Let’s Talk About Cats the Movie

Let’s Talk About Cats the Movie

Mark Robinson
Cinematters, Music That Makes Me Dance

Reviews for the film adaptation of the long-running West End and Broadway musical Cats have been brutal, even blistering. From the creepiness of the CGI effects to the ridiculously choppy editing and camera work that detracted from the choreography, Cats on the big screen has proven to be... well... a “cat” astrophe, bringing-in well under its projected box office receipts during its premiere weekend. Sure, the film was up against one of the year’s most eagerly anticipated films The Rise of Skywalker, but Cats failed on its own terms, and the force just wasn’t with it. That is not to say that there aren’t some things it got right. A few of them splendidly so. 

Remembering Darling of the Day

Remembering Darling of the Day

Mark Robinson
Music That Makes Me Dance

Darling of the Day was a 1968 musical that held many high expectations, with music by the great Jule Styne, lyrics by the always witty and wonderful E. Y. Harburg, and a book by filmmaker Nunnally Johnson. The show would star two great personalities, Patricia Routledge (who would go on to television fame playing Hyacinth Bucket in the BBC sitcom Keeping Up Appearances), and classic horror film star Vincent Price (who had starred in such flicks as House of Wax and House on Haunted Hill). With several important pieces in place, it seemed that the ingredients were there for a Broadway hit. Yet, Darling of the Day didn’t enjoy the run that was hoped for and that many felt it deserved.

Ten Broadway Musicals I’m Thankful For

Ten Broadway Musicals I’m Thankful For

Mark Robinson
Music That Makes Me Dance

 My readers often ask me about my favorite musicals, and I truly have a hard time answering that question at the exclusion of others. I have a very short list of musicals I do not like, but a long list of shows that I love, admire, and respect. For Thanksgiving, I thought I would share the ten that have had specific special meaning to me over the years and share why. I hope you’ll enjoy this piece and understand why these shows hold such importance to me. 

What Does Disney+ Have For the Musical Fan?

What Does Disney+ Have For the Musical Fan?

Mark Robinson
Music That Makes Me Dance, Second Star to the Right

The launch of Disney+ had a few snags during its initial rollout, with more subscribers signing on to the new steaming platform than were initially expected. As the kinks begin to be ironed out, it looks as though Disney+ will provide a host of wonderful options from the worlds of classic and contemporary Disney, Star Wars, Marvel, National Geographic, including many original films and series to enjoy. For those of us who love musicals (film, television, and stage), there are also plentiful offerings, some newer, but most that hold a place of nostalgia in our hearts. Here are some standouts that you can hope to find!

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