30. A Song From Your Favorite Musical

The Phantom of the Opera "The Point of No Return"



So... how many of you guys were shocked that The Rocky Horror Picture Show is not my favorite musical???

I realized, at seven years old, that I was a hopeless romantic... thanks to Disney's Beauty and the Beast. It was about a bookworm that didn't quite fit in and found herself with someone who was outcast and they eventually fell in love. I hate to admit that this movie became a sort of ideal mold for me in my dating life, LOL.


Then, just a few days before Valentine's Day (this year), I found myself reliving the same emotions when watching The Phantom of the Opera. The movie encompassed love, hate, anger, and passion through the music and the story. It was beautiful and flawless to me and after watching it the first time, I started to watch it again. I NEVER do that. It immediately made the #2 spot on my favorite movies list. It is such a beautiful, passionate, and moving production. If the movie can move me that much, I cannot imagine what the stage show would do. If there are any other hopeless romantics out there who have not seen it (or any theater lover for that matter), you need to see this immediately. It's worth it.


Well, that wraps up the Musical Blog Challenge. I got several of these songs stuck in my head and I bet it did the same to some of you. I hope you enjoyed all the musicals I covered and maybe you were introduced to some new ones. Thank you to those who read the entries... I really loved working on this challenge :-)

29. A Song From a Musical That You Would Love To Be Involved In

Rock of Ages "Harden My Heart"



As I was sitting in Memorial Hall on May 3, 2011, I was mesmerized at the awesomeness that is Rock of Ages. Not only did I fall in love with the story, the 80's setting, and the music, but I also found myself wanting to be part of the show. I don't have a lot of dance or singing experience so that would cause some issue with being cast in a musical, but there is always that one show you are dying to get involved in despite the lack of certain talents. This musical would be on the top of the list (others include Rent and Phantom of the Opera). If I hear of a local theater holding auditions for this musical, I would definitely give it a try. If I don't make it, I would still try to be part of the show, whether on one of the stage crews or the box office... just like I did in high school. :-)

Speaking of getting involved... the stage cast from Rock of Ages have spoken out. They want to be part of the motion picture currently filming:



Did I mention that I LOVE the cast??? I really hope they get to be involved in the movie... they deserve it.

28. A Song From a Musical With a Character So Bad/Evil That You Love to Hate

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street "Epiphany"



Okay, I don't hate Benjamin Barker (aka. Sweeney Todd). I actually understand his intentions for seeking vengeance on those that tore his marriage apart and landed himself in jail for over a decade. All that time sitting in confinement would boil a lot of anger in myself too, especially knowing that I was set up by the town's judge. However, the difference between Sweeney Todd and myself is that I would not resort to murder to feel justified.

What I love about Sweeney Todd is how viciously gory it is. You don't normally see that in musicals. To have the protagonist as this hateful, impatient person is appealing. You hope that there is still some good in him somewhere, which starts to show when he finds out that his daughter is alive and living with the judge that changed his life forever. This musical made me look at shaving tools differently...

27. A Song From a Musical That You Wish to See Feature or Star Your Favorite Performers

The Who's Tommy "Pinball Wizard"



Tommy, a great album by The Who. Tommy, the movie musical, not so great. It just wasn't executed that well. This is one of those movies I would love to see it remade in the next few years. When I was a senior in high school, my theater teacher directed a statewide production of this rock opera. My theater classmates and I had the opportunity to watch it in class one day, and the way Mr. Martin told the story was extremely well done (and also slightly edited for family friendly content).

I loved that there were many celebrity cameos in the movie, but to have some fresher faces would be more appealing for a remake. I would love to see The Who be involved, but since it's been over 35 years, Roger Daltrey would not be able to reprise his role (considering his age). For instance, having someone like Constantine Maroulis, Patrick Stump, or Justin Timberlake as Tommy and Queen Latifah or Mary J. Blige as the Acid Queen. I could also see Zooey Deschanel, Steven Tyler, Chris Daughtry, Lady Gaga and many others signing on for this movie. Just imagining this is getting me excited for a remake. Someone please green light this idea!!!!

26. A Song From a Musical With A Character You Most Relate To

Troy Bolton- High School Musical 3 "Scream"



I know this is pretty stereotypical of high school/teen movies, but there is always the one character that has new found aspirations for life and must go against his parents (and sometimes his friends) wishes to pursue what they really want in life. Troy Bolton is the epitome of that character. He loves basketball and he loves theater. He also loves Gabriella, who moves away to pursue an early start college program. All of these things compact at once, making Troy fight a battle with himself to find out what he truly wants in life. I completely relate to that.

