Broadway Dreamin'

Last night, one of my close friends and I went to one of the many local elementary schools in my town where its theater department, called the Student Actors Program, put on this "show" called Broadway Dreamin'; the group performs a handful of musicals (some years it went as high as eight) but would do a couple of scenes/songs from each one. This year, the department put on The Lion King, Willy Wonka, Annie Get Your Gun, You're a Good Man Charlie Brown (the school staff like to put on a scene as well), Aladdin, The Little Mermaid, and Wicked. 

Now because it was an elementary school production, I didn't hold high expectations for it; overall it was a cute little showcase. But my personal favorite was The Lion King and it wasn't because I've always had respect for it even before it went on Broadway. The scenes the "cast" for that section put on was really good and I liked it a lot! 

This show started the whole event with the "Circle of Life" (who didn't see that coming?) and ended the event with "Hakuna Matata", "They Live In You" (performed by an older alumni that I know well) and the reprise of "Circle of Life." The guy I know that played Mufasa and sang "They Live In You" sounded great (like eargasm great) and it shocked me because he's not one of my favorite people to talk to and I had to remind myself not to fall in love with his voice. 

I wish I recorded the performance but instead I'll put on the Broadway version of it! (As I type, I'm waiting for the Broadway version of The Lion King to finish downloading on iTunes.)

Just something to help you remember why you enjoy theatre. 

Comparisons between Frozen and Wicked

So Disney Pixar recently released a box-office and family-friendly success Frozen. Released on Nov. 27, the story is about two sisters left a kingdom after their parents were lost at sea—the elder, Elsa, has this power where everything she touches turns into ice and runs away from civilization after her powers were discovered; the younger, Anna, craves for a relationship with her sister (who shuts herself away from Anna) and longs to be in love and free from that household. (I know the story is more complex, but this is the abbreviated version.) 

Meanwhile, thespians around the world are well aware of Wicked, the prequel to The Wizard of Oz. It describes the backstory of Elphaba (the Wicked Witch of the West) and how she became the witch we all know and love, but by rebellion against the wizard Oz. 

I personally believe Frozen and Wicked have extremely similar qualities. Here are 10 I noticed (feel free to comment). 

1. Idina Menzel plays (sings, rather) both main female leads (Elphaba and Elsa), who were both misunderstood and ran from the societies they knew and grew up in. (Not to mention their key songs, Defying Gravity and Let It Go, are about going against the crowd and becoming the person they were meant to be.)

2. Both female leads (Elsa and Elphaba) have magical powers the townsfolk fear. 

3. Both supporting girls (Glinda and Anna) are constantly loyal to their companion and seem opposite of them. 

4. Both supporting girls are played by well known blondes of the same name (Kristen Bell and Kristin Chenowith). 

5. Both supporting girls have character songs that show them as caring and wanting to reach out and connect to their buddy (Popular and Do You Want to Build a Snowman?).

6. Both supporting males (Fiyero and Olaf) sing songs about having a carefree life and not realizing what they're singing can really mean. (Dancing Through Life hints that Fiyero will become the Scarecrow and In Summer hints that Olaf doesn't understand he would melt in the sun.)

7. Both supporting girls (Glinda and Anna) fall in love with men that don't return their affections. (Boq fell in love with Elphaba's sister Nessarose and Hans was only using Anna to gain the throne.) 

8. There are animals that are important in the story. (Sven the reindeer accompanies Kristoff and Anna as she goes to find Elsa and Doctor Dillamond was a talking Goat professor at Shiz and partly inspired Elphaba to go against the Wizard.)

9. Both main females had some harm come to their sisters (Anna became frozen in ice and Nessarose was crushed by a house). 

10. Marriage was mentioned in both stories. (Kristoff's family insisted that he and Anna should wed and almost set up a marriage, while Glinda was engaged to Fiyero, Elphaba's love.)

The Backstage Badger

I'm sorry I haven't posted in four months! Senior year gets absolutely crazy and it'll get worse once vacation is over and midterms begin.

Until I get an official post, take a look at the Backstage Badger tumblr (http://thebackstagebadger.tumblr.com/). It's the greatest theatre blog—well, in terms of the backstage crew. It's still really reliable and true! (Here's a BB post relating to an earlier post of mine.)

Memoirs of the Costume Intern

This summer has been one that I will not forget– at least, not for a while. That is partly because of how I spent it. For five weeks, I worked for this theatre company in my hometown where the productions they've done recently starred all children, only because the summer camps they run attract a lot of children quickly, and I mean a lot of children.

So, I worked as the costume intern for the summer. Besides the nonexistent pay, it was one of the most rewarding experiences I ever had. I felt as though I made a major contribution to making sure the shows are running smoothly, which they did for the most part. If something went wrong, the audience never noticed but there would be panic backstage. Whenever I was thanked for my work, I would leave the theater with a big smile on my face and I would be in such a good mood for the rest of the day.

I honestly enjoyed working with costumes. It's easy to see what fits on a kid, what doesn't, and labeling which pieces of clothing belonged to which kid— I have to give them credit, they were very good at keeping track what belonged to them. And because of that job, I know how to sew buttons onto a shirt and how to iron. I think one of the tricks to become a good costumer is to be open to some compromise, but not all of it.  If a kid doesn't like their costume, the costumer should hear their complaints, but it's the costumer's final decision on what the actor should wear, not the other way around. 

I only worked for four shows– that's how many the company offers for the summer– but I saw costumes of all shapes and sizes, textures, designs, as well as the accessories that went with them. The picture below was when we did The Little Mermaid Jr. and this was for the girl playing Sebastian. The four shows we put on: (in this order) Les Misérables: School Edition, The Little Mermaid Jr, Fame Jr, and Guys and Dolls Jr.

Of course, while working– paid or not– you're not bound to like all of your co-staff nor the clients (well, mainly the kids, although you have to love theater moms).  Out of the 35 kids I had to help costume per week, there was; at least one kid that I couldn't stand— and I tried to, I really did— one that abosultely hated their costume, one I secretly fangirled over, one that I genuinely respected, and one who kept having costume troubles every show. 

And for two weeks (same camper, ergo same mother), there was a stage mom who was always very protective over what her daughter wore onstage and asked Cheryl (the costumer's name) if she could help in any way. During one show, the daughter took off her jacket as  she thought it would show time had passed in the show. Out of nowhere, the mother is backstage, demanding for her daughter to put it on because her entire bra was showing. (In all actuality, you could barely see her bra strap and it looked as though she was wearing a camisole underneath.) It was completely ridiculous. 

