I Have A Love (for West Side Story)

It all started when I was 3. One of the first movies I can remember seeing (besides The Godfather) was West Side Story. When my favorite number “America” would come on the screen, I would take my sister’s white doll dress, slip it on, and dance with Rita Moreno on the screen, kicking my leg, flapping around, and performing it for anyone who would watch. 

Since that moment, not only have I wanted to be a performer, but I also have been waiting to see this production in person. Last night, I finally had my chance to see it. There were a few disappointments, but overall, it was a spectacular performance!

The Dancing

Really? I got to see ALL of the original choreography I used to see in the film growing up?! WHAAAT!? It blew my mind with how spot on the dancing was. Everyone was just extraordinary, so committed and so fun to watch! “Gee, Officer Krupke” was definitely vulgar and dirty and may not have been everyone’s cup of tea, but I loved every second of it. It was creative and hilarious from start to finish. Yes, I did cry in the opening sequence, my heart was beating so much in excitement during the dance at the gym, and the little gay boy inside was dancing and kicking his leg high up in the air during “America”.

The Singing

All of The Jets did a great job, Riff had a solid power voice, Anita was incredible to listen to, but then we get to the leads, and it all seemed to go downhill. We’ll start with the easy one first, Maria. Adorable, cute, and what a sight to look at, but her voice at times sounded like a cat screeching in the middle of the night! And let’s not even get into Tony…yes…TONY, THE FRIGGIN’ LEAD! With way too much vibrato, notes that should be belted were whispered and sucked in, and not to mention the number of sharps and flats throughout, he was just a hot mess (literally, he was hot, but the vocals were a mess). And just like a really good friend of mine there the same night said to me, I was expecting to hear a Darren Criss singing voice, since after all, the night before I got to see him belt out an impeccable rendition of “Something’s Coming” on Glee.

Tony just didn’t live up to my expectations, and it doesn’t take a music major or anything to hear the awkwardness and pitch problems.

Final Critiques

It was a different experience seeing it performed live. I’m so used to seeing it on my TV, and there certainly were differences I had to get used to. For instance in “America”, it’s only the women singing. I get that this is how it was originally on stage before the film version, but the give and take in the song works better with Bernardo and Anita alone. And as good of an idea as it sounded, mixing in actual Spanish into “I Feel Pretty” and “A Boy Like That” for this revival version certainly didn’t do much to change it. I’m not trying to sound like a racist or anything, but it just didn’t fit or mesh well.

Overall

Regardless of the things I didn’t like or creative decisions I didn’t agree with, it still was a dream come true to be sitting in the audience with my mom, watching my childhood dreams come true! This is the musical that sparked my passion for performing, in a doll dress and all. And seeing it last night on stage, there was still more passion sparked inside of me. Thank you Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim for creating such a timeless piece of art with a message that rings true even today!

P.S.

Vanity Fair did an amazing spread in 2009 when Broadway brought the West Side Story revival. The spread featured Hollywood stars in pivotal scenes from the musical (including Jennifer Lopez, Chris Evans, and Camilla Belle). Take a look for yourself, because if they ever do a film remake, this would be THE perfect cast!

 

 

 

Who's That Girl?!!! (Demi Lovato's "Unbroken" Review)

The Set-Up:

We all love a good comeback! Demi Lovato is a terrific example of someone who came out on the other side better and more mature than ever!

The Play-by-Play:

