My 2010 Pulitzer Prize For Drama

For only the eighth time since 1918, a musical has won the 2010 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. 'Next To Normal' pulled a surprised upset over three nominated plays to become what is essentially a write-in vote victory. The last musical to claim this prize was Jonathan Larson's 'Rent' in 1996. This year's prize did not come without controversy. The before mentioned winning from a non-nominated status is equivalent to the Academy Award picking 'Wall-E' to be Best Picture last year. Also, the musical debuted in 2008, instead of 2009, during its off-Broadway run and had many critics and predictors deeming it ineligible.

I've made it no secret how much I adore this musical, closing the gap as my favorite stage production to 'The Light In The Piazza' with each listen of the cast recording. I couldn't be happier to see the heart wrenching musical win the prize despite losing Best Musical last year to 'Billy Elliott'. (Playbill)

My Take It All

Leave it to the Weinsteins to release a "music video" of their Oscar-nominated song "Take It All" from 'Nine' the day the nominations are announced. The best part of the disappointing musical, Marion Cotillard literally and figuratively bares it all in this gut-wrenching number. Sure, it has little to no chance topping Ryan Bingham's "Weary Kind" for the trophy next month, but hey... at least we are treated to a Cotillard performance.

My Green Day

Just as I was ready to dismiss seeing 'American Idiot', a new musical based on Green Day's Grammy-winning album, they announced the cast list that has been changing my mind. As expected, John Gallagher Jr. ('Spring Awakening') is heading the show but it's the inclusion of Stark Sands that's going to bring me to St. James Theatre sometime this year. I've been a fan of Sands since his turn in 'Journey's End' and his role in the HBO miniseries "Generation Kill" only cemented himself as one of those actors I'll be keeping an eye out for. The show itself will launched March 24th. Oh, I hope Sands can ease my doubts when he and the cast performs '21 Guns' on the Grammys this Sunday. (Playbill)

My Double Triple Dose of Piazza

Even more theatre news. Two separate theatre production companies are scheduled to revive (albeit briefly) my favorite stage musical of all-time, The Light In The Piazza. While I'm sure the Arena Stage production will be grander due to funds, I'm personally more excited the Tallahassee Little Theatre's version- especially now that I know I have friends of friends who are involved. Can't wait to check it out during Oscar weekend '10!

UPDATE: Was just informed that there's currently a production in Toronto! Gee, all three locations are easily accessible to me. Oh, the temptation to shell out cash for the love of the theatuh!

My Open Letter to Hollywood

Hey Folks Who Ruin Musicals,

Since the release of 'Moulin Rouge!' and 'Chicago' close to eight years ago, there has been an onslaught of movie musicals adapted from Broadway that resulted in catastrophe- either critically or commercially if not both. As a theatre fanatic, this trend will only hurt my opinions towards productions I currently love. So here I am, pleading, for less adaptations, but if you must here are a few recent shows you are more than welcomed to ruin for me and a few productions I beg of you not to even think about.

Adapt:

Hands Off:

Sincerely,

Peterio

P.S.- Where's my next Ewan McGregor song and dance?

My Upcoming Stage Plays

In an obvious move to corner more of that teeny-bopper audience, a stage musical version of 'Bring It On' in now in the works. It makes sense since there's already tons of dancing it in already. Ten bucks says Jerry Mitchell is jealous he didn't think of it first. (Playbill)

Onto something with a little more artistic value, 'Next Fall' will make the transfer from Off-Broadway to Broadway in the upcoming spring. I'm super, uber-excited about this transfer and hopes it translates well. For a second there, I thought it was going to be another one of those topical plays I'll never get the chance to see. (Playbill)

My Tonys Recap

Best Tony host I've seen since Hugh Jackman, Neil Patrick Harris (and his pleather suit) rocked throughout the evening with comedic quips, timing gags and a rockin' solo closing number to boot. The story though has to be the 10-minute opening montage of some of this past season's productions highlighted by the finale of 'Let The Sun Shine' collaboration with just about everybody ranging from Elton John to Dolly Parton, Liza Minnelli to the cast of 'West Side Story'. The lowlight besides the Bret Michaels literal headbanging moment? The constant microphone issues... 

As for the ceremony itself, 'Next To Normal' continues to track curiosity from both Broadway enthusiasts and casual viewers alike, while Billy didn't need one word (but oodles of footsteps) to bring down the house. I had a personal best of 12 for 16 this year... I definitely need to go catch up more so than I have already.

My Wrong Choice For A Director

McG of 'Charlie's Angels' and 'Terminator Salvation", I repeat- 'Charlie's Angels' and 'Terminator Salvation', wants to adapt the Tony Award winning musical Spring Awakening for the silver screen. While everyone who's familiar with the stage/film crossover history knows this adaptation is inevitable, I can't help but think McG is a wrong choice for director. 

