The excitement I feel for the upcoming revival of Once Upon a Mattress at The Transport Group is not to be dismissed. I believe it is just what New York audiences need right now: a laugh riot with great music and a cast that can do this piece justice. Once Upon a Mattress, with music by Mary Rodgers, lyrics by Marshall Barer, and a book my Jay Thompson, Dean Fuller and Barer has always been underestimated, relegated to second tier musical status when in fact the piece is just about as perfect as it can get. A misbegotten 1997 revival of the musical didn’t make the best case for the musical which is funny, melodic, of one piece, and really just a fairy tale overflowing with joy. It’s everything musical comedy should be.
Dressing Them Up - Iconic Costumes of Broadway Musicals
Most Broadway musicals have so many exciting things going for them: music, drama, great performers, inspired direction and choreography, great marketing campaigns. Then there is the physical production itself: the monumental sets, the breathtaking lighting and of course, the brilliantly designed costumes that bring the characters to life. Over the years, there have been some particularly memorable costumes, and some of these creations have moved on to iconic status. Today’s blog looks at some of the most iconic of all Broadway costumes, the fashion creations that have instantly intrigued and excited us through their perfection.
Musical Men
A few weeks ago, I wrote a piece about why we love our Broadway divas, citing the number of great roles written for women in musicals as one of the reasons why we love them so much. A great role is the pedestal on which a great actress can shine. I also suggested that there just aren’t an equal number of plum roles for men and that this is part of the reason why we just don’t have the number of male divas to worship. There are, however, several iconic roles of the musical theatre that men would give their eye-teeth to perform. Today’s blog is a celebration of those juicy parts.
Gifts of Love: Holiday Wish List for Broadway Enthusiasts
Whether we want to admit it or not, the holidays are here. Since tickets to Hamilton seem like an unlikely present this Christmas or Hanukkah (unless you bought them six months ago or don’t mind waiting until 2020 to see it), the Broadway musical enthusiast will have to look elsewhere for gift ideas to put on their wish list. Fortunately, there are a great many wonderful and unique options guaranteed to make every musical theatre fan a happy camper this holiday season.