Variety Show: Thoughts from the Week

I've seen some rehearsal videos of Aubrey O'Day and I'll admit...she's much better than I expected.  While I cannot confidently say she will be a stellar Amber, I do think there is potential there . Check it Out

I've also seen video from the open 9 to 5 rehearsal, but I was a little frustrated that all they showed was the title song. I understand that that is the most recognizable tune, but I really wish we'd gotten to see hear more of the score. There's no way to gauge the quality of the score. However, I'll give Dolly Parton the benefit of the doubt.  I am also a huge fan of Allison Janney, I think Megan Hilty is perfectly cast, and I'm excited to see Stephanie J. Block in another leading role.  I'm a huge fan of her voice, and it's a shame she hasn't had more opportunities to showcase her talent. Check it Out

The Search for the Next Elle Woods...Some how, though I didn't intend it, I managed to get incredibly invested in this show.  The reality show has pulled me in.


The reality is...not one of the girls left is a triple threat.  The best Elle would have a combination of Bailey's dancing, Autumn's vocal ability, Lauren's character choices, and Rhiannon's quirkiness and bone structure.  But the reality is...that's not an option.  The "What You Want" audition was insane; with the exception of  "Legally Blonde: Remix," it's probably the most challenging number in the show.  Autumn maintained good energy throughout but failed to master the tap combination and Rhiannon lost her breath (and sang with an extremely weak voice).  In my opinion, Lauren and Bailey probably did the best job overall (yes, folks, I just complimented Bailey.)  After the Amazon.com snafu (which sounds like Bailey unless Autumn is singing in some crazy head voice) and in the light of recent "spoilers," it's looking like  Bailey win with a possibility of Autumn earning an ensemble track, and honestly, that breaks my heart.  Bailey is very cute, but that's it; there's no depth there, her acting is weak, and she's merely giving an imitation of Laura Bell Bundy...and guess what, Bailey?  Laura Bell did it better.  I've resigned myself to the fact that come Monday, I will most likely be disappointed with the results...however, while this does make me upset about the New York production, I am looking forward to the tour even more.  I've learned to have a greater appreciation for Becky Gulsvig, and it'll be nice to see Lauren.

Moving on...

Several Confessions:

I absolutely love Mamma Mia.  The first time I saw this show, I was in the midst of breakup number two from the high school ex-boyfriend from hell and I cried during "The Winner Takes it All."  The second time I saw it, right before my high school graduation, my mother and I were both in tears during "Slipping Through My Fingers."  This show--as silly, campy, and ridiculous as it is--means a lot to me. 

I love Meryl Streep and Colin Firth.

I love the way Greece photographs on film.  It's gorgeous, and every time I see the landscape in a movie, I yearn to go there.

And I absolutely hated the Mamma Mia film.

And this isn't a case of "I saw the stage show and nothing on film could ever compare and the movie has to be exactly like the show."  I don't approach musical adaptations like that.  I enjoyed Hairspray and Chicago a great deal.  But this---not so much.

Meryl Streep gives her campiest, weakest performance to date, Pierce Brosnan cannot sing (and I actually laughed out loud during several of his numbers), and my favorite relationship, Bill and Rosie, was diminished; they barely interacted and "Take a Chance on Me" came off out of the blue, desperate, and awkward. 

Why the narrative plot holes?  Why the awful fantasy sequences in "Money Money Money"?  

The director staged this film in an awful, absolutely misguided way, with such frenetic over produced cinematography.  I actually found myself cringing at moments.  However, the movie does have its moments...and most of them involve the divine Christine Baranski and the hilarious Julie Walters.  Thank goodness for them.