One thing I noticed about these kids was that they were very cliquèy. They liked the people they knew were going to be at the camp and rarely bonded with anyone else outside their little group. Plus, at their auditions (yes I know, they shouldn't have auditions if it was a camp, but they do), they easily sized up their other cast members, already precasting who's going to get what role and it annoys the crap out of me. You're supposed to have fun at theater camp, not feel incredibly insecure. 

I have memories– both good and bad– I can share from all four shows. Each show touched me in its own way. I enjoyed Les Misérables because they were the oldest cast (the youngest was 13) and they all had done theatre before, so they knew what to do and how to make sure they got themselves onstage on time. I knew a good portion of them already so I felt sad when they had to leave- however, they were the most cliquèy out of the four. The picture below was the set of Les Mis.

The Little Mermaid Jr. was such a shock to me, when comparing its cheerful costumes to the seriousness and darkness of Les Mis. It was the most colorful - well, there were a lot of children playing fish, but they had a lot of tiny accessories and glitter and it just looked so Disney. There weren't that many problems that happened with the show. But these kids were very hyper, and so it made me nervous how we managed to have three shows with them- some as young as eight!

Fame Jr. was a perfect example of a show having good and bad. Some good things included how I had gotten a cameo appearance- actually two- during every performance. Plus, I wasn't really needed for the kids to change backstage. Either some had very minor ones they could handle or were changing right offstage, in the wings. But some bad things happened too. First off, they had a million questions, complained quite often and never listened when they were given directions. They just liked to swarm and be everywhere, it was aggravating. The costume room became the unofficial staff room between shows and when the door was closed, the kid better be dying if they came in.  Plus, this show has a pretty deep message about leaving something behind and working hard in high school, and the majority of the kids didn't even graduate from elementary school yet, and they didn't really capture the emotion of the show! The picture below was what I wore for my cameo (I pretended to be the school's costumer, ha!)

Guys and Dolls Jr. was a mix also, although it wasn't as bad as Fame. This show was the only one that I knew fairly well before the first rehearsal started. A couple of kids I knew from Les Mis were in this show as well. And I really liked some of the costumes. I had to hover over the girl who played Adelaide because she had a lot of quick changes- a bathroom offstage had to become her dressing room because she didn't have enough time to run upstairs. I also had to run everywhere because there were a couple of girls who had a lot of quick changes. They had to be girls for one scene and then in 5 minutes, they were police officers on the other side of the theater. And the girl who played General Cartwright had about 30 to 45 seconds to change from a doll to General Cartwright. It was exhausting, but when I had the chance to watch it, it was good.

The majority of the crew was pretty tolerable to work with. Everyone there had their own jobs to handle and, although we complained of our own jobs, we showed appreciation and admiration for the others. However, everyone had a problem with the Prop master and his intern/assistant- who was his college girlfriend. He rarely conversed with his other interns on what his plans were for props and apparently he blew the majority of the company's summer prop budget at an auction finding things for Les Mis- it was rumored he bought $25 scissors. 

I adore Cheryl, she was the greatest boss I could've ever had. She was the kind of person I want to grow up to be! She was so nice to me— and so patient. It was nice to learn from her and to talk to her. If I return back to the company next year, I would definitely want to work with her again! 

Did I enjoy this summer? You bet. Would I work there again next year? There's a good chance I will— you never know! And I will try to be up-to-date on my posts! 

I love vacation.  It's so nice and relaxing.  It also gives me time to update my posts.

Sorry for the delay, yet again.  This is more work than I thought.  I haven't completely forgotten about this though.  Future posts might include musicals not known (i.e. Gone Missing and Hands on a Hard Body), as well as regular straight plays (i.e. Peter and the Starcatcher and Death of a Salesman).  Until I gain more info, I'll leave this questionnaire. 

1. Favorite show? I change them all the time, but currently, it's Godspell.
2. Favorite role you've played? Gertrude McFuzz in Seussical Jr.
3. Favorite show you've been in? Godspell Jr., it was the only one where I didn't deal with a ton of drama. (Drama, get it? Ha, I slay myself!)
4. Number of Broadway shows seen? None........ for now.
5. Last show you were in? RENT School Edition
6. Favorite song from a show? "Now (It's Just the Gas) from Little Shop of Horrors
7. Favorite dance number from a show you were in? "Cross the Line" from Big! The Musical
8. Dream role(s)?  TOO MANY. Madame Giry (Phantom of the Opera), Ellen (Miss Saigon), Smitty (How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying), Adelaide (Guys and Dolls), Jan or Rizzo (Grease)
9. Show you would like to see? Any show except Cats. But lately, I've really wanted to see The Little Mermaid, Annie Get Your Gun and Godspell again.
10. Show(s) that makes you cry? Les Miserables, Godspell, Miss Saigon, RENT, Chess, South Pacific
11. Show(s) that makes you happy? Hairspray, Hair, Book of Mormon, Mamma Mia, Legally Blonde, The Lion King, Wicked, Avenue Q, Singin' In The Rain
12. Ever worn a wig for a show? Yes I have, for Cinderella: The World's Favorite Fairy Tale.
13. Favorite costume worn? There are some I've liked because it's from my own wardrobe, but none are my favorite yet.
14. Cast you're closest with? RENT School Edition
15. Favorite movie based on a Broadway show? I'd say Les Miserables, but I haven't officially seen it yet. So I'll say the Charlie Brown TV series from You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown
16. Show you would mostly like to see? The Little Mermaid

Day Thirty: Newsies

Once again, I'm terribly sorry for my slacking on the posts, but midterms are always a pain in the butt!

Anyway, we're at our final day of the countdown! Woohoo! Today's post is my all time favorite musical, which is Newsies. I've always had an admiration for guys that can dance as well as they can!

I can't type a summary of the show, I have no time today. Lo siento! Here's the synopsis ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Newsies_(musical) )

So, for today's post, the video is from the Tony Awards of 2012 (can't wait for the 2013 show!), where Newsies performed One and For All and Seize The Day, with a little prologue by Nick Jonas, and the main character, Jack, played by Jeremy Jordan!

Howdy all! I'm dreadfully sorry I haven't been around to post in around a month(?);  I've been dealing with a lot of theatre turmoil, which I'll talk about.

So, in the past month my school did the production of RENT and we killed it! For our final night, we oversold (and by that, I mean we had to add rows of chairs in front of the audience because we didn't have enough room)!

Now here comes the depressing part, which will lead to today's topic. So yesterday, I auditioned for Phantom of the Opera, and ever since I was a little girl, I had always imagined playing Madame Giry. I love her character, she's so bad-ass! She doesn't have to say anything to get people to quiet down. I've always admired her.