I've had to make a similar decision. I've always known that I want to be a writer and knew that I would major in Journalism since freshmen year of high school. However, with the curve balls thrown at me in life, I had to make a decision. I stopped going to school after I had my son. At the time, I couldn't afford to do both and I had to think about what was best for my son at the time. Since then, I have found that I can do both, and am in the process of making that a reality. Sometimes you have to change the order of your dreams, but they can still come true and make you happy! :-D

25. A Song From a Musical That is Your Current Favorite

Rock Of Ages "Here I Go Again"



Lately, I have been, for lack of a better word, obsessed with 80's nostalgia. I think it started when I went to see this show back in May. I've mentioned in one of the earlier blog challenge posts that I just love the music, the costumes, and the 80's pop culture references. Because of this show, I have become a fan of their pages on Facebook and Twitter, griped over how the stage cast is not part of the feature film (and I hope that changes even though it is currently filming), and hope that someday they will release a DVD of the stage show so I can watch it over and over again. Rock of Ages renewed my love for musical theater and I want to invest in seeing more shows around the city in the future (given that I can afford to go to many shows).

24. A Song From a Musical That Makes Me Laugh

South Park: Bigger, Longer, and Uncut "It's Easy MMMKay"



Give it to Trey Parker and Matt Stone for what could possibly be the most profane musical out there. I had actually forgotten this was a musical until someone suggested that I use this somewhere in my blog challenge. I remember seeing this movie in the theaters and having several moments where my jaw dropped immediately followed by laughter (I mean, I was 15 years old). Who wouldn't laugh over Terrence and Phillip singing "Uncle Fucker," realizing who is behind Cartman when he's performing "Kyle's Mom is a Bitch," or seeing the townspeople rally to "Blame Canada" for corrupting their children? It was hilarious to me as a teen and it is just as funny today.

Last week, the Tony Awards were on television. I had missed the show, but was happy to find out that Trey and Matt's musical, The Book of Mormon, won the most awards. I have heard rave reviews about the musical and finally found the number they performed at the Tony's. Who knew that the creators of South Park would ever have a Broadway hit on their hands???

The Book of Mormon "I Believe"



I cannot wait to see this show!!!

23. A Song From a Musical That Should Be Seen Live

The Phantom of the Opera "All I Ask of You"


Ever since I was involved in theater in high school, many of my classmates raved on the show. Some of them have seen it live multiple times. A few months ago, some of my friends and I got into a discussion on my Facebook page about the play. At least three of them told me I HAVE to go see a live show of it someday. Others raved that nobody is a better Phantom than Michael Crawford. I have looked up some of Crawford's work on YouTube and I know exactly what they mean by that. He is phenomenal. It would be an absolute dream to see a live show with him as the Phantom.

One of these days, I will see The Phantom of the Opera live. I don't care if it's in New York City, London, Las Vegas, or a traveling production (or all of the above)... I will do this before I die!!!

22. A Song From a Musical That Should Never Have Been Made Into a Movie

Mamma Mia "The Winner Takes It All"



There's something about a musical made entirely of songs by ABBA that does not appeal to me at all. I do admit that I like many of their songs. I have tried watching this movie a couple times. I love a lot of the actors in it and it had the potential to be great. It even had a pretty good start. However, about... I'd say 20-30 minutes in, I just felt like it turned to ridiculous. For one, the songs don't always flow in and out of the story well... and for some they just stick out like a sore thumb. Then you realize a couple of the actors are not that talented in singing (I'm sorry Pierce Brosnan, but it wasn't pleasing). If I were given the opportunity to see a stage production of this, I would give it a try. Maybe some of the elements just got lost from stage to film. I am just not a fan of this film.

21. A Song From a Musical That Inspires You

Rent "La Vie Boheme"



A group of bohemians (artists, filmmakers, writers, and musicians) working together to be able to live their lives in the city they love, while fighting Corporate America, and seeking to find love and happiness... completely inspiring!!! I don't see how anyone can watch this movie without feeling inspired to do something. I admire that each person does what they love to do, even if they have difficulty paying bills, like rent. Several of the characters have HIV/AIDS, so for them to deal with that while falling in love is also inspiring to me. It just goes to show that you can overcome an obstacle like that to find happiness.

Now, who wants to hang out with me in Westport, order a bunch of fries and other snacks, and do our own rendition of "La Vie Boheme?" It will be fun...   :-D

20. A Song From a Musical That Is a Guilty Pleasure

Moulin Rouge "Lady Marmalade/Smells Like Teen Spirit/ Because We Can"



Moulin Rouge: a musical that blends early 20th century France and pop culture music. That makes this a complete guilty pleasure for me. To take a time in history and put a current, fun spin on it makes it one of the most entertaining tragic love stories I have ever seen. Baz Luhrmann has a talent of mixing more than one widely popular song together to create a new kind of masterpiece. I also love his color palette in all of his movies.. so vibrant and stimulating. I know if I lived back then, I would totally be one of the Children of the Revolution, since I am a firm believer of Freedom, Beauty, Truth, and (most of all) Love.

