Winter Break, Day 1

Woke up without an alarm today. Had coffee in my new Twitter-inspired mug while I watched the finale of Alpha House in bed on my iPad. Read the Amy Poehler/Tina Fey-edited EW while I watched The Getaway on Esquire, cuddled on the couch with Maverick.

Took a long shower. Blogged.

Met friends for Mexican food and beers. Reminisced. Gossiped. Vented.

Had a belated Christmas dinner and present unwrapping at home with my family, and then went to the movies to see Saving Mr. Banks.

Then it was home again for crafting, cleaning and blogging, apparently. And I didn't check my work email once.

Muny 2013: Shrek

All you need to know - Lord Farquaad steals the show. I know he's the villain and all, but I actually found myself looking forward to his scenes. Not to mention, the actor was on his knees the entire time. Impressive.

The rest of it? Meh. I wasn't really impressed. The scenery was really nice, and it's the best use of that digital screen I've seen so far, but the musical itself sort of drags. That's not at all the Muny's fault - the pacing is just off.

The first act ended with Fiona being rescued by Shrek and Donkey. Correct me if I'm wrong - that happens in like the first 15 minutes of the movie, no? I understand the importance of character development, but man, the first act was just slow.

The second act was much better, faster, despite having something like 9 or 10 scenes and 15 songs listed (I was worried, and counting down, obviously). But it all just sort of wrapped up suddenly. When the fairytale characters reappear in the end half of the second act to sing 'Freak Flag' - supposedly the flagship song of the musical - I'm thinking, 'Oh, I forgot you guys were in this show, too.' We hadn't seen them in so long!

Bonus points for the dragon (love me some puppetry), the use of the digital screen, and the casting of 2013 Tony nominee Rob McClure as Lord Farquaad.

Deductions for odd pacing, too many snoozer songs, mic issues and those new fans not being on high enough.

Read my other Muny reviews.

Oscars 2013: Best Dressed

I'll be honest. I was underwhelmed with the Red Carpet last night. Sure, Jessica Chastain looked great, but I expect her to. A gold dress is safe. J.Law's was like a princess... but just too poufy for my taste and I hate the back necklace. Reese was boring. Helen was boring. Kerry Washington could do without the bow, and Zoe Saldana could go without the belt. Anne. Oh, Anne. Just pitiful.

So here are my (rather unconventional) faves:

Octavia Spencer

 Amanda Seyfried

Sally Field

 Charlize was my #1 Best Dressed favorite

And Naomi Watts was #2 Best Dressed for me

I preferred Samantha Barks' performance dress to the one she wore on the Red Carpet (looked like she had to keep her shoulders back or it would fall down. Awkward.)

Adele always looks the same.... pretty much. But I liked that she let her hair down for the performance and kept it that way. Way more bombshell!

Wasn't a fan of the dress or necklace, but Jennifer Lawrence's hair and makeup were flawless. 

SAG Awards 2013: Best Dressed

Best in black: Tina Fey, Elisabeth Moss, Amy Poehler, Michelle Dockery, Julie Bowen

I usually don't like Tina Fey's fashion choices. It just looks like she's trying too hard sometimes. But this was great. I know she was going for a retro feel, but I wish they hair was a little softer and less height in the front though. 

Love that Elisabeth went short and kept it simple in sequins. Love the pink nails too!

To be honest, I usually think Amy Poehler looks terrible on red carpets. Her dresses are always ill-ill fitting or her hair always looks greasy. This was the first time I actually thought she looked sexy. 

Michelle Dockery, rockin' the classy side boob. 

She doesn't get a lot of love, but I tend to really like Julie on the red carpet. This leather look was really cool.

Best in blue: Amanda Seyfried, Marion Cotillard, Jennifer Lawrence

The first person I saw on the red carpet that actually impressed me enough to tweet about it. 

I thought this was really boring.... until I saw the hemline. Makes it interesting, and less prom. 