Anyway, my audtioners and I discovered the cast list later that night. I was cast in ensemble and my best friend, pessimistic that the theatre group has been pre-casting all of their productions, was cast as a lead. To be specific, Madame Giry. It crushed me.

(I know, I sound like I should be on Jerry Springer with the subtitle "My Best Friend Took My Dream Role.") This morning, I couldn't talk to her without starting to cry. I guess I'm so frustrated and disappointed in myself. The past shows I've been in (the majority of my theatre career), I've been cast in ensemble. I didn't mind when I was younger because I was inexperienced, but as I got older, I felt the harder I tried, I would end up upset and reverting to what I'm currently doing now, eating my feelings away. 

At this point, you're wondering, "What the hell is this post?" and you're about to click off, but don't yet, because I have something that will help you!

What To Do When You Lost The Part You Wanted 

(This can be true for not getting the job, not asking a guy/girl out, your partner broke up/divorced you, etc., just change the guidelines a little bit!)

1. Cry. You are not making yourself feel better by keeping it all inside. In fact, you're purposely putting yourself in a bad and upset mood. Let it all out! (As for me, I'm saving my crying for the shower tonight.) Your body releases hormones that make you feel better after you cry. 
2. Talk To Someone. Let it be known, but not as shouting and throwing a temper tantrum. Just talk to a friend or parent or someone you really trust and calmly tell them (or cry, if you're still upset). They'll understand.
3. Congratulate The Person. Even if it kills you on the inside, it's still the proper thing to do and it shows you are the bigger person. (Whatever you do, please do not destroy any of their property. This includes, but not limited to; houses, cars, electronic devices, clothing, etc. You'll feel embarrassed about it afterwards.)
4. Give Yourself Time To Heal. This will not pass easily, especially if you really wanted the part (or job, etc.). The human heart is used to repairing itself. Do some other activities that you didn't have the time for before!
5. Be Optimistic. Even when you think you shouldn't be and you have every right to loathe, think ahead. Life does get better! You'll have the opportunity to audition for more parts and you will have your time to shine in the part you'll rightfully earn one day!
6. Smile. It'll make you feel better, even if you're in no mood to smile. Studies have shown that the action of smiling helps people feel better. (I don't know where, but I believe it).

Hope this helps!

Day Twenty-Nine: Fiddler on the Roof

Sorry I've been gone so long, my pets! First show week, then it's me catching a cold. And around 2 weeks before my next audition.

Today's post is a musical that I would enjoy to be involved in (whether it's acting, directing, etc.) and that is Fiddler on the Roof. I'm not sure why I do, but a good portion of my friends have done it, and I like the story line!

I'm terrible at explaining all of it, but from what I know, it's about this guy, named Teyve, who fathers five children and tries to uphold tradition in his family while dealing with the ever-changing political and social landscape. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fiddler_on_the_Roof#Synopsis)

My favorite song from the show has to be "Do You Love Me?" I find it funny how in the beginning, she's like , "It's your stomach talking."

I hate show week.

While show week is (somewhat) fun and does pay off in the end, it's just a constant pain in the butt the days before the show is actually performed, for people.

So, I have been working on Day Twenty-Nine, but, as most people should know, I'll spend more time at school (the theater, to be exact) than at home. I honestly only have time to eat, shower, do homework, and sleep. (I'm sacrificing sleep for you guys, this shows how much I care!)

So, I'll leave a quick theatre post I was originally gonna save for a later post, but it's an emergency.

Anyway, I don't know how many of you saw the 2012 Tony Awards, but it is the biggest theatre night for all of Broadway. Happens once a year, around mid-June, and announces everything theatre-related, from Best Costume Design to Best Broadway Musical (which, by the way, this year's was Once, one of my best theatre friends was freaking out about it). This clip, is the beginning of the show, with a little entertainment from the host, Neil Patrick Harris.

God, I love that man. So, this "song" is called "What if life were more like theatre?" (I have definitely asked that before) and I love it, it's simply great. (You might recognize a familiar face in the viewing.......)

Oh, by the way, the song that is ending at the beginning of the video is "Hello!" from the musical Book of Mormon.

Day Twenty- Eight: Little Shop of Horrors

Happy 2013! Today's post is a musical that features either a character that's so bad/cruel/evil you love them OR has a musical character you love to hate. That certain character is Orin Scrivello D.D.S. from Little Shop of Horrors. I think I love Orin because he's just so funny and comedic, you often forget he's a villain!

So, the show starts with this big booming voice (similar to God's) warning the audience of a "deadly threat to its very existence." Through the three "urchins" (who end up narrating the story in their own style), they introduce the main characters: Seymour, a poor young man who's also an orphan on Skid Row; Audrey, a pretty blonde with tacky outfits dating a sadist dentist; Mushnik, their boss at Mushnik's Skid Row Florists.

Seymour comes across this strange and peculiar plant that looked "like a venus fly-trap." (He obtained it while shopping in the flower district and after the "total eclipse of the sun," it appeared). The plant is named Audrey II due to Seymour's undying love for the actual Audrey. The plant unknowingly begins to wither away, causing Seymour to be in distress. After he pricked his finger on a rose thorn, he notices the plant opens its mouth when the finger is moved near it. Seymour now understands the plant lives off of blood and begins feeding it blood, causing it to grow exponentially.

The plant, when placed near the store window, attracts all sorts of business and revenue for the store. Audrey's sadistic boyfriend, a dentist named Orin Scrivello (D.D.S). He wears leather, rides a motorcycle and enjoys his job due to him gaining pleasure for causing people pain. Orin comes to the store to pick Audrey up for their date, where Orin talks to Seymour about taking the plant and leaving Skid Row.

Mushnik, overhearing this, realizes that his business' success is from the plant (and Seymour, who originally had brought in the plant in). He knows that Seymour's an orphan, so he talks him into becoming his legal son (purposely to keep him in his sights). Seymour accepts it, despite him being constantly yelled at by Mushnik.

Meanwhile, Seymour is growing weak from him feeding his own blood to the plant. When he stops feeding it, the plant becomes animated- to the point where it could talk- and demands to be fed. Seymour makes another 'deal with the devil'; if Seymour keeps feeding the plant, the plant will grant all of Seymour's desires, which include dating Audrey. Seymour originally refuses, but after watching Orin abuse Audrey, he is manipulated again to go along with the plan.