I also love that Christian is a writer, like me. Movies with characters who are writers have a special place in my love for movies :-)

19. A Song From a Musical that Disappointed You

Grease 2 "Cool Rider"



When I was 11, I remember using $20 to invest in a couple movies (on VHS). One was Dumb and Dumber and the other was Grease. I loved both movies and watched them over and over again. When my Mom told me they made a sequel to Grease, I was excited to watch it. Grease 2 was one of my first experiences in learning that some sequels should never see the light of day.

Seeing a new class of seniors taking over Rydell High, the T-Birds and the Pink Ladies was pretty awesome. It was also cool to see the transition from the fifties to the sixties and how the attitude of the students had changed over time. Some numbers were very cool, but most of them were so overly ridiculous, like "Reproduction" and "Score Tonight." I mean, really? Sexual innuendos doubled as terms for bowling? Yes, it was overly cheesy. If you want a classic and entertaining musical, stick with the original and skip the sequel.

18. A Song From a Musical with the Best Lyrics

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street "Worst Pies in London"



There are many musicals out there that express the story through song, but none of them can compare to Sweeney Todd. All the major occurrences and intricate details are clearly expressed through the lyrics. I love watching this and enjoying a song that expresses the struggles of purchasing quality meat, one that challenges a "Miracle Elixir," one that gives the back story of the demise of a married couple, and one that suggests that certain occupations could make for tasty meat. The graphic details of all the songs make it for one attention getting yet stimulating musical. Stephen Sondheim did wonders with this musical and I will see a live show of it someday.

17. A Song From a Musical with the Best Music

Rock of Ages "Wanted Dead or Alive" and "I Wanna Know What Love Is"



What I loved about Rock of Ages, aside from the 80's nostalgia, is that it's a musical that I knew all the songs beforehand. Where else can you see a stage show that has your favorite songs by Poison, Bon Jovi, Joan Jett, Foreigner, Europe, Journey, and others??? A few times in the show, they combine two songs together into one epic number... and it works!!! The songs work into the story so much better than they do in The Who's Tommy (which Tommy was meant to be a rock opera... so that's saying something). What was also cool about seeing this stage show was that it felt like a rock concert in the sense that every time a character would start to sing a song, some of the audience members would shout and cheer once the recognized the song.

There is one scene in particular, after intermission, where Justice (owner of a strip club) is consoling Sherrie over her personal life... and when I recognized the song as "Every Rose Has Its Thorns," I reacted with such an audible gasp that the people sitting in front of me turned around and said "Now that's a good reaction!" I can't help that I'm a MAJOR fan of Poison, hehe :-D

16. A Song From Your Favorite Composer, From Your Least Favorite Musical

Andrew Lloyd Webber: Cats "Memory"



Before I go into this, I need to say that I have never seen Cats. I have no desire to, even though Andrew Lloyd Webber is my favorite composer. Just because I am a fan of his work doesn't mean I'm going to like everything he puts out. For one, if I am going to watch a show with felines... it's going to be The Lion King. I also think that is a show that has been overexposed and over hyped over the years.

A perfect example of my attitude toward this can be portrayed accurately in the movie Jersey Girl. Yes, the Kevin Smith film. All of the students want to perform "Memory" for the talent show... and they do. Ollie (Ben Affleck) takes his daughter to see Sweeney Todd, which inspires them to perform a number from the musical for the talent show. When the principal realizes that they are not performing a number from Cats, she is extremely relieved. I would be too after seeing the same number at least a dozen times in one night.

Now, before anyone argues that I need to give Cats a chance... don't be harsh about it. If you can give me good reasons, and express them in such a manner that I know you are passionate about the musical, then I will watch it. :-)

15. A Song From Your Favorite Composer

Andrew Lloyd Webber: The Phantom of the Opera "The Phantom of the Opera" and "Music of the Night"



Andrew Lloyd Webber, creator of wonderful musicals including Jesus Christ Superstar, Evita, and Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat. Of course, my favorite of his works is The Phantom of the Opera. The way he expresses such passionate emotions like love, anger, and revenge- through the music- is perfection.

