Previously, I’ve answered the questions Brett Goldstein poses on his podcast Films to Be Buried With. First, I kept to the premise – movies. Then I answered the questions about TV shows and books. This time, my answers will all be musicals.
I’ve loved theater ever since I was a kid. There’s something about the butterflies in my stomach as the lights dim and the curtains open or the music begins. I love it. I get so thoroughly swept up into the magic of it. There’s never been a performance I haven’t loved. So it felt natural to think through these questions with the lens of theater, specifically musicals.
What was the first-ever musical you saw? — I don’t know the answer for sure, but I have a memory of watching South Pacific as a kid. I remember it because when it was over, I said, “The wrong man died,” and my dad replied with, “That’s what my mother said.” My paternal grandmother passed before I was born, so I never got to meet her, but I often heard how much I reminded him of her, so those moments always stuck out to me.
What was the musical that scared you the most? — I’m sure horror musicals are a thing…? They have to be. Someone has written and performed one at some point. But I’ve not seen any. I don’t think I’ve ever been scared of a musical before. Maybe if they introduced audience participation. 🤣
What was the musical that made you cry the most? — Guys and Dolls, but specifically the time I saw it at Peninsula Players. I talked about this theater in a previous blog, and specifically about Robert Thompson. I loved this version because he played Arvide Abernathy, and I couldn’t stop the tears when he sang “More I Cannot Wish You.” It was such a beautiful moment, made even more so because of my connection to Thompson. (I wish I had a link to the video of Thompson singing it.)
What musical is TERRIBLE but you love it? — OK – so technically only parts of it are terrible, but the movie version of Mamma Mia (I’ve not seen this one live, only the movie). There were songs that were beautifully done. The musical is a farce, so expectations were not high in that regard. But some moments… dear goodness, who thought it was a good idea to let Pierce Brosnan sing? The man is a great actor, but please put down the microphone… Honestly, the only reason I ever re-watch it is for Colin Firth…
What is the musical you once loved but reading it now you realise it’s terrible? — Oh goodness, I don’t know if I have an answer for this one. I’m sure there are some older musicals I’ve not seen in a while that likely haven’t aged well. I know some of those older musicals have been adapted for more current times, but I’ve not seen such an edited version. I would have to wager that Miss Saigon is one that hasn’t aged well? The white savior complex? But I’ve not seen that since I was in college.
What is the musical that means the most to you? Not because of the musical it’s self, but because of the memories, you have of it. –I used my Guys and Dolls pick too early. 🤣 So I would say seeing Rent at the Nederlander theater the summer before it left Broadway. Honestly, it was the least energetic performance I’ve seen of that musical, but I really loved getting to experience it in the space where Jonathan Larson had worked on it. It was one of two shows I saw that weekend, my first ever shows on Broadway. (The other was Spring Awakening with Lea Michele and Jonathan Grof.) Also, seeing Antony Rapp and Adam Pascal reprise their roles was also lovely.
To be continued next week!
Ami Maxine 