I'm a sucker for navy. Didn't notice that weird hem until she pulled it open accepting her award....

Best from the waist up: Anne Hathaway, Kerry Washington

I loved both of these looks... until I got to the bottom half. Anne's had that weird sheer/length thing. Kerry's had a design down the side. I think both would have looked better with simple, straight cuts. 

Brightest new star: Kiernan Shipka

I mean. Adorbs. Like a little Barbie doll. 

Check out Addicted to Television for more TV opinions. 

Golden Globes 2013: Best Dressed

Best in black: Kate Hudson, Kat McPhee, Kristen Wigg

Best post-baby bod in color: Claire Danes

Best new kid on the fashion block: Kerry Washington

 Best hair, makeup, smile: Anne Hathway

Check out Addicted to Television for my Golden Globes snubs and surprises. 

"You wait, little girl, on an empty stage..."

This dress from Target reminds me of Leisel in Sound of Music. So naturally, I have to have it.

Holiday Wishlist 2012: For Fun

the best, brightest (and gone-to-soon) show

iPhone case

my newest gaming obsession

more inspirational to travel

Nitro Circus 3D

Can't deny it. I'm so excited for this.

Muny 2012: Aladdin

+

that scene from Ten Commandments where Sephora's sisters dance for Moses (why isn't this clip online?!)

=

There are two versions of this review - the polite, I-go-to-the-Muny-once-a-year-or-so review, and the nit picky, high expectations, seen-too-man-shows-at-the-Muny review.

First, the polite version: 

It was a really great show. Enjoyable. You'll laugh, for sure! Really on point pop culture references (people who complain about this - and yes, I heard you complaining about it after the show - obviously don't remember the original movie that was full of them). It's fun for kids AND adults. The set design is absolutely gorgeous. Seriously. And there are a few 'Muny magic' moments that really set the show apart. 

Now, the nit picky version:

• The three friends, one of whom was played by the amazing Francis Jue, outshined Aladdin and Jasmine. By like, a million. (To be fair, I think Jue outshines everyone.) They were better dancers, better singers, more entertaining. To be honest, I wanted Aladdin to ditch Jasmine and do the band with them, too. 
• The Genie is just a guy playing Ken Jeong playing Genie. 
• The voice that they cast as the Cave of Wonders was terrible. Have Ken Page do it! Or another strong male voice. I was not afraid of that giant tiger-faced cave. 
• The show, in general, felt amateur. Some of the acting was terrible (by the guards, attendants) and everyone was flubbing their lines. Rough. 
• Some of those 'magic' Muny moments just didn't do it for me. The Genie's entrance was cool, but took way too long to get him to the stage (and why did you save all that smoke for the 2nd act?). 'Prince Ali's' parade needed more energy. Wave those banners, get some ribbons waving in the air, bring the camels back out! The lighting for the magic carpet was terrible and looked like they were just floating against a wall of black. And that would have been an awesome time to use your new LED screen! With mountains or something moving in the background to make them look like they were flying! Plus, I'm not impressed with your camels because (a) they were on stage for about 2 seconds and (b) I've already done that. Psh. 

The kid's show is becoming my absolute least favorite. People are showing up when it is already three-songs in. People are getting up in the middle of the show. Kids are crying, yeling during the show while they are at the concession stand and bathroom. Parents are starting their mass exodus to get to the car and beat the traffic during the second- or even third-to-last song. And to the tween girls that so rudely marched to their seats during the National Anthemn instead of standing still and showing some respect... yeah, we saw you. 

Muny 2012: Chicago

I was really curious how the Muny would stage Chicago. The movie is all glitz and glamour and sparkle (and all that jazz!). But the stage version, at least from what I've seen, is pretty bare. Orchestra on stage. Not big sets. No flashy costumes. Mostly black leotards and simple props. I know that sounds boring, but it is what makes any pops of glamour stand out - Billy's suit, Velma and Roxie at the end. The lighting, the dancing, the singing - it all takes centerstage.