Demi gets the party started right from the beginning with “All Night Long”. Who would’ve thought that a Disney pop star could bring back the wonderful chemistry of Timbaland and Missy Elliott! And Demi fits right in there. For an opening song, it’s incredible to hear the big change from her last two albums filled with rock pop music to this more grown up hip-hop vibe going on. And that theme continues with “Who’s That Boy”. With spectacular production from Ryan Tedder (finally a song that doesn’t sound like another song he’s produced before) and a stellar guest spot from the creative Dev, it’s a standout from the whole album. A cute mix of bubblegum pop and modern Hip-Hop, it’s a sweet highlight showcasing this semi-ghettoliciousness she’s changing up with. “You’re My Only Shorty” with Iyaz comes next. It’s one of the more forgettable tracks, not offering anything interesting. It feels like a Sean Kingston leftover and the album would be just fine without it. Then we get back into the right direction with the next Timbaland track “Together” featuring Jason Derülo. It’s a love song with a positive message underneath it all, offering a sweet tale of peace, love, and harmony. “Lightweight” sneaks up with a gentle introduction. Demi’s powerful whispers (yes, an oxymoron) open the track with this sense of beautiful honesty that is rare to hear in someone as young as Ms. Lovato. It builds up to a powerhouse moment at the end of the bridge into the final chorus with pitch perfect harmonies. Without a doubt, this first part of the album is the best by far! Then we start getting into the title track “Unbroken”, going into an electronic sound ready for the clubs. Following that is the second highlight “Fix a Heart”. What Demi does best is transitioning from quiet moments of beauty to powerful pieces of a booming voice. “Fix a Heart” reminds me of “Don’t Forget” and “Catch Me”, songs that highlight her ease of hitting high notes and getting back down to those low notes so fast. It’s a powerful song without having to be so over-the-top. “Hold Up” is another so-so song, reminiscent of “Unbroken”. Now we get back into the adult hip-hop groove with “Mistake” that sounds a little like Keri Hilson’s “Knocks You Down” mixed in with a little J-Hud’s “Gone”. Then comes “Give Your Heart A Break” that sounds like Ryan Tedder’s name should be on it too (a la Beyoncé’s “Halo” and Leona Lewis). Then comes the most first vulnerable, emotional moment the album has to offer, “Skyscraper”. Sure, the song was written by someone else and way before her stint in rehab and her personal struggles, but it fits her so well! It’s a bittersweet moment that truly showcases the vulnerability in her voice. It’s a heartfelt and brutally honest moment. “In Real Life” follows and seems a bit out of place, but it’s a playful melody with some real attitude behind it. Then comes a soulful moment with “My Love Is Like A Star”. And to close out the album, we have the second most emotional moment of the album, “For the Love of a Daughter”, an honest look into her lack of relationship with her biological father. It’s very similar to the same vulnerability and brutal honesty in “Skyscraper”, but it’s a different theme and tone completely.

The Point:

With a sound more fitting and a tone that is way beyond her years, Demi Lovato came back from her personal struggles better than ever! She’s a terrific example of a young mature woman that little girls should aspire to be, coming out from the other side stronger than ever.

The Essentials

From the pop perfection behind “Who’s That Boy”

To the simplicity of “Fix a Heart”

And the heartfelt vulnerability and honesty in “Skyscraper”

GLEE REVIEW: Something Great Came!

Another knockout episode in this already spectacular third season! If only we can get more Gleeks to come back and give Glee the ratings it deserves. Nonetheless, here’s my rundown of the unicorn…

The Good

WEST SIDE STORY

Does anyone else remember when Ryan Murphy said that for the second season they weren’t going to have too many songs per episode, that they were going to focus on the storyline? Does anyone else remember in the “Grilled Cheesus” episode that there were SEVEN songs!? Regardless, it’s nice to see that they’re finally following through (a season too late, but better late than never). Three songs were covered tonight, two of them were winners and definite standouts. From another knockout “Somewhere” duet from mother-daughter Shelby & Rachel to the closing showstopper “Something’s Coming” from Blaine, they were subtle, well-performed, and memorable. There was nothing too flashy, just honest and well-sung numbers!

The Return of Shelby Corcoran

Idina Menzel is back at last! Again, very subtle, nothing too flashy like Gwyneth Paltrow or even a Britney Spears cameo, but real and heartfelt. And MAN what a voice! Definitely showed daughter that mama knows best (bee-tee-dubs, amazing Jessie J song you should all have downloaded by now!)

There are unicorns

As bizarre as it sounded, the whole unicorn idea worked well. It’s so great to hear Brittany with more than just one-liners (as genius as they were in the first season). There’s a quiet genius lurking underneath there, and she was very inspirational and heartfelt with her intentions. Kurt is a unicorn, but Brittany could be an even better unicorn, leading the senior class to a great year. We’ll just have to see what happens.

What to Look Forward To

It would appear that Brittany is due for a big dance production again…THANK GOD!

And another diva-off between Mercedes and Rachel? Hopefully this one is more satisfying than there last attempt with “Take Me Or Leave Me” from Rent.

GLEE REVIEW: They Can't Be BEAT!

After a disappointing second season, Glee is back to where they started! It’s focusing on the core characters, giving us a glimpse into what the future is to come…

The Good

Song Choice Classics

For once in a very long time, this episode contained absolutely NO Top 40 music! We got to hear some 80’s pop, some WONDERFUL showtunes, and not to mention a little Tom Jones in the mix there! Special shout out to Lindsay from The Glee Project. Even though I couldn’t stand her on the show this summer (and although she sounds like a junior high boy singing tonight), her number was dynamite and it really was a showstopper.

