My life should be a musical. At least, I wish it would be. Music has always been a part of my life and sometimes a song says more than just words alone. I suppose musicals appeal to me because they combine a story with music and for about 2-3 hours, you are sucked into a magical world, powerful with emotion, decorated with song.
The love for musicals came as a young kid. Mary Poppins, The Sound of Music, and Annie were some of the favorites to watch over and over. I used to play the piano score to The Sound of Music, pretending I was Julie Andrews, singing to the hills of Salzburg. Then every Christmas, my family would watch White Christmas (we still do!). Watching Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, and Rosemary Clooney croon songs about snow, blessings, Mandy, love not doing you right, and choreography, I fell in love with musicals. In high school, I became a part of the pit orchestra for Guys and Dolls. I can still hear the chorus of “Luck Be a Lady.” In college, I was also a part of several productions, The Fantasticks, West Side Story, as well as several Broadway Revue productions, a yearly production of compilations of songs from different Broadway musicals.
Then in 2007, I finally got to see my first Broadway in Chicago production: Wicked. While I had been a part of some excellent productions in the past, nothing compares to the Broadway version. The sets, the costumes, the singing and acting…I was in Oz. I was at Shiz, with Galinda, Elphaba, Fiyero, and Nessarose. I was defying gravity with Elphaba. Not too long after, Phantom of the Opera came to Chicago and once again, I was transported, this time to the theatre district in Paris. Both shows were stunning and elaborately designed.
Recently, I saw Beauty and the Beast in Chicago. I wasn’t sure how it would hold up to Wicked and Phantom, but I had high hopes, as it is my favorite Disney story. And I was not disappointed. The sets were perfect, the costuming was extremely impressive, and Liz Shivener as Belle was stunning. She was Belle, the perfect representation, hitting her notes flawlessly. The “Be Our Guest” number was fantastic. The choreography, the props…words cannot describe the greatness of this musical. I always know if the cast and crew have done their jobs if they can give me chills and bring me to tears. Beauty and the Beast did not disappoint.
Check out Broadway in Chicago for the upcoming musicals and plays. I am very much looking forward to The Lion King in September, followed by the return of Wicked in December. You can bet I’ll be at those shows!