Seymour heads to Orin's dentistry for a late-night appointment, planning on killing him with a revolver. However, Seymour doesn't have the nerve and chickens out shooting him. Orin, meanwhile, has been getting high on nitrous oxide but realizes he cannot take the gas mask off and asphyxiates while Seymour watches. After confirming he's dead, Seymour chops up Orin's body to give to the hungry plant, which grows.

The flower shop is still booming with business, with Seymour and Audrey struggling to keep up. Audrey admits to feeling guilty about Orin's death because she had secretly wished it and that she deserved to date a guy like him. The two tell of their feelings for one another; Seymour vows to always be there for Audrey. The couple talk about creating a new life together; meanwhile, Seymour feels as though Audrey loves him only for his money and that if they left, he would lose it all and she wouldn't love him anymore.

The police are investigating Orin's death (they don't have much evidence), and Mushnik confronts Seymour about his suspicions. Mushnik then realizes (from the evidence found at the shop and a motive, which was Seymour's new girlfriend) that Seymour was the one who killed Orin. Audrey II tells Seymour he will lose everything if he turned himself in.

Seymour tells Mushnik he put the days' receipts inside the plant for safekeeping. Mushnik climbs into the plant's open mouth but is devoured by Audrey II. Seymour now runs the flower shop and is surrounded by reporters, salesman, agents, and lawyers promising him fame and fortune. Seymour realizes that it's only a matter of time before Audrey II will have to eat again. He considers killing the plant, but fears he will lose Audrey's love if he does, so he decides not to.

Seymour tries to work on a speech for his lecture tour when Audrey II demands for more food. Seymour's about to kill it when Audrey comes into the shop, asking about Mushnik's trip to visit his sister. Seymour discovers that Audrey would still love him even if he didn't have the plant. He decides that the plant will die after the LIFE magazine interview the next day. Audrey, frightened by Seymour's rantings, leaves the shop.

Audrey isn't able to sleep due to Seymour's odd behavior and goes to the shop. There, she finds the plant begging her for water. She approaches to water it, not realizing it feeds on blood. Audrey gets pulled into the plant's mouth and the plant begins its feeding. Seymour arrives and attacks the plant in order to try and save Audrey. He pulls her out, but she is mortally wounded. She asks that when she dies ("which would be very shortly"), she would be fed to the plant so the two can always be together. She dies in his arms, and Seymour follows her request.

The next day, some salesman (Patrick Martin from the World Botanical Enterprises) comes by the shop, asking to take small samples of Audrey II so he can grow and sell them to every household in America. Seymour now realizes the plant's evil plan; world domination. He tries to kill the plant by shooting, cutting and poisoning it, but the plant has grown too strong. In a last attempt, Seymour runs directly at it with a machete, only to be eaten by the plant.

The three "urchins" (Crystal, Chiffon and Ronnette) end the show by warning the audience to not "feed the plant."

The song highlighting my dentist is the song "Dentist", which is Orin explaining what he does.

Day Twenty-Seven: Chess

Happy New Year's Eve/ Day (depends on where in the globe you are!) I'm trying to write this post before 2013 arrives just to say I did it! I originally thought I would be done the 30 Days before this happened, but I got lazy. :P

Anyway, today's post is a musical I would love to see starring my favorite performers, which for me is Chess. I love Chess, I love the story line, and people have heard some of the songs from this show- whether  they realize it or not.

So, there's a world chess championship and that year's match would be held in a town in northern Italy. The town, Merano, is preparing for the association's arrival- meanwhile, Frederick "Freddie" Trumper of the United States arrives with Hungarian-born English-raised girlfriend and second Florence Vassy. Florence notices how Freddie is spoken in a negative light in the press because of his "bad boy" attitude. She asks Freddie to control his temper, but he ignores her and assaults a journalist who questions his and Florence's relationship. 

Freddie's Russian opponents, Anatoly Sergievsky -and his second, Alexander Molokov- watches Freddie embarrass himself on television. Anatoly laments on what he gave up to be where he was. The head of the chess association asks both contestants to a clean game, while both contestants secretly wish to defeat their opponents. The match becomes intense, resulting to Freddie destroying the chessboard and storming out of the arena. Florence apologizes for Freddie's actions and tries to set up a peace meeting between Anatoly and Freddie.

It turns out, Freddie did the outburst because of an American media company offering a higher price to him if he did it. Freddie and Florence argue about it until Freddie changes the conversation about Florence's missing father, who was captured by Soviet forces during the 1956 Hungarian Revolution. Florence leaves for the resort where she told Anatoly to meet Freddie and herself so they can have a diplomatic response to the chess match.

Freddie doesn't arrive with Florence, which leaves Florence and Anatoly awkwardly together, waiting. However, romance arises between Florence and Anatoly and the two embrace. Suddenly, Freddie enters, interrupting the two. Freddie was late because he was negotiating another business deal with the same media company. The chess tournament proceeds with Anatoly dominating to where he needs only to win one more match to win the tournament. Freddie acts childish to his defeats, which results to Florence leaving him. 

Freddie is left to reflect on his childhood while he sends the head of the chess association a letter of resignation, which results in Anatoly automatically becoming the world champion. Anatoly leaves Russia and seeks for refuge in England, with Florence accompanying him. The press discovers the secret relationship and swarm the two. When asked why Anatoly is deserting his country, he answers by saying his land's only border is around his heart.

A year goes by, and Anatoly returns to defend his title in Bangkok, Thailand. Freddie is already there because he's the media company's special presenter for the year's championship. Florence and Antoly are openly lovers, but both worry for Antoly's estranged wife, Svetlana, arriving from Russia. Anatoly thinks that  Molokov, planned this in order to get Anatoly to return to the Soviet Union. Molokov has been training a new guy named Leonin Viigand to challenge Antoly: Molokov plans on spying on Anatoly and plots his downfall.

Freddie is manipulated by the head of the company to humiliate Anatoly on a live interview between himself and his former opponent. Molokov blackmails Svetlana to making Anatoly lose the match. The head of the media company, Walter, discovers about the release of American agents if he can ruin Anatoly's play- he convinces Florence that if she makes Anatoly lose, then her father will be released as well. Neither of the ploys make Anatoly lose the match. Molokov and Walter team up and ask Freddie to personally persuade Anatoly and Florence. Freddie, who wants revenge from Anatoly and is interested in winning back Florence, tries to talk to the couple- however, they dismiss him.

Svetlana and Florence talk one-on-one about their romantic relationships with Anatoly. Florence confesses that it would be best if Anatoly returned to Svetlana and their children. Anatoly is told to go to a certain temple and meets Freddie there. Freddie puts aside his personal agenda and decides to help Anatoly; he tells him of Viigand's flaw in how he plays in order to help Anatoly win.