Kurt & Blaine

It’s great to see Blaine out of his Warbler outfit. They were starting to crowd his style. And now being a member of New Directions, we get to see him and Kurt every week, holding hands to class, dressing in his spunky best, and giving us showstopper after showstopper without the Acafellas to support him.

Kurt & Rachel

For the first time in a while, I actually liked Rachel in this episode! She wasn’t bitchy, over-the-top, or annoying for that matter. She was genuine, funny, and truthful. Their work on “Ding-Dong The Witch Is Dead” is a sure sign of great things to come from this New York duo in the future!

The Bad

Time to say goodbye

This wasn’t so much a bad thing as it's just terribly sad. For the past 2 years we’ve come to love and appreciate these characters. And within the first 2 minutes of the season 3 premiere, we already know who’s leaving at the end of the year (which is almost everyone) and who is staying at least for one more (which is so few). It’s not goodbye yet, so we’ll hold off until May.

What to Look Forward To

With the news that Glee is going back to basics, nothing excites me more than knowing that this year’s musical is West Side Story (cue the angel choirs singing in jubilee for this genius decision). Showtunes galore, jealousy over parts, and hilarity ensues. What more could us Gleeks ask for?!

(Enjoy the little West Side Story flashback from Season 1 down below...)

AND…the return of the ever stunning Shelby Corcoran (Idina Menzel). Glad to hear she’ll have a big story arc this season. We could use a little bit more since we didn’t get our fix LAST season.

Shut Up and DRIVE! (Drive Review)

It was a late night, I was tired and still had a test to study for the next morning, but regardless I still went and saw Ryan Gosling in Drive. When all was said and done, I can say that I was confused but wildly entertained, engaged, and excited about this movie!

Silence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder

There isn’t a whole lot of dialogue going on throughout the film, but sometimes it helps because it doesn’t get in the way of the stares, looks, and action throughout. Ryan Gosling and Carey Mulligan (and all the acting ensemble for that matter) have great chemistry, playing off each other not with their words, but their eye contact (and boy was there a lot of it). And while the talking was minimal, the soundtrack in the background was genius, offering up possible thoughts inside the characters’ heads.

Styling It Up

The style and pace of the film is really what this such a genius film! It had all the elements from the comic gore at times, the film noir genre, and even classic B-movie guidelines. It was beautifully shot throughout, especially with the brilliant Los Angeles backdrop. From the camera angles, the impressive lighting, and not to mention the acting style, everything about this film was very detailed and well-thought out. P.S. I couldn't help but think of a lot of Michael Mann influence throughout the film...

ACTION!

Obviously I had my doubts in the film when I go to see a movie called Drive and the majority of the film felt like a long love story stare between Ryan Gosling and Carey Mulligan, but in the end all of the above added depth to the film. And Drive did give us the action and excitement, they certainly delivered. The quiet moments when you get tense, not knowing what’s about to happen, the sheer excitement of seeing Ryan Gosling getting down and dirty with cars (both fixing them and chasing the bad guys around), everything keeps you on the edge (ESPECIALLY those deathly silent moments).

In other words…

It’s a stylistic film, a true standout from what’s out now (and not to mention what’s been come out in recent years). It’s very subtle when it wants to be, gritty and mysterious at other moments, funny in rare scenes, but overall a very entertaining selection.

Any Oscar predictions?

It may be a far shot, but quite possibly a Best Director nomination, not to mention Cinematography and Sound Effects.

The 2011 Primetime Emmy's Review

WHAT A NIGHT!!! Everyone loves a good award show, but this year it wasn’t for the actual awards (well some of them) but mostly it’s for the moments in between! Here are a few highlights from The 2011 Primetime Emmy Awards!

1.) Funny ladies being funny

God bless the women nominated for best actress in a comedy! Every year, it seems like they’re on top of their game, full of support for one another, and laughing right next to each other. I literally busted out of my seat laughing when Amy Poheler jumped up onto the stage, then followed by the 5 other leading ladies. The standing ovation was well-deserved, and Melissa McCarthy was just adorable. Did anyone else start bawling their eyes out when they pan to a shot of her sister crying in the audience?!!

2.) The Lonely Island certainly wasn’t lonely

Everyone loves a good performance from Michael Bolton, especially when he’s dressed as Jack Sparrow! Great job on keeping us laughing our butts off!

