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At my high school our spring show is going to be Oklahoma and in the past month since we've started it I've realized a couple things about the show in general. Mainly I've noticed that I personally do not like the story line itself or some of what happens in it. I've watched the 1955 version on VHS when I found out we're doing it, and I figured I might as well familiarize myself with it seeing as I'm going to be a stage manager, head of stage crew, and possible assistant director (why yes, I am crazy, why do you ask?). Well when watching the movie my initial thoughts were as follows:
-I really don't like sopranos much... too much air not enough actual voice...I was skeptical about the show at that point, but I figured I'd wait to see our cast list before making any predictions about the success of the show (I don't know why, but everyone always asks me that.. as if I have some sort of ForeSight or something...). I also decided I needed to watch the Hugh Jackman version of it and once again my thoughts followed the same general lines, though I will admit that Hugh Jackman did really well (I already knew he could sing from my CD Boy from Oz) but he did better in the part then I expected.
-That’s not a dream dance... that’s a Crack Dream!!!
-Brilliant.. Kill a guy and then sing about it being a beautiful morning.... Humm...
So in general when rehearsal started I wasn't to thrilled with the show, and I was a bit pessimistic about the whole thing. But it’s growing on me. The guy playing Curly is actually a very good singer and actor, but its so hilarious because I don't think the boy can sing and dance simultaneously unless he really knows it well. Also the guy playing Curly, Joe, is louder then the whole ensemble, and he isn't even trying yet! Our show is fraught with hilarity and internal drama trauma, and its only going to remain so.
The most hilarious moment was when Joe had to skip rehearsal for a doctor’s appointment, and for most this isn't a big deal, but with Joe gone his understudy had to step in. Joe's understudy is the boy that plays Jud Fry, and Jud's Understudy is the Judge, and the Judge doesn’t have an understudy. So not only were all of the lead boys shifted around, and none knew their parts- shame on them, yours truly had to fill in for the Judge. And let me tell you that in itself was hilarious because A) I make cats howl when I sing, B) I have no rhythm, C) my dancing partner is taller and weighs more then me, and she expected me to be able to lift her up. Next time Joe is absent I am refusing to fill in.
So anyway, back to my point. The show as a whole I think will be good, but I personally don’t like it. Though I am really excited about our set. The songs are starting to grow on me too, even if the plot isn’t, but mainly they are growing on me because they are such earworms. Oh… the Farmer and the Cowman should be friends… Oh the farmer and the cowman should be friends. *Bangs head* That one is a personal nemesis now because I can’t get it out of my head!
One of the teachers in charge of the show says that it’s my time to blossom. And I kind of agree, because I’m really enjoying my new responsibilities. But in a way I don’t quite think I’m ready to “Blossom”. Since I’m the most experienced Stage Manager (1 has done a show before, and 2 are rookies whereas I have 4 shows) and I’m in charge of organizing who does what there, and I’ve actually gotten to run a few of the rehearsals with out a teacher around, I’m not sure I’m ready for everything. Most of the kids in drama now come to me to ask about things like costumes, and I’ll admit I like being able to answer their questions or being able to direct them to the right person I sometimes wonder if I’m doing everything right. Its just a little niggly thought at the back of my head that constantly whispers “Are you sure?” And to be truthful, I have no earthly idea. At least once a week I get asked a question where I don’t know the answer and the directors aren’t around so I’m forced to make a split decision. I’ve yet to decide wrong when I make these “executive decisions” but that’s mainly through luck and talking to the directors/teachers on almost a peer to peer level instead of student to teacher. I don’t want to mess up, even though I know its bound to happen I’m constantly worried.
It is kind of cool though how as the cast realizes that I know what I’m doing (even though I mostly fake it) they are starting to come to me for more then just drama-related stuff. My friend Liz (whom I’ve replaced as stage manager) said that a stage manager not only keeps track of all the technical stuff, but they keep track of the emotional/personal stuff. I didn’t really think she was serious, and I just thought that it was because she herself is such an awesome friend to so many, but its true. Its almost like the more competent people think I am, the more people come to me to rant, cry, worry, and get comfort. Its not really something I’m used to doing for so many. I actually googled up a stage manager’s desired qualities, and Liz was right! The website (I lost the link) said that an effective stage manager needs to be able to be a stern task maker, while being able to be a friend, confidant, parent-figure, and authoritative. I hope I have those qualities, for I think working in theater as a stage manager or technical director is where I’m headed.