The song "The Phantom of the Opera" has the air of mystery, excitement, and a little bit of fear. You are curious about the man behind the mask. I have always loved hearing organs in musicals. There's something about that instrument that makes me feel the music inside my body and soul and I don't want the feeling to go away. In "Music of the Night," I feel the love and sensuality The Phantom is expressing to Christine. It made me yearn for a guy who would express the same emotions to me... someone who wanted me so badly that he would do anything to make that happen. Well, aside from offing people who got in his way... there is a fine line between passionate love and a jealous rage- or is there???

Andrew Lloyd Webber, you are a genius and an inspiration to those who have a passion for musical theater. I need to see one of your productions live someday!!!

14. A Song From a Musical That You Haven't Listened to/ Seen In a While

Little Shop of Horrors "Feed Me (Git It)"



Little Shop of Horrors is the first stage play I had ever seen. I was about 7 years old and one of the girls who used to babysit my sister and I was in the production at Grandview Middle School. I remember being scared and fascinated at Aubrey II, but it was also silly to me that the plant ate people.

It has been years, maybe 10 or more, since I last watched the movie. I am tempted to rent it soon, so I can introduce it to my son. He might enjoy it. A few weeks ago, I found the soundtrack amongst a bunch of cd's that a family friend made for us. I added a song or two to my ITunes, so I can enjoy the music as it randomly shows up on shuffle.

13. A Song From a Musical that You Loved From the First Note

Phantom of the Opera- "Overture"



I had never seen The Phantom of the Opera until this year. I know, shocking.

I decided to watch a bunch of love stories/ romantic comedies the week leading up to Valentine's Day. I figured if I didn't have a special someone to celebrate the holiday with, then I would do my own thing... with movies. I popped in the movie expecting to really like the movie. What I didn't expect was that as soon as the organ was played for the first time that I felt the love, passion, and the music take over me... and kept me there until the ending credits. The Phantom of the Opera is inevitable proof that music is something that you feel completely passionate about and love endlessly. It affects you so deeply that you cannot imagine a world without it.

Every time I decide to watch this movie or play the music, I cannot help but get a huge smile on my face and feel the music within my heart. I am a hopeless romantic after all! :-)

12. A Song From a Musical That You Could Listen to All Day

For today's blog entry, I had trouble deciding on just one musical. There are two soundtracks I own that I have listened to countless times, so why not have a double dose of musical goodness today??? I figured you wouldn't mind, LOL

Chicago "Cell Block Tango"



When my sister and I were watching the 2002 Academy Awards, we saw Chicago take a lot of awards, including Best Picture. Less than a week later, I bought the soundtrack and my sister and I were sitting at the movie theaters watching the movie. I loved the music, the choreography, and the use of accent colors to make the scenes just pop! I spent a lot of the following months playing this soundtrack over and over again in my bedroom and in my car.

Moulin Rouge "El Tango de Roxanne"



I caught this movie one day on HBO. I knew beforehand that Baz Luhrmann was behind the film, and I was a big fan of William Shakespeare's Romeo + Juliet. I loved how he blends pop culture with a classic love story to make an extremely entertaining experience, visually, musically, and emotionally. After watching the movie for the first time, it wasn't that much longer until I was purchasing the soundtrack. Just like the Chicago soundtrack, I spent many times in my room and my car listening to it, but more in the car (especially when I spent my first semester of college in St. Louis). I also own a movie poster of this film, which is currently hanging on the wall just outside my bedroom. :-)

11. A Song From a Musical That Has Made the Most Impact on You

Rocky Horror Picture Show "Hot Patootie Bless My Soul"



It just seems natural to me that the musical that was the first one I had ever seen (which is also the one that I know nearly all the lines to) is also the one that has had the most impact on me. To repeat myself from several previous blog entries, I was raised by parents who loved this musical and saw the stage show over 200 times. It is, in a way, a part of how my family came to be. The love for the cult musical also had worked its way into my high school theater experience, where I found classmates who loved it as much as I did (and one Halloween I watched the musical in the garage while handcuffed to one of my theater buddies... hehe).

It took going to my first live show in July 2010 that affected/ impacted my life more than any other musical. I found a new activity that I look forward to every month. I have made a lot of new friends while going to the shows, which includes people I have dated/ are dating. I invested in corsets and costumes for the show. Then I started helping the cast with setting up, taking tickets, and cleaning up when the show was over. But the part that just made everything complete was when I was asked if I was ready to be part of the show. I happily accepted and am now one of the shadow cast members. The Rocky Horror Picture Show is a big part of my social life now and I am excited to continue being part of the show.

I also am looking forward to what's ahead as far as Rocky Horror goes. I have set a goal to where I would like to play each character at least once in my life. I also would like to attend shows in other cities (which would make for some fun weekend road trips). Then there is a convention coming to Denver, CO in 2013. The future looks very promising. :-)