Both Anatoly and Viigand have won 5 games apiece, but Anatoly wins the final match. He feels as though this will be the only thing he can accomplish in life. Svetlana and Florence scold Anatoly for his reaction to winning the chess match; he didn't care at all. Later, Florence tells Anatoly that he should return home to the Soviet Union with Svetlana. Walter later tells Florence Anatoly returned with Svetlana back home. Walter also admits that no one knows if Florence's father is alive or not. Florence sobs that Walter uses people's lives for nothing and repeats Anatoly's statements at the end of Act 1, about having the only borders lie around her heart.

(I just realized I did the West End version of this show, so sorry! It's all too confusing for me now. Just read it for yourself; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chess_(musical)#Plot_2)

So, the song I'll choose is "Anthem" because I think it's a good piece to represent the show (this is sung at the end of Act 1, when Anatoly is asked why is he leaving Russia). This stars Josh Groban, Idina Menzel, and Adam Pascal!

Day Twenty-Six: Seussical

Today's post is a musical featuring a character you can relate to the most. The character would have to be Gertrude McFuzz, which means the musical of the day is Seussical.

Seussical is based off of Dr. Seuss, especially with the story of Horton Hears a Who, featuring characters such as: The Cat in the Hat, Jojo, The Grinch, Gertrude McFuzz, Mayzie LaBird, etc.

I'll give a quick synopsis: "A person's a person no matter how small." Horton, an elephant, finds a speck of dust containing a tiny world on it, and only he hears the tiny people. He places the speck on a four-leaf clover and endures the mocking of the citizens of the Jungle of Nool. The only person on his side is a bird named Gerdtrude McFuzz, his neighbor, who's always had a secret crush on him.

The tiny world on the speck of dust, called Who, a boy named Jojo has an overactive imagination that gets him into a lot of trouble at school and at home. Horton and Jojo bond over how different they are and become friends. Meanwhile, Gertrude (my character) is trying really hard to impress Horton; so she takes some pills to have her bird tail feathers grow longer and fuller, following the instructions of her friend Mayzie. Alas, Horton still doesn't pay much attention to her.

Jojo's parents send him to military school to teach discipline in him, lead by this crazy General Genghis Khan Schmitz (name sound similar, anyone?) Horton is ambushed by the Wickersham brothers, who are monkeys. They steal the clover and give it to an eagle named Vlad Vladikoff, who drops it into a field of identical clovers. Gertrude takes more tail pills in order to get Horton to notice her again. Mayzie, who has been abandoned by her lover and left the egg the two created, asks if Horton can watch the egg while she goes and takes an afternoon off. Horton is captured by hunters and Gertrude, unable to fly due to the size and weight of her tail feathers, isn't able to save Horton.

Horton is transported, while still sitting on the egg, to NYC and is auctioned off to the circus. Mayzie, who has been laying around, decides to visit the circus and runs into Horton. She tells Horton that he's more of a parent than she'll never be and leaves the egg with Horton forever. Horton vows to raise the egg and "sings" it to sleep, about a magical place called Solla Sollew.

Jojo confronts the crazy general about his obsession with war and accidently causes an explosion, which is thought to have destroyed him. The Cat in the Hat explain to Jojo's parents, when they hear the news, that Jojo survived the explosion and got lost while traveling back to Whoville. The Cat in the Hat finds Jojo and brings him back to his parents, where the three of them embrace.

Gertrude finds Horton at the circus and frees him. After realizing her self-worth, Gertrude had gotten the feathers plucked off and found the Whos' clover. However, the Sour Kangaroo, working with the Wickersham brothers, bring Horton back to the Jungle of Nool: he is put on trial for talking to a speck of dust and sitting on an egg. Horton and Gertrude try to plead innocent, but it is in vain: Judge Yertle the Turtle still orders the clover to be boiled in a pot of beezlenut oil. Horton begs the Whos to shout their existence, which they do by yelling: YOPP.

The sound is just high enough for the jungle citizens to hear. Horton is declared innocent and Sour Kangaroo is dedicated herself to help care for the small speck of dust. Jojo is given the title "Thinker Non-Stop" and gets appreciation from his parents. The egg hatches: out comes an "Elephant-Bird" creature. Horton realizes he can't raise an animal that flies, but Gertrude assures him she can teach the creature to fly and he can teach it on land. The two vow to raise the "child" together. The End.

I think I associate myself with Gertrude for a couple of reasons. One is that she was the first lead role I had ever acquired, even though it was during theatre camp. Two is that she's very shy and quiet and nerdy, which I kinda am. Three is that she has tried to change her appearance to get the guy she likes, but I mean what girl hasn't done that at one point? Four is that she can be a good friend and very reliable. Five is that I have written a song about a guy I had a crush on and about myself. Six is a combination of the previous five reasons: I can connect to her a lot because I can understand what she's going through and by using part of my qualities in her, I think I pulled off Gertrude McFuzz rather well!

Because I'm highlighting Gertrude, I'll do her signature song, "The One-Feather Tail of Miss Gertrude McFuzz" (it's immediately followed by "Amayzing Mayzie" (yes, I spelled it wrong on purpose)).

Day Twenty-Five: The Little Mermaid

Today's post is a musical that is my current favorite, which is The Little Mermaid. (I just realized that I should have put this show for my theatre obsession: I've been listening to it so much, it's scaring me.)

So, I think the majority of you know what's about, or at least know it involves a red-haired mermaid named Ariel. Ariel wants to be like humans, even though being a mermaid is frickin' cool and the majority of the world isn't as great as she hopes it is. She has three 'close' friends; Flounder (a flounder) Sebastian (a crab)., and Scuttle (a seagull).

 The mermaid, youngest of seven and a princess to her father, King Triton, disobeys him and goes to her aunt, Ursula: Ursula was kicked out of the kingdom because she was accused of doing 'black magic.' Ariel basically makes 'A Deal with the Devil'. Ariel has had her eye on a certain human prince named Eric, after she saved his life from a terrible storm, tossing him overboard. Ursula, who believes that Ariel is the key to her regaining the kingdom, has a proposal for her: Ariel will turn into a human for three days, and get the true love's kiss from Eric. If it happens, Ariel can stay human forever; if not, then Ariel is to return to a mermaid and be Ursula's slave. As payment, Ariel loses her voice, which is kept in Ursula's shell.

