When I was 15 years old I saw a film that would become one of my all-time favorites! And not just because it had a cast of good-looking, teenage actors. Watching "Newsies" on-screen made me smile, had me singing, and dreaming I could dance.
In a time before digital downloads and even CDs I listened to the movie's soundtrack again, and again, and again. My friend and I even used a good old fashioned tape recorder and recorded the songs while watching the movie. That way, we had the versions with the speaking parts included.
Fast-forward 20 years and now there's a stage adaptation of this entertaining story. From the moment I heard the show was opening on Broadway I knew I had to see it. I anxiously awaited news (pun intended) from the theatre websites on how the show was developing and when it would be opening. Then it got nominated for a slew of awards! Not to get all "hoity toity" but I felt a sort of pride in the show's recognition. It's an amazing story with great music and quite fitting for the stage!
For those of you who may not be familiar with "Newsies" here's a brief synopsis...In 1899, the newsboys of New York stand up and fight for their rights against mighty publishing giants, Joseph Pulitzer and William Randolph Hearst. As they find their voice (not just musically mind you) they speak for not only their fellow newsies but for the rights of children workers everywhere!
With music from the genius Alan Menken, lyrics from the exceptionally talented Jack Feldman and a book by Harvey Fierstein, this production of "Newsies" excels on many levels. From the set design to the brilliant choreography, "Newsies" lets the story lead the way. All of the pieces working together to create a powerful production. I'd be remiss not to mention the extremely gifted cast including the range of Broadway newcomers like Ben Fankhauser ("Davey") and Kara Lindsay ("Katherine"). As "Jack Kelly", Jeremy Jordan holds our attention, has us cheering him on and understanding the struggles his character faces.
The movie's worth watching, partly to see Christian Bale singing and dancing but because of the catchy music and amazing choreography from Kenny Ortega. Then, go see the show on Broadway! It'll be a couple of hours that'll leave you cheering, humming and smiling. But even more than that, there's a certain pride in what makes our country unique. Joining together to fight for a cause that we believe in. Standing up for one another even when told there's no hope. Ultimately believing that decency, equality and communication are possible!
For more information on the Broadway musical, visit www.newsiesthemusical.com
All the best,
Kelly
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Friendship
I'm a horrible friend. That's not a challenge or a call for compliments. It's my own realization; one I had to come to in order to progress on an emotional and spiritual level.
When it comes right down to it I'm not the one you can count on in a pinch. If I promise something I don't always deliver. It's true. Just ask my family and friends. My own interests take priority sometimes. Even as a child this was the case. I remember distinctly the day when I chose watching my soap opera instead of paying attention to my friend. That moment's ingrained in my memory.
Not to say I don't care about or support my friends; I do. I go see dance recitals and theatre performances to cheer on my artistic friends. Where there's an emergency or someone's truly struggling I'm there without hesitation or question. Because those are the moments that matter. I just don't always pay close enough attention to the little moments and how my inactions may reflect poorly on other's good opinion of me.
Sometimes, most times, I'm horrible at calling my friends back. I hate the telephone; in pretty much every situation. Really I do. I'd much rather talk face to face or in the most desirable form of communication - written form. There are some friends I haven't spoken with or seen in nearly a year primarily because I just don't call. Why? It's a cycle. I don't call them back asap then the days turn to nights and before I know it a week's gone by. Then I'm ashamed I haven't gotten back to them and am embarassed. So I put off finding out whether or not they're annoyed with me.
I don't like to disappoint people; especially family and friends. It ties me in knots just thinking that my actions may have caused hurt feelings in those I care about. I wonder what they think of me. Some, most, probably worry about me. "Have you talked to Kelly lately? I hope she's okay."
I've recently come to accept that we're defined by our actions. I can be kind, speak politely and offer advice but when I don't follow through on what I say I'm going to do then that truly speaks volumes.
All the best,
Kelly
When it comes right down to it I'm not the one you can count on in a pinch. If I promise something I don't always deliver. It's true. Just ask my family and friends. My own interests take priority sometimes. Even as a child this was the case. I remember distinctly the day when I chose watching my soap opera instead of paying attention to my friend. That moment's ingrained in my memory.
Not to say I don't care about or support my friends; I do. I go see dance recitals and theatre performances to cheer on my artistic friends. Where there's an emergency or someone's truly struggling I'm there without hesitation or question. Because those are the moments that matter. I just don't always pay close enough attention to the little moments and how my inactions may reflect poorly on other's good opinion of me.
Sometimes, most times, I'm horrible at calling my friends back. I hate the telephone; in pretty much every situation. Really I do. I'd much rather talk face to face or in the most desirable form of communication - written form. There are some friends I haven't spoken with or seen in nearly a year primarily because I just don't call. Why? It's a cycle. I don't call them back asap then the days turn to nights and before I know it a week's gone by. Then I'm ashamed I haven't gotten back to them and am embarassed. So I put off finding out whether or not they're annoyed with me.
I don't like to disappoint people; especially family and friends. It ties me in knots just thinking that my actions may have caused hurt feelings in those I care about. I wonder what they think of me. Some, most, probably worry about me. "Have you talked to Kelly lately? I hope she's okay."
I've recently come to accept that we're defined by our actions. I can be kind, speak politely and offer advice but when I don't follow through on what I say I'm going to do then that truly speaks volumes.
All the best,
Kelly
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)