Anyway, I figured most people were coming to the Muny for Richard Gere. Not black leotards.

But they did a good job of balancing it. The sets were still pretty sparce (and the orchestra was on stage!), but the costumes were pretty glitzy. Because Kristin will ask, the dancing was great. How can you go wrong though? It's kind of hard to mess up the choreography for Chicago.

A couple of notes:
- When the foreign inmate gets hung. This is usually so dramatic. The lighting, the music plays a big role. But she was still standing there. She didn't drop down or anything. She pranced off the stage after she was supposed to be dead. I'm big into suspension of belief... but it just wasn't enough for me.
- 'Nowadays.' That song is my absolute favorite and I'm disappointed that they didn't work some of that 'Muny magic' to make the wall of lights behind Velma and Roxie. I know they had that big staircase and the orchestra on stage... and they already had the big Chicago backdrop.... but that number WITHOUT the lights behind them is just another number with two girls singing and dancing on stage. It isn't special. It doesn't stand out. It certainly isn't a finale!
- Again this week, the digital board did not impress me. I kept looking up there thinking I would see the words to the music so we could sing along. It still feels forced and out of place.

April 25

Today is kinda hot though. Just sayin'. 

Moves Like Bernie

I have been waiting for this to become a dance craze! My prayers are answered.

Bye Bye Muny

[Excuse my lame Bye Bye Birdie reference.]

So last two performances of the season were.... varied.


Seven Brides for Seven Brothers was the best of the season and will be on my all time favorites list (joining Aida, Miss Saigon, Show Boat, Annie Get Your Gun, Singin in the Rain....). I was skeptical because I didn't know the story, but briefly- Boy meets girl. Boy falls for girl. Boy marries girl (all in one day). Boy brings girl home where she meets his clan of brothers who also need some womanly influence in their lives. They decide to kidnap - yes, kidnap - girls to fill said role. Hmmm. Weird story, yes? But the dancing, oh the dancing! It was so goooooooood. I was literally on the edge of my seat with a smile on my face the whole time.

Also helps that it takes place in the mountains out West (Utah maybe?) and the sets all reminded me of Colorado.

Bye Bye Birdie was.... bad. Sorry. I didn't like it. As it started, I was getting my hopes up because I realized it is the first live musical I remember seeing as a kid - at the St. Simon's 8th grade play. I was maybe in first or second grade at the oldest. But, man, what a disappointment. Birdie is weird. Weird music. Weird story. Just weird. And I don't recommend seeing it if you are under the age of 40.

Let me explain- There are some shows that are timeless. And there are some that you see listed in the back of the Muny program and think, 'Why don't they show that one anymore?' Birdie is going to be one of those musicals I think. I mean, it has an entire song about Ed Sullivan! I'm not vapid. I get Ed Sullivan references. I get Conrad Birdie is sort of like Elvis, and he's great (in fact, 'Honestly, Sincere' is probably one of the best Muny performances I've ever seen, even though the whole show overall was a bust for me). But there were other references that I totally did not get. During the Ed Sullivan song, I look around and see everyone (over the age of 40) is laughing. And I think it is lame. I heard my grandma say, 'Oh that's so funny' more than once and my aunt something about 'when [she] was 19.' When I'm the adult.... Who is going to go see (and love) Bye Bye Birdie?

So the season is all said and done. If I were to rank this seasons shows (best to worst) it would be....

1. Seven Brides for Seven Brothers

2. Little Shop of Horrors

3. Singin in the Rain

4. Little Mermaid

5. Legally Blonde

6. Bye Bye Birdie

7. Kiss Me Kate

Another summer passed us. Sadface. And Paul Blake, who has produced 22 seasons at the Muny is leaving. Double sadface. 

Muny Revue... er, Review

Okay, okay I owe you two Muny reviews... soon to be three. So much for timeliness. You'd never know I have a journalism degree.