Eric has been searching for the maiden who saved his life, but the only clue he has to find her is her voice. Eric finds Ariel, now a human and mute, and brings her back to the castle. The two spend time together. Near the end of the second day, Eric and Ariel are on a quiet boat ride through a lagoon. The lagoon animals try to create a romantic atmosphere for Eric and Ariel to kiss. They are about to, when Ursula's electric eels and companions, Flotsam and Jetsam give the boat a shock, shocking Eric out of the romantic mood.

Sebastian and Flounder end up informing Ariel's father, Triton, about her deal with Ursula. Eric still dreams about finding the girl with the beautiful voice, but doesn't want to lose Ariel: he doesn't know Ariel is the girl he was looking for. The next day- the third day- there's a singing contest, where foreign princesses sing to the tune that Eric was sung to ("Part of Your World") in order to find his dream girl. Ariel, who still cannot speak, instead dances for him and Eric picks her. Ursula arrives and tells Ariel that her time is up, and Flotsam and Jetsam whisks her back to the sea. 

Triton arrives to confront Ursula and rescues Ariel by offering to take her place. Ursula becomes Queen of the Sea and banishes Triton with a wave of the trident she acquired. Eric has come to save Ariel via ship, but Ursula has raised the sea level higher, to stop any "interference." Ariel grabs the shell and regains her voice, causing Flotsam and Jetsam to swim away. Ariel threatens to break the shell and Ursula tries to sweet talk her niece to not break it: Ursula believes she would die without her shell. Ursula comes close to recapturing the shell- however, when she makes a comment about proving her father wrong and having him rot on the ocean floor, Ariel smashes the shell. The fracture destroys Ursula.

Triton reconciles with Ariel and realizes that he has to turn her into a human again. Ariel and Eric are reunited and Eric meets her father. Eric asks Triton for Ariel's hand in marriage. Ariel answers back with agreement, surprising Eric. Triton declares peace between merfolk and human, and Ariel and Eric get married and live happily ever after.

I guess I will put on here one of the most known songs associated with this show, and it's "Part of Your World." (Surprisingly enough, I always forgot the lyrics to the song until yesterday). But, this is sung by Sierra Boggess, who is my second favorite singer of all time, on the Today show! (after Idina Menzel, of course). Just to warn you, the actual song doesn't play until 1:50, unless you want to see her interview.

Day Twenty-Four: Avenue Q

Today's post is a musical that makes me laugh, which is Avenue Q. (Book of Mormon also belongs here, but I already used it on Day Two.)

For those of you who haven't heard of Avenue Q, it's basically a rated-R version of the popular TV show "Sesame Street" (mainly because of the puppetry.)

One puppet is trying to figure out his 'purpose' in life, while wooing the affections of another. One puppet is trying to figure out if his puppet roommate is gay (which he is). There's Gary Coleman, who's played by a female for some reason, and a regular guy who paid for a Japanese mail-order bride named Christmas Eve. Here's the rest of the synopsis: (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avenue_q)

(I'm sorry I haven't been doing my usual posts; I virtually have no time now!)

I'll play for you one of my favorites, "Everyone's A Little Bit Racist" (which I feel as though it's true: the two puppets, Kate and Princeton, are the ones that fall in love.)

Day Twenty-Three: Legally Blonde

I hope everyone had a great Christmas morning! With the 25th anniversary DVD of Phantom of the Opera (which I will dedicate all of tomorrow to watching), I will be! Anyway, today's post is a musical that everyone should see live, and that show, for me, is Legally Blonde: The Musical.

I really don't feel like describing the show because it's the same synopsis as the movie version, starring Reese Witherspoon.

I think people should see Legally Blonde because it's so funny and very fast-paced. It also holds Elle's innocence and "blondeness" (not to insult any blondes whatsoever).

So, here's one of the songs, "Gay or European," sung with some of my favorites, Laura Bell Bundy as Elle and Christian Borle as Emmett! (This takes place during the trial, where it's discovered the guy is both gay and European!)

Day Twenty-Two: The Music Man

Happy holiday season everyone! Today's post is a musical I wish was (never) made into a movie, and I chose the negative aspect to the question and answered: The Music Man.

I actually don't like today's topic, but I need an excuse to bash on The Music Man. I hate it. I find the show annoying and the plot line stupid (I mean, the show advertises a librarian falling in love with a con man? Boring and stupid.)

I'll give a quick synopsis! It starts with con man "Professor" Harold Hill having his name known due to his recent scam: he convinces parents he can teach their children, whether musically talented or not, to play musical instruments. On the idea that he will create a band, Hill collects orders for uniforms and instruments from the parents, but skips town as soon as the instruments arrive. After overhearing some salesmen talk about him on a train ride, Hill gets off at River City, Iowa.

The town is very stubborn and isn't used to having new guests; only his old colleague Marcus Washburn, who was once a con man but has turned "clean." Hill starts his scheme by informing the River City parents the "trouble" that will occur from the town's new pool table. Hill follows Marian Paroo, a librarian who gives piano lessons and is the only trained musician in town, home and attempts to flirt with her: she ignores him.

At home, Marian is teaching a little girl piano lessons while arguing with her widowed mother about her not finding a husband yet. Marian's teenage lisping brother, Winthrop (whom Amaryllis has a big crush on) comes home. Amaryllis asks Marian who she says 'good night' to because she has no sweetheart. Marian tells her to say 'good night' to her 'someone.'

The next day, Independence Day, the town is having a meeting and one of the boys, Tommy, lights a firecracker. Hill takes the stage and proposes the idea that by getting rid of the town's "sin and corruption" and the town's pool table, he will create a boys' band. The mayor asks the bickering members of the school board to get Hill's credentials, but Hill teaches them how to sing a Barbershop Quartet instead and slips away. Hill sets up the mayor's eldest daughter with Tommy, while pledging to Marcus that Marian is the girl for him (after she turned him down again).

The townwomen, excited for the ladies' dance committee that Hill promises to form, lie to him about Marian and her inappropriate relationship with deceased old miser Madison, who gave the town the library, but gave her all of the books. They also warn him that she gives out "dirty books." The school board finds Hill to get the credentials, but Hill makes them sing as he slips away again.

The next day, Hill declares his love to Marian while she's working in the library and gets the teenagers to help him. They dance and he kisses her. Marian tries to slap Hill, but slaps Tommy instead. Hill signs all of the boys up for the band, including Winthrop. Marian's mother likes Hill and asks Marian why she doesn't. Later, Marian discovers a page from the Indiana State Educational Journal that could catch Hill as a con man, but the instruments arrive and Winthrop feels so confident playing his new cornet. Marian sees Hill in a new light and rips the page out before showing the mayor.