I’m going to do fine, I think. I have to, I mean if an actor can memorize all their lines and blocking then surely I can do okay. Now I just have to get Farmer and the Cowman out of my head!
Yes I know I ramble quite a bit, but I really don't care. :)
I don't understand why, but all the reviews I've read or heard about it say it stinks. I've seen it twice, and I have the sound track, and I love the movie. I think quite a few of the critics are bad mouthing it because they think Emmy Rossum is a royal... Witch. The DJ on Sirius even said (let see if I can quote this right) "Don't waste your money. Save your $12.95 and wait for it to come out on DvD. Better yet, steal it once it comes out. Or even better! Come up to Time Square and buy it Bootleg!!". What I really want to know about this quote, is "Who the hell pays $12.95 to go to the movies?!" I only pay 8 bucks. 5 if I remember to show my student ID.
But back to the subject: The Phantom of The Opera. This movie is everything I had hoped for. For months prior to the release it was all me and one of my friends could talk about. When we all went to go see it (it was me, 2 friends that graduated, and my English Teacher) we were all crying at the end of it. The second time I saw it, I knew the story well enough that I could look at the more subtle aspects of it, and I enjoyed it even more the second time through! By the end of the 1st Act I was crying (I knew it was the first act because I listened to the CD), and I didn't stop until the end. The only other movie that has made me cry in the past 5 years was The Notebook(it comes out on DvD February 7th-ish!).
For those that don't know the story line, I'm going to attempt to summarize it with out fawning too much over it:
The Phantom Of The Opera 2004 movie starts out at in the year 1917 at an auction where an old, graying man bids on a music box. The old man recognizes another one of the bidders, and while they don't talk to each other, they both show respect. The scene is done with a sepia coloring, so it looks like an old photograph brought to life, and at the end of the scene the auctioneer asks the workers to raise "the very chandelier that figures in the famous disaster. Our work shops have repaired it, now perhaps we can frighten away the ghosts of so many years ago with a little illumination." As the chandelier is raised, color comes to the scene and with some wonderful special effects we see the cast and crew getting ready for rehearsal of their latest show. We come upon Carlotta, an Italian woman, played by Minnie Driver, who is the lead soprano. She is, to say the least, obnoxious, but plays an important role as comic relief. The cast is informed that there are new owners of the Opera house, and as Carlotta sings for them, a back drop falls on her, knocking her down. She is infuriated and storms out, leaving the Opera house with out a lead on opening night. Panicking, the owners decide to humor the ballet instructor when she suggests Christine Daie to take Carlotta's place. Christine, needless to say, does splendidly, and performs on opening night, where her child hood sweet heart- Viscount De Chaney- Raoul falls in love with her all over again. The Phantom then makes his first appearance that night in her dressing room right after Raoul leaves, and takes Christine down to his Lair and they sing the trademark song The Phantom Of The Opera. The song is closely followed by Music of the Night, and the Phantom, played by Gerard Butler, casts a spell of sorts upon Christine. Christine is infatuated [and rightly so since he's mad Hott]. This show progresses, and Carlotta comes back to take back the lead role- but the phantom is having none of it. During the show he sabotages Carlotta and then kills a man with the "magical lasso". The poor fool forgot to "keep his hand at the level of his eye". Upon the fool's death, Christine and Raoul run to the roof top and have their wonderfully sweet song, All I Ask Of You, and the Phantom witnesses their love. The Phantom is crushed, and in the reprise of All I Ask You he curses both Christine and Raoul.That's act one. I'd say more, but I'd give away too much. But in the reprise of All I Ask Of You, Butler is amazing, and it is you can actually see the Phantom's heart breaking. It is just one of the most moving scene's I've seen in a movie in a long time. After watching that scene, it was no longer possible for me to even think that possibly the Phantom could be a "bad guy". Insane? Maybe. Bad? No.
The Phantom Of The Opera, in my opinion, is not a bad movie, its not even close. And I suggest seeing it, even if all the critics don't. After all, What does a critic know? They've only studied for several years and have worked their way up to their current position... but hey, who ya gonna trust? Them or Me?
Trust me. It's worth it.
