Fantasy World
Living in a fantasy world ain't all that bad, at least for a couple hours. One of my joys of summer, besides living a life in Maine, is taking in the four shows of the Maine State Music Theater (MSMT). This summer the shows were Dreamgirls, Les Miserables, Gypsy and Mary Poppins. Usually 3 of the 4 shows are very good. However this year, Dreamgirls and Gypsy fell well below the mark for me. Dreamgirls? Weak musical score. Afterall, it is a musical. My foot should be tappin'. Now, if they had used the Supremes songbook? Winner! Gypsy? Strong storyline, a couple of memorable songs, but I left the theater talking to myself. What's the big deal with Gypsy? It almost put me to sleep. I was yawning! Les Mis? See this show before you die. It's that good. Maybe the best show I've seen here since 1998. Mary Poppins? Fine musical score. The 2+ hours whizzed by. J- laughed throughout the production. It was hilarious! I can't believe Julie Andrews was any better then this gal.
Many of my friends believe I live part of my existence in a fantasyland
Four times a summer, I do.
I have the Playbills to prove it.
* What's ahead for next summer-
Buddy, Chamberlain, 7 Brides for 7 Brothers, and Footloose. Can't wait.
Those are some great additions to any summer.
ReplyDeleteYou gotta have a gimmick... The one song that sticks out of my mind, when I was in a production of Gypsy waaay back when ;) Have to agree, not that strong of a show. Now Les Mis? Couldln't agree with you more. Since I saw it for the first time when I was about 14, it's been my favorite. And just last night in Portland (West coast - that is), saw my 5th or 6th! I'm usually a teary mess by the opening song. We loved the production of Mary Poppins too! What a fun show - my girls loved it :) Yay for performing arts!!
ReplyDeleteWhen it comes to Gypsy, the movie version with Rosalind Russell and Natalie Wood trumps all.
ReplyDeleteMary poppins was a real challenge for the small girl I was , when I wanted to sing "Superfragicadilisticexpiadolicious"(That's what I was understanding.. :o)
ReplyDeleteI live in a fantasy world more than 4 times a year..
good for you for supporting the arts and musicals.
ReplyDeleteOh I am so with you on the Les Mis front. That has to be one of my all time favorite shows. I've seen it many times and have enjoyed each and every performance. The music is amazing.
ReplyDeleteI remember when the Mary Poppins movie came out. Our kids loved it. I wouldn't admit it but I enjoyed it, too.
ReplyDeleteNothing wrong with fantasy. Unless, of course, one fails to distinguish between fantasy and reality. I won't mention any names.
That is quite a line-up. Summer stock is great. You are tougher on Dreamgirls than I would have been. It isn't deep, but it is fun.
ReplyDeleteThat is one place you will never catch me, a musical.
ReplyDeleteA friend just went to see Poppins there & loved it. Plus, that campus is so pleasant...
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