Sure, there's no doubt it's going to electric and high energy, but the source material also calls for emotional and gut wrenching moments that McG has only showcased through his producing credit of 'The OC'- and let's face it, Moritz is a much more troubled soul than Ryan Atwood. My suggestion as always is to go the prestige route and get a helmer who's familiar with music material (a Cameron Crowe) or someone who's versatile and artistic with tragedy (an Ang Lee), or else Steven Sater and Duncan Sheik might as well let Chris Columbus or (gasp!) Brett Ratner take the wheel. (THR)

My Will Chase Update

One of my favorite Broadway actors, Will Chase, is set to star in yet another musical next year. Since his very short stint in 'High Fidelity' a few years ago in which I was fortunate enough to see on opening night, I've been a fan. You can chalk 'The Story of My Life', a musical about the beginning and end two men's friendship, up along with the many other shows currently playing on Broadway I want to see when I have some dough to spurge. (Playbill)

My One Man Duet

Oh, just wait until you hear Nick Pitera's version of 'A Whole New World'. I need to hire this guy to sing all my favorite Disney duets. Be prepared to be amazed because I sure was.

My 13 Musical

This upcoming Broadway season, there will be two shows showcasing lead characters under the age of 18. First is the highly anticipated West End transfer, Billy Elliot and second, is a new musical called '13'- an "original" idea about thirteen teens going up with pre-teen issues. I find it strange that someone found this concept marketable to the typical Broadway audience because, let's face it, prepubescent teens singing and dancing in unison about their life troubles just doesn't cater to much to middle aged folks. I'll be even more surprised if the show lasts for more than a year.

You can find the music video of the show-titled number on their official website and see if you agree with me in saying it sounds a little too "Kidz Bop". And one more thing.... not even one of the thirteen kids can be non-white? Maybe they did go for the Broadway demographic afterall. (Official Website)

My Hairspray Sequel

Well, looks like we're going to have another round of John Travolta in drag. New Line officially asked John Waters to pen a sequel to last year's 'Hairspray' for a possible July 2010 release. Initially, it seems to be a pretty bad idea, but after thinking about it a little bit longer, I realized this move would only encourage another film to stage transfer- even if I have to suffer through a 2 hour-plus film. Even more so, I get to see James Marsden and Michelle Pfeiffer sing and dance again. Not too shabby. (Variety)

My Distaste for High School Musical

I don't think the year is going to be over without another horrid musical. Here are actual lyrics from the upcoming 'High School Musical 3: Senior Year':

TROY: "Right now I can hardly breath!"
GABRIELLA: "I know you can do it just know that I believe!"
TROY: "And that's all I really need!"
GABRIELLA: "Then come on!"
TROY: "Make me strong! It's time to turn it up, GAME ON!"

I uncontrollably laughed so hard in the theater when I heard these lyrics. HSM is just gonna be one of those things I'd never get. Check out the trailer below.

My, My How Could I Resist You?

Uh.... one word. Easy, don't buy a ticket. I tried to enjoy the happy-go-lucky musical, Mamma Mia!, but it was just an embarrassing mess. Outside of the dancing pier from "Dancing Queen", there just wasn't that energy usually that associates with musicals. One thing I do realize coming out of this Greek tragedy- don't let the stage musical director direct the motion picture. Judging from the enormous audience to the musical, somehow the fun, the spontaneity, the craze seemed lost in between stage and screen.

Oh Meryl, Meryl. Why?

My Sound of Music Testimonies

I was more than delighted when I saw that Nathaniel over at the Film Experience notified his readers about 'The Sound of Music' playing at the Ziegfeld- and tonight, I went with two very unlikely candidates. First, my roommate, Carl, who has NEVER seen it and second, Justin, a buddy of mine from out of town who was just happy to have a NY experience. After watching it, the three of us couldn't have more different opinions. Here are our testimonies...

1. Carl, 23, roommate, never seen 'The Sound of Music', "Of course I've heard about the nostalgia surrounding this movie. I just never got around to see it. It's not my favorite musical, but it's definitely one of the better ones in the genre. I think it's partially because I didn't watch it as a kid."

2. Justin, 23, out-of-town friend, last seen 'The Sound of Music' as a kid', "I don't remember much from the what I saw as a child. I just remember the singing and some of the songs. Watching it again after all these years at this amazing theater was pretty cool. I'm glad there are some theaters still playing older classics."

3. Peter, 25, musical softee, last seen 'The Sound of Music' last week, "I wanted to be a Von Trapp kid growing up. I can only wish this was my first 'Sound of Music' experience. The perfect setting for a personal favorite. Seeing the large landscapes and production the way they were meant to be seen will be no doubt be near the top of my existing list of cinematic experiences."

Okay. That last one was a little bias. :P