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What Do You Think About a Phantom of the Opera, Part II?

BuzzSugar — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 09:30:06 -0700

According to Wikipedia, The Phantom of the Opera's 20-year run on Broadway has been "the most lucrative entertainment enterprise of all time." Capitalizing on the beloved musical's major success, creators of the award-winning show now say a sequel is on the way.

Andrew Lloyd Webber confirmed that he has written a new score for a follow-up musical which will pick up where the first story leaves off, starting with "how the Phantom got away in the big fire and was taken to a thriving Coney Island in old New York."

Will it be called The Phantom of Coney Island? And will fans embrace this second installment from Webber? What do you think about this development? Are you keeping an open mind?

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Did You Ever See Rent on Broadway?

BuzzSugar — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 11:29:28 -0800

Sad news coming from New York's Nederlander Theater today: Broadway musical Rent is closing after a 12-year run. The last performance will take place June 1. Opening in the spring of 1996, Rent enjoyed immediate and explosive success with both critics and audiences, despite (or perhaps because of) the story's focus on AIDS, drug addiction, and poverty.

I was one of those crazy, obsessed fans when the musical first opened, traveling into the city with my high-school friends to get cheap tickets to the show several times. We'd even wait around afterward for glimpses of the actors emerging from the Nederlander. Later we followed their careers, from Anthony Rapp's solo album to Taye Diggs appearing on Ally McBeal and Jesse L. Martin getting his gig on Law & Order.

Did you ever see Rent on Broadway? What are your fondest Rent memories?

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Madonna Meets Blondie in Musical Version of Desperately Seeking Susan

BuzzSugar — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 11:29:34 -0700

I used to have a theory that girls who grew up in the '80s identified with either the punk style of Blondie's Debbie Harry or the slick sexiness of Madonna. Now, the two are colliding in an intriguing way: Madonna's 1985 comedy Desperately Seeking Susan is being made into a musical featuring the songs of Blondie. The project is set to premiere this fall in London.

No, Madonna won't be a part of it (an actress named Emma Williams will play the role of Susan, while Kelly Price will take on Rosanna Arquette's character, Roberta) - but Debbie Harry will be all over it. According to Playbill, "One Way or Another" and "The Tide is High" will be among the Blondie songs woven into the show, and Harry is writing a new song for the production.

Until I reread the plot summary, I didn't realize Roberta's last name was Glass - so I guess that explains how "Heart of Glass" will fit in. In case you've forgotten how the movie goes, here's Playbill's summary:

Roberta Glass, a suburban New Jersey housewife, escapes her humdrum life by reading the personal ads placed by Susan, a street-smart New York City drifter, and her freewheeling boyfriend Jay. Through a quirky twist of fate, Roberta and Susan unexpectedly swap lives and are plunged into a madcap world of jewel heists, magic shows and rock 'n' roll.

A musical theater version of this story certainly has the potential to be awful, but it's such a weird concept that I think it could turn out awesome. What do you think?

Desperately Seeking Susan photo Source
Debbie Harry photo Source

Tori Amos to Try Musical Theater

BuzzSugar — Wed, 09 May 2007 07:08:31 -0700

Tori Amos is feeling a bit theatrical these days. On her new album, American Doll Posse, she assumes five different personas, each with a distinct look and personality. Now, according to NME, the singer is writing a stage musical, which she hopes to bring to Broadway and London's West End.

According to the NME story, Amos is currently working on the music - a double album with 23 songs - and taking inspiration from Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice:

"I think I am writing a musical. I'm gushing but I'm under lock and key," she explained. "I'm trying to be Lloyd Webber and (Tim) Rice. I'm trying to be both (of them). I'm busy. This is such a big project - a double record, 23 songs and the extras."

Though I often roll my eyes when I hear about rock musicians who have Broadway aspirations, I actually think Tori could pull this off quite well. Her piano-heavy, melodramatic style lends itself to musical theater, and she has always been good at crafting songs that tell stories. I'll be interested to hear what she comes up with. What do you think?

Also, If you're a Tori fan, don't forget to enter our Tori Amos giveaway for a signed copy and her Epic Records catalog.

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Disney's A Christmas Carol: A Fun New Spin on an Old Favorite

BuzzSugar — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 20:00:00 -0800

Charles Dickens' classic A Christmas Carol is, quite literally, a tale as old as time. Hollywood has already turned the novel into countless films, so how do you keep it fresh to entertain old and young audiences alike? You give them a pair of 3-D glasses.

I was a bit skeptical about Disney's newest remake of the flick, even with the super stylized animation and all-star cast behind the voices. But once you put on those glasses, you'll be oohing and aahing right along with the kids, making the film a fun ride. It doesn't tug on the heartstrings the way other versions can, but it's not devoid of emotion either. To see what I mean, just read more.

Robert Zemeckis brings the story we already know and love; old Ebenezer Scrooge (voiced by Jim Carrey) defines miserly and crotchety, spending his days counting his pennies and bitterly snapping at those around him. On one particularly Christmas Eve, he his haunted by the ghost of his former partner, Jacob Marley. Sporting chains and a ghastly demeanor, Marley warns Scrooge that he will suffer the same miserable fate if he doesn't take heed of three spirits who will visit him over the course of the night.

The film stays very true to Dickens's short novel, borrowing much of the text straight from the book and incorporating some of the darker elements that I hadn't seen before in versions designed for kids. That said, I still feel like some of the scenes waver on the side of being too scary. Marley's introduction with the chains is frightening but funny, whereas the progression of the ghost of Christmas present to the ghost of Christmas future (complete with full decay from giant to skeleton) probably would have given me nightmares when I was younger.