3.) My winner predictions

Yes, cheesy smile of mine, BASKING in my predictions' success!

Out of the 20 categories I selected for my predictions, 9 I chose correctly, 4 were winners from my wildcards, and 7 weren’t even close. Not a bad record if I do say so myself

OTHER HIGHLIGHTS

-Jane Lynch: People ask me why I’m a lesbian…Ladies and gentlemen, the cast of Entourage!

-Random, awkward Charlie Sheen speech

-Claire & Phil Dunphy winning awards together

  

Overall, there was nothing to complain about from the Emmy’s telecast this year! GREAT JOB! Looking forward to another television season starting now!

These Make Me Feel Like a Teenage Dream (The Top 10 Best from Season 2)

In a season with its plethora of misses, there still was plenty to love! Here are the top 10 best covers to love from the second season! Here’s to restoring hope in this upcoming third season…

10.) “Me Against The Music”

From the episode Britney/Brittany

We all know that the breakout stars of the first season were Heather Morris as Brittany and Naya Rivera as Santana. And of course they were promoted to series regulars for the second season. While we got to hear Santana sing at least twice during season 1, we only heard genius one-liners from Brittany. But finally, Brittany S. Pierce has her moment to shine in this second episode, and it’d this best friend duet that had me loving her even more!

9.) “Pure Imagination”

From the episode Funeral

Glee gets extreme from time to time. From one moment of humor to dramatic heartbreak the next, the emotions range wildly. The most heartbreaking moment this season was when Sue’s sister Jean passed away. Their relationship has been so poignant and honest, definitely the most heartfelt relationship in both seasons. This bittersweet song at her funeral was a great rendition, highlighting some voices that we don’t get to hear all the time.

8.) “Singing In The Rain/Umbrella”

From the episode The Substitute

Gwenyth Paltrow starts to shine! And good for Glee getting it right with all of these mash-ups! This first mash-up on the list was brilliant on so many levels. Mashing up the old-school musical to a modern-day pop song, GENIUS! It worked from beginning to end. Now I don’t know of any school district that can afford lights and water everywhere on stage for a performance of this magnitude, but it sure looked good!

7.) “Blame It (On The Alcohol)”

From the episode Blame It On The Alcohol

Without a doubt one of the most underrated covers ever performed, but the singing and arrangement alone makes it one of the best. Santana, Mercedes, Artie, & Puck, y’all need to get together more often and harmonize!

6.) “River Deep, Mountain High”

From the episode Duets

Holy Mercedes and Santana! That is all…

5.) “Toxic”

From the episode Britney/Brittany

I had 3 different versions of this iconic pop song on my iPod already. One was the original by Ms. Spears, the second was a Hip-Hop cover by Mark Ronson and Ol’ Dirty Bastard, and the third was the haunting Yael Naïm version, each one adding a new depth to the song and lyrics. Now I have a fourth cover to add to the collection, and it comes from the rock-ish version from Matthew Morrison and the kids from Glee!

4.) “Thriller/Heads Will Roll”

From the episode The Sue Sylvester Shuffle

Another wonderful mash-up from this season! While I’m still disappointed with the Super Bowl episode’s choice of music (especially since I had my hopes set on a Michael Jackson tribute episode) I still was pleasantly surprised with this amazing cover from MJ himself and the unexpected Yeah Yeah Yeahs! You go Artie and Santana!!!

3.) “I Feel Pretty/Unpretty”

From the episode Born This Way

The most poignant, and meaningful mash-up coming from an unlikely duet! I mean, Lea Michele’s voice, I get that being in the top 10, but who would have thought that I would pick a cover with Dianna Agron? It’s a hauntingly beautiful rendition in an episode concept too big to chew. It was simple, heartfelt, and perfect. The harmonies and the fusion of old-school musical and throwback R&B hit all made it amazing!

2.) “Forget You”

From the episode The Substitute

This is the cover that certainly was one of the most talked about of the season! Gwyneth Paltrow shined in her big Glee debut, busting out to some Cee-Lo Green and rocking with the Glee kids. It was fun and flirty from beginning to end!

1.) “Teenage Dream”

From the episode Prom Queen

Is it any surprise that this is the best from the second season? We were introduced to Darren Criss, introduced to the lovely crush between Kurt & Blaine, and we were given the most memorable Glee cover the season had to offer!

SPECIAL RECOGNITION: "Trouty Mouth"

From the episode Original Song

It has to be included SIMPLY for the title and content...!