#008B8B |
Your dominant hues are green and blue. You're smart and you know it, and want to use your power to help people and relate to others. Even though you tend to battle with yourself, you solve other people's conflicts well. Your saturation level is very high - you are all about getting things done. The world may think you work too hard but you have a lot to show for it, and it keeps you going. You shouldn't be afraid to lead people, because if you're doing it, it'll be done right. Your outlook on life can be bright or dark, depending on the situation. You are flexible and see things objectively. |
Found Via my friend's livejournal
In stage crew there are these two girls, they are twins, and their names are Kathryn and Jessica. They arn't identical twins, and one of them is an actor, yet I always confuse them, even when only one is around. They're nice about it, mostly because I save them the trouble of making a big deal about it by doing it for them. They even said that their own dad confuses them... its a small comfort.
So a while back I needed to assign Jessica a project, and I stopped about 5 steps from her and thought to myself "Okay, its Jessica, just say 'Hey Jessica, can you do something for me' *repeated several times*" I stepped, stepped, stepped, reached Jessica and said "Hey Kath--Ssica!".
I told Jessica that she needs to write her name on her shirt so that I can tell... She pointed to the back of her shirt, and lo and behold, her name was on it.
I'll get it right one of these days... I just wont give Kathryn or Jessica any power tools in the mean time.
Tomorrow is my final return. Anticipating it? Even realize its happening yet? Meh. Heh!
Final bit tid bit:
I take a construction class, and in this class of 23 I am the only girl. And I also no longer have a name with the guys; I'm not called "Rachael" or "Mookie" or anything like that. I'm known as "The Girl", "Girl", Or "Smart Kid." Sometimes I think I would prefer the name "Rach" to "Girl" (I loathe the nickname Rach). But anyway, back to my point.Today was the Midterm. I finished that crap in 15 minutes flat. Easiest thing ever, and want to know why? It was the exact same thing as our review packet. You could see where the teacher whited out the word Review before photocopying it. The funny part? When the bell rang an hour and forty-five minutes after I finished, there were 5 guys that were still working on the test.
I don't get it... Are they just lazy? Dumb? Or stupid? Or all three? I can't fathom it sometimes.
left to go! Woot!
Go here: this is providing mucho entertainment for yours truly. Heh, I mean whats not to love? You got Weezer and you got drums, and its almost DDR(Dance Dance Revolution)-ish. Its great.
Bad part about it? I suck at DDR.
Its almost time.
You know, everyone always talks about Munuviana's plan to take over the world... Did I miss the memo that actually had the plan in it? Or am I supposed to not know in case I get captured by a rival conquerer? After all, I think I could make a good hostage, but thats just me.
left to go. Bet your waiting in anticipation, huh? Well heres another bit for you
Me: I hate Mr. HippyHear that? Bow down to my might! Mwah!
Me: just thought to throw that random thought out
JudgeRalph: lol, why?
Me: Cause apparently my love life (or rather-lack of one) is a great thing to discuss with his classes (even though his info is so out dated)
JudgeRalph: lol, I’m sorry
Me: lol. Meh. I got Ms. Goth to say she'll go talk to him. Hehe.
JudgeRalph: lol you’re an evil one
Me: I just want to know "why me?"
JudgeRalph: because you’re Rachael
JudgeRalph: and eventually you’re going to be ruler of the entire world, so the gods have to take it out on you now
Me: I'm going to rule the entire world?
JudgeRalph: yeah, probably
Me: Damn, and here I was just aiming for Canada and the U.S.
JudgeRalph: lol, well, that would work too
JudgeRalph: Oh! you could be president and take over Canada
Me: Screw president, I want a theocracy where I'm the God-ling. I don't play politics
JudgeRalph: lol
Me: but why would I rule the world? And wouldn’t ruling the world would be detrimental to my already-nonexistent-social-life.
JudgeRalph: no, you could make people talk to you and stuff
Me: But even if I rule to world, that doesn't satisfactorily explain "why me?"
JudgeRalph: Because your Rachael.
JudgeRalph: ‘Nuff said.
Until my triumphant *cough cough* return!
And to amuse you over the next 5 days here is a tid bit of the hilarity that is my life:
In the MuNu movie, I want to either be played by Betty White or Julia Stiles. I’m leaning towards Betty White, for how else can I get the kind, sweet side of me (as expressed with her role as Rose on Golden Girls) and the snarky vicious side of me (as expressed with her role in Lake Placid).My favorite Betty White quote is “You know back in Saint Olaf this is where, if I had a dick, I would tell you to suck it.”
