Great News - ies!

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

Academy Award time!

I am delightfully pleased with the Academy Award nominations this year.  I look forward to them every award season but this time more so than usual.  Precisely because all of the Best Picture nominees are ones I want to see or have already seen.  They're all films that I saw previews for and thought "That looks good.  I'd like to see that." And trust me that is quite a rarity.

So, I highly recommend watching the Academy Awards on Sunday, February 26th 2012.  Have a viewing party or curl up on your sofa in your jammies and fuzzy slippers.  Or...if you're adventurous and financially able, fly out to Los Angeles and see the show from a comfy theatre seat.  If you do the latter and need a travelling companion I'm volunteering!

As usual I will be hosting my own viewing party, complete with a themed menu.  While I look forward to having lots of friends and family it may just be me and my immediate family.  They'll come because there's free food.  That's always a plus!

**Check out http://oscar.go.com/ for loads more fun and to learn about the nominees.**

Workshopping

Hello to all my followers (aka me, myself and I)!

It's been quite some time since I last posted to my blog. That's not to say I have not been writing though. I have been. And quite fervently for that matter. I've been working on my novel, forming a non profit corporation and organizing/faciliating writing workshops.

Not to mention that I started a part-time job last month. Unfortunately, due to the nature of our economy and health insurance necessity I am still in search of a full-time position. Oh, to make my living doing what I love! Why can't I? I doubted for many years the realistic opportunity of following my instincts when it came to a career. I didn't believe I could make a living out of writing, singing or any other entertainment focused interest.

It's just been within the last year that I came to the realization that the only thing holding me back was me! If I continued believing I couldn't make a career out of my passionate, creative interests then I only had myself to blame. I had to take a step back, re-examine my point of view and embrace the soulfulness within.

Art has always and will always be the connecting link between my physical existence and my spiritual growth. Music, writing, film, television and musical theatre have been my salvation; my source of strength and indentity for so many years. But I never understood the reason I relied upon these entertainment outlets instead of the "real life" avenues which were more acceptable.

Art therapy and music therapy are well represented in this society for their beneficial assistance to others. Yet, my belief that art is not only beneficial but necessary for spiritual growth has not been examined; so far as I can tell anyway.

And so...I keep shopping around for the career best suited to that which I am looking to achieve. A life full of laughter, joy, purpose and creative expression. To feel fulfilled even during difficult times. To be surrounded by people who offer support, strength, love and laughter. To be respected for my insights, opinions and motivation while still yearning to learn all that I can.

Best wishes!