Singin in the Rain and Little Shop of Horrors. Two very different shows, but both had a lot in common. One's a classic, one is more adult, but when they announced the line-up this season, these two were the ones I was looking forward to the most. I had seen Singin in the Rain a few years ago at the Muny and loved it; and saw Horrors at Stages in Kirkwood and immediately fell in love with it. I had high expectations.... and of course, they were met exceeded.

First, Singin in the Rain:
I'll get to the dancing right away, since that was a request from Kristin and Kelsey. I'll be honest... I think they should have spent a little more time rehearsing. They weren't always together, and this is coming from someone that isn't even into the drill team, perfect synchronization thing (anymore). But you can't really go wrong with Gene Kelly-inspired choreography, can you? And there was a lot of tap dancing, which is always a plus.

Also, the sets. Wowza. Usually at the Muny it is predictable - there are one or two big backdrops and a couple smaller ones, and then props/furniture on stage. If you're really lucky, you get a big moving ship or something special. But for Singin in the Rain, I couldn't even tell where these backdrops were coming from. Almost every one was different! Better than Legally Blonde, where the classroom doubled as a dorm room doubled as a court room...

And speaking of sets, there is no better moment of 'Muny Magic' than the singing in the rain scene. Seeing  the actor dance around in the puddles on stage is always worth sitting there in the heat and I love being surrounded by people seeing it for the first time (a little girl sitting in front of us exclaimed to her mom, 'That's real water!?').

Moving on to Little Shop of Horrors (not to be confused with Rocky Horror Picture Show. Apparently, a lot of people think they're the same thing).

In Horrors, the hero is a hapless florist, his damsel in distress is a semi-skanky coworker, and the villians are a man-eating plant and a dentist. Yes, a dentist. It's hilarious.

I can't say enough good things about this musical - the plot is genius; the music (rock / motown-inspired) will be stuck in your head for days; the puppetry is a delight; and I'm a sucker for deep voices (legendary Ken Page was the voice of Audrey II). Another one of those that is great with first-timers to see the shock on their faces the first time you see the plant move, or talk, or eat someone.

Just two shows left this season - Seven Brides for Seven Brothers this week and Bye Bye Birdie next. Check out my other reviews - of Legally Blonde, Little Mermaid and Kiss Me, Kate - here.

Knights of Badassdom

Yes, that is the actual movie title.

Dinklage. Zahn. Kwanten. Pudi. And LARPing.
I love everything about this.

Meet Me At The Muny

I've been going to the Muny for years.

(Non-STL reader disclaimer: The Muny is an outdoor amphitheater - the oldest and largest in the U.S. - that was built in Forest Park for the 1904 World's Fair and plays hosts to musicals every summer. They aren't travelling tours of the shows though, they are all produced right here in the city. Watching the sunset behind the stage before showtime - like this picture- is the best.)

It started off with random shows when I was a kid. In middle school, my Mom, Sister and I started a tradition of getting Mom's Deli and sitting in the free seats in the back. And then, Mom bucked up and started getting season tickets every year.

Blame it on my love of musicals or my dance background or that theater criticism class I took in college, but my sister and I always spent the car ride home dissecting the show we just saw. The costumes. The acting. The singing. The set. And usually most of all, the dance numbers.

Now that Kristin is in DC and my Mom drives home to South County after the show, I've got no one to rant (or rave) with. People ask me how the show was and I know damn well they are looking for a good/bad response, not my answer of how it compares with past shows or why that actor wasn't right for the part.

Good thing I have a blog, eh? We're already three shows in this season, so here goes:

Legally Blonde:
Let's get this straight. I'm not a big fan of the 'modern musical.' The kind where they sing pretty much all the dialogue. The kind where the music sounds more like a pop record than a stage production. I'm just not a fan.

LB is that kind of musical.

