Hello Again...

Nice to see you all, it has been awhile.  So real life often gets in the way of things I actually want to be doing which is where I place the blame for our poor, neglected blog.  I have nothing really to review today but I just thought I would mention a few of the most recent pop cultural wonders that have been luring me away from things like studying and academia.

Let's begin with Spring Awakening.  It's no surprise that I adore Lea Michele but up until recently I was not quite up to date with how amazing she actually is.  Unfortunately I cannot claim to have seen the phenomenon that is Spring Awakening on stage with the original Broadway cast, I can't actually claim to have seen it performed on stage at all.  No, sadly my enjoyment had to come from mostly poor (and I'm fairly certain illegally obtained) videos that some kind soul posted on YouTube.  Beggars cannot however be choosers and so I eagerly watched every one of the 15 or so parts.  While unconventional and maybe a little awkward to watch at times, I really can say I have never seen anything like it.  Everything about is wonderful, from the story to the characters to the amazing music that pulls it all together.  Along with furthering my adoration of Lea Michele, I now harbor similar love for Jonathan Groff and John Gallagher Jr, along with the rest of the cast, really.  I immediately went and purchased the soundtrack (on CD because I feel like it's a dying form and I hope to single handedly save it) and have listened to it nearly on repeat with the Wicked soundtrack thrown in for good measure.

Which leads me to my next distraction: Wicked.  The magic that is the previously untold story of the witches of Oz has thoroughly enchanted me.  I have decided that I must move to the North East as soon as I possibly can, because the access that I have to the wonder of Broadway is severely limited by the necessity of a several hour plane ride.  That being said, I again had to resort to blurry videos of Kristin Chenoweth and Idina Menzel to get my Wicked fix and understand the love my roommates harbored and were lucky enough to experience in person.  I know I am a little behind the curve here but I can now wholeheartedly join the "I Love Wicked" fan club, I'll even wear the t-shirt.  I was enamored by Ms. Chenoweth on Glee and now fully understand the awe some people have when they talk about "the Cheno".  That voice, her acting chops, and comedic timing make her the stuff of Broadway legends in my humble opinion.  Obviously I am no expert but I simply can't stop watching her sing "Popular", "Thank Goodness", or "What is this Feeling".  Add Idina Menzel's brilliance to the mix and "For Good" brings tears to my eyes.  Both women are absolutely awe inspiring and deserve a shiny plaque somewhere declaring it so.  Ok I'm done with the syrupy rant, I promise.  I now have to see "Wicked" as soon as I can, be it on Broadway or West End.

Whether or not you're rolling your eyes at my overly one sided and biased review of sorts, I still strongly suggest the soundtracks to both musicals with the original cast.  But I'm sure that's no surprise.  I also suggest seeing them both if you're a fan of musical theater, or if you're not maybe they will convert you!  At any rate, thanks for letting me gush!

...Hen