Defy Gravity or Embrace Memphis Rock 'N Soul

Gregory Maguire started with an interesting premise for a book. Everyone knows the classic 1939 movie The Wizard of Oz. But, does everyone wonder what happened before the house fell on the wicked witch? How did evil begin? Wicked was quite successful, and in another level of creativity theater folks adapted the book (Winnie Holzman), created music and lyrics (Stephen Schwartz) and voila! a hit Broadway musical.

I saw a Dallas touring production a few years ago and was delighted. I saw the Gershwin Theater production recently and was blown away - what a stage, what sets, costumes, lighting, and voices. There were flying monkeys everywhere. No One Mourns the Wicked begins our musical journey, Popular sticks in the brain, and Defying Gravity will have you soaring.

Wicked is good.

Memphis tells the tale in music of a white DJ who's just crazy enough to hang on Beale Street, devour black music, and spread its joy. It's not easy, but the struggle is worth it. This musical journey shows the impact of integration issues through music. The glory of the voices will have you shouting amen.

The Music of My Soul, Everybody Wants to Be Black on a Saturday Night, and Someday will have you tapping your toes. Say a Prayer will bring tears to your eyes. Stand Up, Change Don't Come Easy, and Memphis Lives in Me will have you believing in the power of rock and roll, gospel, and blues.

New York: Broadway - S'Wonderful

 Happy  Memorial Weekend everybody. I'm back in Texas, poolside, and applying buckets of sunscreen. I'm also going to continue my swoon over New York City and Broadway shows. Gosh, I love corny musicals and we kicked it off right with Nice Work If You Can Get It. Yes, Matthew Broderick still looks about twelve years old. His pleasant demeanor and voice are perfect in the role of a rich playboy who ultimately falls hard for the girl (a fabulous Kelli O'Hara) from the wrong side of the tracks. Throw in some moonshine, Gershwin tunes, and Estelle Parsons as the imperious mother and you've got amusement.

Our final show was a Monday night treat - Ghost the Musical had decent buzz from a man at Sardi's to folks in line at TKTS. Based on the Patrick Swayze/Demi Moore movie, this show rocked. It was a very modern musical - spare stage, very cool light effects, and a fast pace. It followed the movie storyline with Sam and Molly having it all (love, cool apartment), and Carl the best friend (secretly the jealous jerk) embezzling money, arranging a theft that ends in murder, and the cleanup. Sam's dead and trapped on this earth, speaking through Oda Mae. Powerful songs enhanced Ghost. The duets between our lovers were gorgeous, and yes, you'll have to dab your eyes at the end.