That being said, it was funny, enjoyable, but didn't blow me away. The set design was lackluster (maybe because it was all pink?). There wasn't enough of the cute dog(s). Most of all, I didn't think it was appropriate as an opening production. LB is a bit, well, adult. I get that they wanted a big blockbuster musical to open with, but I would have saved this for mid season where they usually put the big kid shows (you know - the Miss Saigon's, the Hairsprays. Maybe it was complicated because they are also showing Little Shop of Horrors this year?).

Kiss Me Kate:
There's nothing much to say. It isn't The Muny's fault - this show was just bad. Plays within a play are always annoying, but this takes the cake. I love you, Cole Porter, but no.

Little Mermaid:
Every year, the Muny hosts a big, family friendly show to run for two weeks. Of course, Mermaid was that show (in its first off Broadway production!).

I was worried this would look like the shows I've seen at Disney..... a girl dressed as a mermaid sitting on a rock the whole time, being pushed around the stage (read: lame), but it wasn't. Everyone walked around - Flounder, Ariel, the mermaids (and mermen), Ursula, Sebastian. That whole 'suspension of belief' thing really came into play here. I have a feeling if you had never seen Disney's animated Mermaid, you would have no idea what these brightly colored creatures were supposed to be.

Casting gets an 'A.' Anything with Ken Page and Francis Jue usually gets high marks from me, but adding Paul Vogt as Ursula?! Yes, please. And that little girl as Flounder (and her real life Dad as Scuttle)? Well done. But the real star was the set design. It was gorgeous. Big. Creative. Colorful. Exactly what productions like this call for. (Maybe they took some of Legally Blonde's budget....)

That's it. So far. Coming up next (one of my favorites) - Singin' in the Rain! 

Bridesmaids, Take 2

Call it the Kristen Wiig effect. All I want to wear nowadays are girly dresses with blazers.

PS: Here's my first take on a Wiig Worthy look.

dress, blazer, sandals from Target. assorted braceletes and ring. 

Double Whammy. Day 17 & 18.

Lucky you, today you get double of me! (Still not as spectacular as yesterday when you got fifteen of me in one post, but whatever.)

Day Seventeen

I went to the movies last night, so I changed out of my dress and into something a bit more comfortable (read: T-shirt & jeans). We saw Bridesmaids at Chase Park Plaza and I have never seen it that crowded. I guess it was the combination of a new, buzzworthy movie showing + $5 Wednesday tickets + Groupons expiring tomorrow...

Anyway, Bridesmaids was good, but I don't think it was the female equivalent of The Hangover like everyone is saying. Maybe I went into it with high expectations, but I really just thought it was a funny chick flick. I wish they had done more with the ensemble cast and less with Wigg's love life (although, the cop? Swoon.).

Oh, and how freakin' cute is Maverick? He loves to mess up my pictures.

white tee from Express. jacket from Ann Taylor. scarf from Van Heusen. jeans from Target. shoes by Sperry. 

Day Eighteen

And, ya caught me. I've pretty much worn this same outfit before. But that wasn't during my 30x30 Challenge so you can't hold it against me. Deal?

jeans, flats, belt and gold necklace that you can barely see from Target. shirt by Miley from Walmart.

Pop Culture

I recently bought this poster:

And I can't wait for it to get to my house so I can put my Mighty Ducks love on display for all to see. I'm also currently obsessed with

this

this

and of course, this. 

So Hood. Day 9.

Day Nine

I'm wearing my blazer today for Everybody, Everywear but really wanted to dress it down. I'm tired. And it's really cold outside. So I'm happy I've got this cozy hooded sweatshirt on to keep me warm and comfy. 

jeans, blazer and hoodie from Target. boots by Steve Madden. white tee from Express. silver chain from my mom. 

Oh, and it's outfit number nine in the 30x30 challenge. Which reminds me that last week (on my snow day), I watched the movie Nine. No, not the one with the the alien sock puppets, the musical one. And Fergie was in it and had a really awesome number. Seriously. So why did she sound awful at the Superbowl? I don't get it. 

Here's a clip for your viewing pleasure.