transform

Musicals that Transport and Musicals that Transform

Mark Robinson
Broadway Musical Musings, Odds & Ends

Recently, a Facebook friend of mine started a debate over which people preferred: escapist musicals that transport us to a happier place or thought-provoking musicals that evolve our minds to new perspectives. I found this debate startling because I always thought the answer to this question was obvious. It surprised me to see how many people were dismissing the value of the lighthearted musical comedy. Of course, musicals that transport and musicals that transform are equally essential to the world of musical theatre and it all depends on what you need and when you need it.

The Not-So-Secret Hatchet Job on The Secret Garden

The Not-So-Secret Hatchet Job on The Secret Garden

Mark Robinson
Music That Makes Me Dance, Odds & Ends

I am writing this piece to, once and for all, put to rest any notion that the Lucy Simon/Marsha Norman musical The Secret Garden needs to be fixed. If a Broadway revival of this complex and emotionally textured musical, based on Frances Hodgson Burnett’s beloved novel, is to happen, then it needs to come to Broadway in tact! Rumors have begun to filter in to me that the eagerly anticipated production playing at The Shakespeare Theatre Company in Washington D.C. and co-produced with the 5th Avenue Theatre is taking some mighty big liberties with this beloved musical. Apparently, director David Armstrong had such limited faith in the piece that he felt it needed to be re-written and many of its glorious songs excised. For shame.

My Ten-Best Musical Theatre Experiences of 2016

My Ten-Best Musical Theatre Experiences of 2016

Mark Robinson

2016 has been a rough year for many people, but one cannot deny that it has been an exciting year for theatre. Looking back, I realized I saw many pieces of theatre that moved and affected me with their artistry and their honesty. Once and a while, I was even entertained for entertainments sake (transported) and those are sometimes my favorite theatre experiences. 

So... counting down, here were my top-ten theatre experiences of 2016. 

The Binge-Watching Continues: 51 More Fabulous Broadway Flops

The Binge-Watching Continues: 51 More Fabulous Broadway Flops

Mark Robinson
Music That Makes Me Dance, Guilty Pleasure

Since the last compilation was such a hit, and readers have been asking for more, here is another collection of great videos of Broadway musical flops. I hope you enjoy watching them as much as I enjoyed the scavenger hunt of finding them for you! 

Wishing you a Happy Holiday, no matter what you celebrate and how you celebrate. We can all walk into the New Year, hand in hand, sharing our universal love of musical theatre. Here's to all of us! 

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