Drama Desk Awards

So, the Drama Desk Awards were two days ago. I wish I had something interesting to tell you... I really don't. Sooo, 9 to 5 was nominated for FIFTEEN awards, record breaking number... won one. Thank goodness Next to Normal wasn't considered or Alice woulda snatched up Outstanding Leading Actress (925's only award- it went to Allison Janney.) Billy Eliot won everything. Blah, blah, I guess it deserved it, but geese- I didn't even wanna stay up to watch the end. Seriously- they must have given that show 78 awards. It was really... boring. Meh. The Tonys will probably split between N2N and BE, with a couple for Hair. At least there will be entertainment then!

Songs for a New World

Just got back from Songs for a New World at the local rep. theatre. This is by far my favorite musical score-wise now (and has been for awhile.)

The show doesn't have a single plot line- every song is a new plot. Everyone starts out on a boat going to "a new world" and then they each tell their own story. The boat is a metaphor, so they aren't restrained to telling how they came to be on that specific boat. The stories take place all over and at all different times. In every song, though, the person singing is on a journey (most of them metaphorically) and comes to a point where they have to make a big decision in their life. There's no book- it's just one song after another.

So, the first thing to say about this production is how amazing the set and lighting design was. The set was very simple and never changed- it was a boat on one side, a set of sails on the other that shadows were projected onto to add meaning to the songs, and a bridge over the orchestra pit that led to a walk way around the pit. These were all utilized to add more meaning to the stories being told. The lighting was fantastic. This is what really held the audiences interest through the show. The lights came from behind the actors, towards the actors, above the actors, and some even on the ceiling to add effect.

The cast were all incredible singers and carried the show well. According to some people I was with, it was dificult to understand some of the lyrics because of loud music, but I couldn't tell because I knew the songs so well.

It was an amazing night out with some buds. Great show.

Now the sad news- Philip is leaving me. D: He's going off to college and leaving me all alone to freak out about Tony nominations where no one else even knows what they are. Thanks, Philip.

Well, I guess till later,

Jess

According to my last blog post title, I'm still alive but a coward.

The Tony Nominations have been announced! As recently mentioned in the last few posts, but I wanted to post this anyway!

Huzzah for HAIR! It received 8 Tony Noms including Best Revival of a Musical! I'm really excited for it, but I'm also hoping for it to overcome the treacherous musical known as West Side Story. It is nominated for just about every catagory that HAIR is in. Sad.

But I have my faith in the age of aquarius.

As for Next to Normal...I believe the heavens opened and the theatre gods placed this musical onto Broadway to save it. And Broadway sure needs some saving.

Now, I'm not a big believer against the "fluff" musical, but the great white way needs depth and meaning, and not just something that is flashier, fancier, and all around "So Much Better" (no offense Blonde fans!). This depth is brought to musicals exactly like NtN. This show brings something fresh and original to the stage, and the score is amazing! I'm also determined that it will win Best Scenic Design for a Musical...because the set is so cool!

Counting down the days until Sunday, June 7th 8/7c. CBS!

P

C

Billy Elliot: The Musical is overrated.

Tony Noms

Ok, so the Tony nominations were pretty much a complete failure. http://www.tonyawards.com/en_US/nominees/index.html

Ok, so first of all, yay for Next to Normal- 11 noms! But seriously? Rock of Ages and Shrek in best musical over 9 to 5? I've lost hope for mankind. I might post more thoughts later, who knows....

I will have a new post tonight if it kills me!

Ok, so the TONY nominations are out! Hooray! And yesterday, the TONY non-competitive awards were given! Double hooray!

Enough with the sillies. I can't post anything about the TONY's right now, but when my time clears up I will post tonight!

P
C

9 to 5 Opens

Woo! So, 925 opened last night. I can't post much now b/c I'm insanely busy- we're preforming "Gary" tomorrow (and I'm in two others acts as well), plus you know, that icky "homework." I'll update you later.

Jess