As Harold "teaches" the band how to play, the school board is cracking down on obtaining Hill's school credentials. Meanwhile, a traveling salesman, who has come by town, has evidence that Hill isn't who he says he is and wants to inform the mayor of River City. Marian distracts the salesman so he doesn't have time to tell the mayor and has to catch the next train out of town. Hill realizes that he's in love with Marian and she grows feelings for him as well.

The salesman ended up missing the train and heads to the ice cream social, where he calls Hill a fraud. The town angrily searches for Hill. He ends up being arrested and is taken away. Marian goes to Hill's defense; at that point, the boys march into the gym where Hill was held and the parents of the children were so moved by seeing them play instruments, Hill was released into Marian's arms.

I would do the song "Seventy-Six Trombones," but it's been so overdone. Plus, I just plain hate that song. So, I will play the next-to-most-annoying song, "Marian The Librarian" (this is when Hill proclaims his love to Marian in the library, and yes: Hill is played by Matthew Broderick and Marian is played by Kristin Chenoweth!)

Day Twenty-One: West Side Story

Today's musical is one that inspires me, which is West Side Story. I've just always liked this musical, it just makes me feel happy! (Or maybe because I'm a big fan of Shakespeare- he was quite the pick-up artist!)

So, there are two 'gangs' in the city; the Jets (the 'White' group) and the Sharks (the 'Puerto Rican' group) and both struggle for control of the neighborhood. The police warn both groups to stop fighting among each other. The Jets- Riff (the leader), Diesel, Action, A-Rab, Baby John, Snowboy, Joyboy, Big Deal, Tiger, Mouthpiece, Gee-Tar- decide they want to plan a rumble against the Sharks- Bernardo, Chino, Pepe, Indio, Loco, Juano, Luiz, Rocco, Toro, Del Campo, Chile. Riff finds his old friend and former group leader, Tony, and asks him to meet the Jets at the dance. Tony does, but he wants no further part with the gang.

Maria works in a bridal shop with Anita, her brother Bernardo's girlfriend. Maria had just arrived from Puerto Rico and her family picked Chino to be her future husband. Anita and Maria talk about going to the dance. At the dance, the teenagers begin to dance. Not long after, there's a dance battle, and Tony and Maria spot each other from across the room. Unaware of the tension in the room, the two dance and are about to kiss when Bernardo takes Maria away and sends her home.

Riff and Bernardo agree for a War Council at Doc's, the drug store Tony works at and is declared neutral grounds. An infatuated and happy Tony finds Maria's building and serenades her outside her bedroom. He climbs onto her fire escape and the two proclaim their love for one another. Meanwhile, Anita and the other Shark girls talk about the differences between Puerto Rico and the U.S.

Inside Doc's, the Jets wait for the Sharks. The two groups meet and discuss using weapons at the rumble. Tony suggests a "fair fight" (fists only) and the leaders agree to that idea. Bernardo wanted to fight Tony, but has to fight Diesel instead. The police (particularly Lt. Schrank) is trying to find the location of the rumble. Tony tells Doc, the owner of the drug store, about Maria. Doc is worried for the two, but Tony isn't; he's in love.

Maria has been in a very happy mood and cannot wait to see Tony again. Tony meets Maria at the bridal shop and dream about their wedding. She asks Tony to stop the fight, which he agrees to do. Tony, Maria, Anita, Bernardo and Riff anticipate the events to come that night. The gangs meet under the highway, and Bernardo and Diesel are about to fight. Tony tries to make peace and to stop the fight. Bernardo is provoking Tony, but Tony refuses to fight, resulting in Riff punching Bernardo in Tony's defense.

Riff and Bernardo draw out switchblades and get into a knife fight. Riff is stabbed by Bernardo and Tony, in a fit of rage, grabs Riff's blade and kills Bernardo. The two gangs get into a free-for-all. They hear the sound of sirens and everyone leaves, except for Tony, who has just realized what he has done and leaves at the last moment.

Unknowing of what Tony had done, Maria daydreams about seeing Tony with her friends. Chino brings the news that Tony killed Bernardo. Maria flees to her room, hoping that Chino is mistaken. Tony arrives to see Maria, who is originally mad with Tony. The two talk of running away together and imagine it. One of the police officers pursues the Jets, which causes a fight and the officer leaves. Anybodys, a tomboy wanting to join the Jets, overhears Chino wanting to kill Tony with a gun. She also begins a relationship with Action when she relays the news.

Anita arrives at Maria's apartment and overhears Tony telling Maria to meet him at Doc's so they can run to the country together. Anita becomes furious discovering this and belittles him. Maria responds by telling Anita how powerful love is. Anita realizes Maria loves Tony just as much as Anita herself loved Bernardo. She admits Chino has a gun and is searching for Tony.

Maria tells Anita to tell Tony, who is waiting for Maria at Doc's, to wait as Lt. Schrank arrives to question Maria about her brother's death. When Anita arrives at Doc's, the Jets were there are were throwing racial slurs at Anita and physically attack her. Doc comes and breaks up the fight. Anita spitefully tell the Jets, and Doc- who happens to overhear- that Chino shot Maria dead.

Doc relays the news to Tony, who has been dreaming of traveling to the countryside and have children with Maria. Tony, who is now feeling suicidal, leaves to find Chino so he can kill Tony. Just as Tony sees Maria, who is still alive and has never been killed, Chino shoots Tony. Both gangs flock around the lovers. Maria holds Tony in his arms and sings to him as he dies.

The Jets, furious another friend of theirs is killed, is about to attack the Sharks when Maria grabs Chino's gun and tells both groups that they all killed Tony, Riff and Bernardo, and that she can now kill, because she hates too. However, she's unable to shoot the gun and drops it to the ground, and begins sobbing. All members of both gangs crowd around Tony's body, signifying that the feud is over, and carries Tony's body off in a procession, with Maria walking behind them.

This is one of my personal favorites, the 'Tonight Quintet' (It's based off the 1961 movie version: This is before the rumble that Riff and Bernardo die at, when everyone is talking about what will happen that night.)

Day Twenty: Godspell

My, we're at Day 20 already! Well, today's post is a 'guilty pleasure' musical I have, and that would be, for me, Godspell.

I probably shouldn't like this musical as much as I do because my friends are all sick of it (sick of the junior version, that is.) The junior version been done three times in the past four years, and the original has been done once (as far as I know.) According to some of my friends, it'll become as bad as Annie (I'm so not letting that happen!)

The show starts with God's voice saying: "My name is known: God and King. I am most in majesty, in whom no beginning can be and no end." The company members (which is very small, I think it's around eight people) pretend to be different philosophers (Socrates, Thomas Aquinas, da Vinci, etc.) sing about each of their philosophies, which are focused around God.

