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Do You Go to the Opera?

BuzzSugar — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 05:30:27 -0700

According to Variety, composer Philip Glass is creating an opera about Walt Disney. The story "imagines the last months of Disney as seen through the eyes of a fictional Austrian cartoonist who worked for him."

I seriously cannot wait to see what the heck this opera looks like.

What do you think of the opera in general? Do you ever go? Or are you not an opera person?

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Rest In Peace, Luciano Pavarotti

BuzzSugar — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 10:33:33 -0700

It's a sad day for the musical world as we bid adieu to one of the finest operatic singers, Luciano Pavarotti, who died today at age 71. His accomplishments in the realm of classical music are many, and not the least of these is how he made opera music more accessible to people who might not otherwise be exposed to it.

Indeed, the most bittersweet thing about remembering the big, sweet-faced tenor is how willing he was to collaborate with all sorts of musicians, combining his warm, booming voice with those of well-known rock, soul and pop artists. Everyone from Bono and Queen to James Brown and the Spice Girls have shared the stage with the legendary singer. He clearly had a love for music in all its manifestations and his presence will be missed.

To check out just a few of Pavarotti's collaborations, read more

Luciano Pavarotti and Barry White, "My First, My Last, My Everything"

Luciano Pavarotti and the Spice Girls, "Viva Forever"

Luciano Pavarotti and Bryan Adams, "O Sole Mio"

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Gerard Butler - Love Him or Leave Him?

BuzzSugar — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 07:30:00 -0700

Gerard Butler has had a rough couple of weeks - critics panned his film Law Abiding Citizen and his appearance on Saturday Night Live didn't win rave reviews either. On top of everything else, there are rumors about him and Jessica Simpson getting cozy floating around. There is some light at the end of the tunnel though: he just announced in an interview that he'd be joining Shakespeare's Coriolanus with Ralph Fiennes for his next film.

It's nice to see Butler take on a project with some serious acting teeth. While he's always easy on the eyes in romantic comedies like P.S. I Love You or The Ugly Truth, I've never really liked the films themselves. (The possible exception being The Phantom of the Opera, since you know I love movie musicals!)

Maybe you disagree with me though? Law Abiding Citizen did take No. 2 at the box office, and I know that several of you liked the movie despite my review. So what do you think of Gerard Butler - love him or leave him?

The Office, "The Lover": Best Lines of the Night

BuzzSugar — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 05:30:00 -0700

Yay! Jim and Pam return from their romantic honeymoon, but there is no rest for the newlyweds at The Office. Michael crosses the line - and Pam bears the brunt of his antics, like usual - while Jim fends off a nosy Dwight. I'll admit that Pam got on my nerves this week but I was glad to have Jim back so he could one-up Dwight.

I found this week to be much more engaging than last week's post-wedding episode, and I'm pretty excited to see where the storyline is headed now that the co-workers are all together again. But before I give away any spoilers, check out my favorite quips plus a few more thoughts when you read more.

Meredith: "What'd you bring us?"
Pam: "Some candy."
Meredith: "What else?"
Pam: "That's it."
Meredith: "Ohhhh, because you spent so much on the wedding."
Poor Pam and Jim. They walk into Dunder Mifflin bearing gifts with the honeymoon glow still on their faces - until they realize they're back to working with goons again. I love the bit between Pam and Erin over the candy distribution. (Erin's such a goody-goody that she has to clear everything with Michael.) But my favorite is definitely the rum with the stuffed parrot. Mainly because watching Steve Carell talk next to a stuffed parrot holding a bottle is kind of hilarious.

Michael: "You know what? I'm going to start dating her even harder."
Pam: "What's that supposed to mean?"
Michael: "You know what that means."
So yes, Michael is dating Pam's mom, which he reveals after she gets wind of his fancy dinner reservations. I agree with Pam's initial anger - no one wants their mother to date Michael Scott, especially when he keeps using the word "lover." (Though "pickle" may be worse). However, I'm giddy over this new development, because I can't wait to see what it spawns. Pam and Jim on a date with Michael and Pam's mom? That would be a-ma-zing.

"You know, I really would've appreciated a heads up that you were into dating mothers. I would've introduced you to mine."-Dwight
Just picture Dwight's mother in your mind for a second. That's funny in itself.

"I have plenty of female friends...My aunt, but she just blocked me from IM; the woman from Quiznos."-Michael
Poor guy. I'm curious to see how Michael's new romance ends up affecting his relationship with Pam. She's got to forgive him at some point, but do you think she's overreacting? Personally, I find her complaining kind of grating. She has every right to be P.O.'d, but as the episode went on, she seems angry more out of spite than anything else.

"Did you really think I would put my primary listening device in a wooden mallard? I'm not insane."-Dwight
The mallard! I always enjoy a good Jim versus Dwight scuffle, so this was one of the highlights for me, especially when Jim tries to throw Dwight off by playing opera music or giving the wooden duck to Kelly. Then just when you think Dwight is a total idiot, he pulls out a twist, having hid a pen recorder amongst Jim's office supplies. Jim may have won the promotion, but Dwight's out to win the war.

So what'd you think about the episode? Are you on Team Pam, or were you a little annoyed by her screaming fit like I was? Weigh in below in the comments, and tell me your favorite lines of the evening!

Oh, and don't forget that you can discuss the episode in full over at The Office! group in the BuzzSugar Community! Here's a topic to get you started: Ryan's fedora. Discuss.

Photo and videos courtesy of NBC

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!