Coming Back (In Incriments)

I'm extremely happy to share that the production of "Romeo & Juliet" I directed was a fiscal and artistic success! I'm so lucky to have worked with such a talented group of kids and cannot wait to do it again next year! There's nothing I love more than helping kids find and hone their acting abilities and insticts. And I just know that someday a few of the kids I had the priviledge of directing will be on television, accepting their first in a string if Tony awards!

So, since it's over, I'll be coming back. I will be back in full force soon, however, I'll be coming back in incriments; an article here, an article there. It'll happen, just in time. I look forward to writing articles and presenting you with good music!

Shutting Down (For Now)

The reason I haven't been doing anything on here in months is because I am directing a production of Romeo & Juliet at my son's high school that's got me totally swamped. I am too busy to even think about clasic music, let alone write quality articles on it. So, I am temperarily shutting the blog down until we finish our run. I will tell you when that happens.

Thanks,
Management ;)

South Pacifc

After asking if I had a following and getting nothing, I decided I wasn't going to post anything anymore. Well, I was thinking and realized that, even if nobody was reading me, I liked it! So, even if I am the only one who cares what I have to say, I am going to keep going.

This post is about the Rodgers & Hammerstein musical South Pacific, which has been turned into two movies (a good 1958 version and a not so good 2001 television production) and has recently had an extremely successful revival on Broadway. And many of the songs from this musical have entered the realm of popular music, including "Cockeyed Optimist" "Some Enchanted Evening" "Honeybun" "Happy Talk" "I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Outta My Hair" and "A Wonderful Guy".

You know, it is wonderful how people used to really enjoy the songs that were hot on Broadway. And it's sad that Showtunes aren't enjoyed by most people. For a vert long time, the pop hits people loved were written for one show or another. I can't think of one song that I love that didn't originate from some theatre. Ahh, me. But, I digress.

"I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Outta My Hair" is probably the most popular song from the show. And why not? It's very entertaining. I love it. And it's extremely catchy.

I'm gonna wash that man right outta my hair

I'm gonna wash that man right outta my hair

I'm gonna wash that man right outta my hair

And send him on his way

Most of the song is the same one line, which makes it very easy to remember. For me it brings back memorisies of my youth. When I was younger and not learned in the art of avoiding confronation, my wife used to sing this song after we got into a fight! Oh, the good old days...

Another of the quite popular songs is "Some Enchanted Evening". When I was in high school, we had a teacher who used to be an opera singer and he would sing this song all the time:

Some enchanted evening

You may see a stranger

You may see a stranger

Across a crowded room

And somehow you know

You know even that

That somewhere you'll see him

Again and again

It was his favorite. Actually, he introduced me to this show with that song. I loved when he'd sing it and when a local theatre company did a production he suggested that I go. I did and it's been one of my favorite musicals ever since.

Anything Goes (Part 2)

Well, when I posted about "Anything Goes" I didn't know how to put youtube videos up here so, I'm doing it now. This is my very favorite song and I would like to share a few good versions with you all.

Sung by Ramona...don't know her last name :(


Sung by Patti LuPone


Sung by Cole Porter himslef!!!


A Version by Lew Stone (please ignore the risque pics, it's the music that counts)

In the Mood

If I had to pick one song that represented the Big Band Era, it would be In the Mood by Glenn Miller

Beyond the Sea

I don't know why but, I am really diggin' this song right now. Have been for the past week. It's so good. And he's such a good singer, this song was simply made for his voice.



And here's a slightly funnier live version.

Music Goes 'Round and 'Round!

Tommy Dorsey's Orchestra Accompanied by Edith Wright's vocal talent.