John the Baptist (whom is played by the same person playing Judas) calls the community to order and tells everyone the Lord is coming. He begins to baptize the company when Jesus comes, asking to be baptized as well. John instead tells Jesus that he isn't worthy to baptize such a holy person, and that Jesus should baptize John. Jesus states that his purpose is to come "save the people."

The company enacts various parables while Jesus teaches them the meanings behind them. Some include the widow & the Judge, the Pharisses & the tax collector, the Servant & Master, the Good Samaritan, Lazarus, No Man Can Serve Two Masters, the Beatitudes, the Sower of the Seeds, and the Prodigal Son.

For act two, Judas betrays Jesus as the rest of the company begins to cling to him even more. As they assemble for the Last Supper, Jesus reveals that one of them (hinting at Judas) will betray him. After going to the Garden of Gethsemane to think, he finds his followers all asleep.

Jesus finds Judas and tells him to crucify him. The company begins to attack Judas, but Jesus tells them ,"He who lives by the sword, dies by the sword" and that it must be done. After Jesus dies on the cross, the company take him down and bring his "corpse" either offstage or through the aisles as they are praising him and "hinting" he will resurrect. The End.

I like this show. It's catchy and I think that in order to be classified as a 'theatre person,' you must have been involved in the junior versions of either Godspell or Seussical (which is coming up on a later post.)

My favorite song from the show, "By My Side," makes me cry! (but not this recording, it isn't the greatest version, but it's recent!) (Just to warn you, the guy speaking in this is Judas narrating how he betrays Jesus; the girl speaking is the singer of the song.)

Day Nineteen: Once On This Island

Today's post is a musical that disappointed me, which I thought was Once On This Island.

I saw it over the summer (the junior version) and I thought it was just terribly put together (especially the girl who played Andrea; god it was awful!)

So, there's a raging storm and a little girl in this little pack cries out, so the other members of the clan tell the girl the story of Ti Moune (pronouced "tea moon"), a peasant girl who falls in love with a Grand Homme, Daniel Beauxhomme. (I'll explain that in a second.)

Here, the four gods of the island, called the Jewel of the Antilles (which is Haiti in real life) are introduced; Asaka, mother of the Earth; Agwe, god of water; Erzulie, goddess of love; and Papa Ge; demon of death. The peasants (classified as "black as night") live on one side of the island, and the Grand Hommes ("lighter-skinned descendants" of the original French planters of the island (aka white people)) with their slaves live on the other side.

One day, Agwe unleashes a terrible storm on the island, resulting in a horrible flood that wipes out the majority of the villages. However, the gods save little Ti Moune's life by placing her on a tree, high from the storm's waves. She's later adopted by Mama Euralie and Tonton Julian. Years later, Ti Moune, all grown up, pray to the gods to find her "purpose" and to let her be like the Grand Hommes. Hearing this, the gods laugh her. However, Erzulie suggests giving her love, because it's stronger than any of the other elements. Papa Ge now begins to argue the question on which is stronger: love or death. Agwe arranges a storm to make Daniel crash his car, so that Daniel and Ti Moune can meet.

Despite opposition from the other village members, including her own parents, Ti Moune cares and tries to heal Daniel. Ti Moune falls in love with the unconscious boy and imagines he loves her too. Papa Ge comes to claim Daniel's life, but Ti Moune sacrifices her life for his so that Daniel won't die. Papa Ge is angry, but later hints that he will return.

Tonton travels to the other side of the island to locate the Beauxhomme hotel. When he comes back, he brings some of Daniel's people with him to bring Daniel back. Tonton tells Ti Moune of the story of Daniel's people. Ti Moune becomes extremely upset and tells her parents she will go after Daniel and marry him. Her parents reluctantly let her go. On the way there, Ti Moune meets Asaka, who assures her that the Earth will provide anything for Ti Moune on her long journey to find Daniel. She arrives at the hotel gates and finds Daniel's room.

Daniel, still weak and not feeling well, doesn't remember but believes her after she describes a scar on his chest. They stay together while Erzulie gives them the gift of love. Daniel ignores the townspeople gossiping about her relationship with Ti Moune. Daniel appreciates that Ti Moune isn't like the rich girls he's come to know in his village.

At a ball held at the hotel, Andrea Deveraux, a daughter of Daniel's family friends, asks Ti Moune to dance for them; her plan was to make Ti Moune look bad in front of the other Grand Hommes. However, she gains admiration instead. Ti Moune finds out Daniel is engaged to Andrea, and Daniel, forced to follow his responsibilities, must go through the marriage, but insists they can be lovers forever. Ti Moune leaves the ball, feeling crushed. Later, Papa Ge comes back, reminding her that she sacrificed her life to save Daniel's- but she can cancel it if she kills Daniel.

Ti Moune enters Daniel's room with a knife, but finds herself unable to do it, proving Erzulie right, that love is  stronger than death. Daniel begins to wake up and finds her in his room with the knife. His family throws her out of the hotel after discovering the appalling attempted murder. She waits for days for Daniel at the gates.
Daniel and Andrea marry, and they perform a tradition where they throw coins to the peasants outside of the hotel gates. Ti Moune calls to Daniel, who places a silver coin in her hand and leaves.

The storytellers now say that Erzulie took Ti Moune by the hand and brought her to the ocean, where Agwe allowed her to drown peacefully. Papa Ge received her and brought her back to shore, and Asaka turned her into a tree. It's now become a celebration of life and cracks open the hotel gates, allowing people of all social classes to come together as one. Her legacy brings together another peasant girl and a new young Grand Homme, Daniel and Andrea's son, as they play in her branches.

The storytellers explain how one peasant girl could bring the people of the island together using the power of love. "It helps us to remember, to forgive- and out of what we live and believe, our lives become the stories we weave." The little girl, whom the storytellers were speaking to, now begins to recite the story herself.

(In the junior version, Ti Moune just sits in front of the gates and Asaka turns her into a tree, right then and there.)

It really disappointed me. The show reminds me of Twilight, when Edward left Bella. Instead of Bella being strong, she almost kills herself. Same with Ti Moune! She devoted her life to Daniel and he didn't marry her, so she had nothing else to live for.  These girls made it obvious that guys are everything to them, and that if he's not with you, then no one will have you. That just sends a bad message.

Plus, Daniel didn't like the girl he was engaged to. So why the hell did he have a kid with her? That just enrages me.

So, I guess I'll post "Forever Yours" (this is when Ti Mohne sacrifices her life to save Daniel's from Papa Ge).