Everything's Coming Up Roses

"MOO WITH ME"

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Magic

I recently had an amazing phone call with Jan Svendsen, the Director of Marketing for the Broadway League and Tony Awards. Needless to say, it was incredible. She reminded me of the magic of Broadway and the way these shows touch our hearts. I sometimes let me love for Broadway and musicals in general fall to the wayside. I went to see Memphis last week and was, once again, brought to tears by an amazing story and cast. Since I live in Oregon and am on the opposite side of the country from NYC, I'm generally left with movie musicals, with the exception of touring companies. So, I've made a list of movie musicals to power through. I own a lot on DVD but the rest I'm leaving up to the internet to find for me. :) My next few weeks will be full of so much happiness. I can't wait. Please provide me with any additions you feel I should add. The list is as follows: 

Hairspray Dreamgirls Sweeney Todd Chicago The Producers Jersey Boys Memphis Annie Into the Woods Peter Pan (Mary Martin) Les Miserables Sound of Music Little Shop of Horrors Funny Girl Legally Blonde  Thoroughly Modern Millie South Pacific Mamma Mia Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Phantom of the Opera  Gypsy  My Fair Lady Bye Bye Birdie Cinderella  Camelot Hedwig and the Angry Inch Guys and Dolls Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Shrek  Sweet Charity Cabaret Fiddler on the Roof Rent

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Proof. 

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MIA

Not that I have many (if any) followers that have missed my dear Broadway blog, but it seems I have been away for some time now. In the past months I have had a few adventures and some big news (among a lot of much less interesting things). However, I am back to share some of my very exciting theatre adventures that I happened upon. Perhaps some of you will share in my excitement but, I expect, this will most likely go unnoticed. Nevertheless, here we go: 

Back in March I had the wonderful opportunity to travel to London for the fourth time. I was visiting graduate programs that I had been accepted to (although I ultimately choose the one school in the states I applied to). I didn't plan anything about this trip except that I was going to see Miranda Hart at the O2 Arena the night before I left. This left my evenings unplanned and not that I don't love wandering big cities alone at night, I thought I should probably keep myself occupied somehow. So, I turned to theatre to do the job, and what a spectacular job it did! I began with Spamalot, a show I had never seen and now LOVE. I have never laughed so hard in my life! Starring incredible actors including Joe Pasquale, Robin Armstrong, Michael Burgen, James Bisp, and my personal favorite, Rob Delaney (Sir Robin, ow ow). It was exactly what this lone traveler needed! The next night I saw Wicked (for the second time in London) and it was just as amazing as the first time I saw it. My third show I saw was probably the most exciting because it starred none other than the theatre LEGEND Angela Lansbury. Yes. ANGELA LANSBURY. I saw her perform and then I was so fortunate to have met her after the show! It was only a brief encounter but we shared some words and she held my hand for a few moments. Even though I felt like I might die, it was the happiest walk home I've ever had. 

Arguably the best week of my life. Yep. The best. Just thought I would share. 

Thanks for reading, or not. :) 

P.S. Did I mention I met Sophie McShera and Zoe Boyle from Downton Abbey? Yeah, that happened. 

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I may have posted this before. Don't care. Enjoy it again because it's two of my favorite women just being charming. :)

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Jaaaaaaaaazzzzzzz baaaabbbbyyy!

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You love her. You cant help it. 

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Happiest of Birthdays!

Tommy Lee Jones 

You probably know him best from his film roles but he made his Broadway debut in A Patriot for Me and has also starred in Four on a Garden and Ulysses in Nighttown. 

Michael Countryman

You've probably seen him in movies such as Burn After Reading and P.S. I Love You but his Broadway credits include A Few Good Men, Wit, Mary Stuart, and Laughter On The 23rd Floor. 

Fay Wray 

Best know for playing the leading female in the original King Kong (correct, this is not Naomi Watts) she also appeared on Broadway in Nikki, Golden Wings, and Mr. Big. 

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Day Eight (obviously these are not consecutive): Your favorite dance break. 

Alright, alright. I love Legally Blonde: The Musical. I think it is so damn fun and feel good. I never have more fun then when I'm in my car belting So Much Better. Seriously. I know this musical isn't the best out there but it is quality. In this case, I am one hundred percent dedicated to the original cast. The show close soon after the main actors changed so...that cast was holding that show! Christian Borle, Laura Bell Bundy, Michael Rupert, and so many others made this show awesome. What You Want has a great dance break. You know what I'm talking about. It's later in the (bad quality) video but the watch is worth it. Please don't be surprised if you find yourself singing along and dancing shamefully in you bedroom hoping that no one will notice the walls shaking. :)

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Star of the Day - Carol Channing

I think we can all agree that this lady is nothing less than a legend. She has always been able to make me laugh and for that, I thank her so so much. It's not often that a gem like this comes along. 

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Visit Original Link

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On this day in 2008 a wonderful show closed on Broadway and today I celebrate the legacy of such a wonderful piece of art. Thank you Jonathan Larson. 

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Happiest of Birthdays!

Tom Everett Scott

We probably know him best from his film roles but he made his stage debut in The Little Dog Laughed. 

Jerry Zaks 

Wonderful Broadway director behind some great shows like Guys and Dolls, Lend Me A Tenor, and Six Degrees of Separation. 

Michael Feinstein

Known mostly for all his solo shows and All About Me in which he appeared with Dame Edna. 

Michael Emerson

Starred in The Iceman Cometh and Hedda Gabler.

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Star of the Day - Norm Lewis

I think we can all agree that this guy is not only extremely talented but extremely beautiful. Most of you probably know him from Les Miserables as Javert but he also originated King Triton in the Little Mermaid and has started in shows such as Sweeney Todd and Porgy and Bess. Let's use this beautiful day to celebrate this great talent. :D

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Showtunes Are More Meaningful Than We Realize

Today is a day that will weigh upon my heart for a very long time. Today has been a day of loss. The loss of something I thought was good and the beginning of a long road of unrequited love. For the last five years I have loved one person with all of my being. The truth is though, love can fade. It's not my fault and it's certainly not his. However, the pain is still very much there and my heart aches. Not that my situation is in anyway related to that of Marilyn Monroe's, but this song somehow forces me to feel. It just goes to show that showtunes are more meaningful than we realize. I have had plenty of people mock my love for musicals but what they can and will never understand is that musicals are not just for entertainment. They are an escape. They allow us to be transported into another world. They take us back in time. They show us love, loss, happiness, and sadness. They manage to bring out every emotion and can even help us outside the theatre. I know this may sound silly but showtunes will be what saves me. They will make me laugh and cry but, above all things, they will take me away. They are my saving grace. 

Don't Forget Me

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DOWNTON! 

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So many feels. Literally crying. I can't stop. Ahhhhhh.