The special effects are all you could want and more; the 3-D pulls you right in, carrying you along with Scrooge as he flies overhead in his nightgown (and later spits in your face). You're in the midst of Victorian England at Christmas time, from the snowstorms to the festive music. It's dazzling - until you hit the emotional stuff.

The tale is one with a great big heart, but the actors can only go so far using their voices alone. In the most sentimental scenes, I found myself just wishing I could see the big name actors (which includes Gary Oldman, Colin Firth, and Robin Wright Penn) gazing into each other's eyes pointedly. Instead, it feels a bit like watching two mannequins standing face to face. Still, you're never bored for long, and there's always another thrill waiting at every turn.

In the end, Disney accomplishes its goal, producing a film that looks amazing and will entertain kids and adults alike. It may not be the best version of the tale to date, but it will leave you feeling plenty merry on your way out of the theater.

Photos courtesy of Walt Disney Pictures

Fergie's "Be Italian" From Nine - Nailed It or Not Impressed?

BuzzSugar — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 11:30:24 -0800

Rob Marshall's long anticipated movie musical Nine won't hit theaters until December, and I'm practically counting the minutes until I can see all the talented ladies (Nicole Kidman, Penelope Cruz, Marion Cotillard, the list goes on) singing and dancing with Daniel-Day Lewis. The songs are showstoppers for sure, and now you can have a taste of the upcoming soundtrack. Give a listen to Fergie singing "Be Italian," one of the show's biggest numbers, and tell me what you think - nailed it or not impressed?

This Is It: A Worthy Final Farewell

BuzzSugar — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 07:30:00 -0700

Making a tribute film after the death of an icon is a difficult undertaking - how do you do justice to his or her life without making it feel overblown? But the new Michael Jackson documentary, This Is It manages to strike that balance. The anticipation for its limited release has been building for more than a month now when early ticket purchases broke sales records, and most of you said you wanted to see the film as well. I was worried about how the doc would measure up to the hype, but I'm satisfied with the final product.

This Is it follows Jackson in his final days preparing for his sold-out tour. MJ emerges dressed in a button-down, shades on, and with director Kenny Ortega at his right hand, as we get a front row seat at the rehearsals. It proves to be an intimate look at the performer who, even at 50, still had a fiery passion for his craft. Most of us will enjoy witnessing it here on the big screen, while others may leave the theater feeling even more disappointed about never getting to see the live show. To see what I mean, read more.

MJ fan or not, you can't see this film without feeling awestruck by his dramatic flair as an artist. His voice is still on point, and his every movement on stage is punctuated by a flick of the wrist or a kick - it's like the music surges inside him and he has to stream it out through his fingertips. He still had the magic only weeks before his death.

While Jackson's dance skills may be a given, I was actually taken aback by how hands on he was in all facets of his tour. This is It shows him working on everything from green screen films to teaching choreography to attending band rehearsals. These sneak peeks provide surprisingly funny moments, but one of the loud-and-clear messages of the film is that Jackson did this for his fans. All of the popular favorites are included - "Billie Jean," "Smooth Criminal," and "Thriller," of course. Jackson knew that's what the audience wanted, and he was happy to give it to us - while wearing his signature sparkly gold pants and a fedora.

The doc does have its drawbacks; some of the footage starts to feel stale midway through, and the film feels too long at nearly two hours. Still, I understand why the editors didn't cut anything in honor of Jackson's memory. Each song was important to him and he wanted listeners to hear his message. (He even speaks on his concern for environmental causes in the film). Before the closing credits, Jackson says he wants to "remind the world that love is important" - and even after his death, he manages to do so by leaving us with memories of a man who never stopped loving his fans or the music.

A Mamma Mia Sequel: Brilliant or Baffling?

BuzzSugar — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 12:30:49 -0700

Could Meryl Streep, Coiln Firth, and Pierce Brosnan be warming up their vocal cords for a Mamma Mia sequel? That's what recent quotes from stars of last Summer's hit makes it sound like. Amanda Seyfried said the very nebulous, "I've been talking to some insiders and it's not something that they haven't been working on."

It's not a huge shocker that sequel-happy Hollywood would want a follow-up to the massively successful musical, and I'd certainly be in line for a ticket if it came to theaters. I know in general some fans will be crying foul anyway over a sequel, but what's your opinion on it?

Katie Holmes to Sip Cocktails on Broadway?

BuzzSugar — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 10:30:47 -0700

Sometimes it feels like everything comes full circle: Cocktail is coming to Broadway and Katie Holmes is in talks to star in it. The good news is that Heywood Gould, the man behind the original book and movie is working on the theater adaptation, but will it succeed on the Great White Way? I have a soft spot for the cheesy '80s flick, but my first reaction is that this could go more of the way of Big: The Musical (which kind of failed) than smash hit Hairspray.

Buzz In: What Is Your Favorite Musical-Turned-Movie?

BuzzSugar — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 15:30:09 -0700

This is the week for Broadway shows! Not only are the current theater selections raking in more cash than usual despite the economy, it also sounds like we'll soon be seeing two more musicals move to the big screen. I already told you about the plans for a Rock of Ages movie musical, and now comes word that Miss Saigon may be getting the film treatment too, with Lee Daniels in talks to direct. (You may recognize his name as the director of Precious. Check back next week for my interview with him!)

I've seen Miss Saigon on stage, and I think Daniels is a solid choice for the musical. Based on his past films, I'm guessing he'd shape it into more of a gritty drama than a flashy Hollywood number - and that's a good thing given the show's darker subject matter.

While some shows have made the transition to film with only lukewarm success in recent years - hello, Phantom of the Opera - I still have a soft spot in my heart for them, especially when it comes to classics like My Fair Lady or West Side Story. So tell me, what's your favorite? Are you a Sound of Music fan? Rent? Sound off in the comments!