FMD 9-1-17: Jazz Hands!

I enjoy a good musical. Despite the fact that I can barely carry a tune, I was in few of them in high school (minor parts (Winthrop Paroo), and then eventually non-singing parts once the directors figured out how bad I was). I find myself going through phases where I'll pull up favorite musical numbers on youtube and, if I'm alone, I'll often belt them out (again, despite my lack of singing ability). Honestly, there's something about my favorites that makes me wish I could get on a stage and perform. I don't get that itch often, but I'd love to have the chance (and ability) to knock it out of the park as, say, Seymour Krelborn.

Anyway, musical theater has been on the mind lately. What do you think of it? What productions were you a part of (admit it...). What do you sing along to, sheepishly or otherwise (I'm looking at you, Cheaptoy...)?

10 thoughts on “FMD 9-1-17: Jazz Hands!”

  1. Years ago, when I was involved in community theater, I was in a few musicals. The best part I had in one was when I played Mayor Shinn in The Music Man. Happy memories there. I'd love to do community theater again, but it's going to have to be one of those "after I'm retired" things.

  2. My favorite number from my all-time favorite musical:

    Besides this, my other favorite musicals are Soviet – Цирк (Circus) – and modern Russian – Стиляги (Hipsters). There's a lullaby scene in Circus that is full-on Soviet propaganda but still gets to me every time I see it.

    That said, if asked outright, I'd probably say I don't enjoy musicals. But that's not particularly true when I think about it. Is Duck Soup a musical? I like The Jungle Book – does it count? I could probably hum a tune from most Disney animated films up through The Lion King. What about Chitty Chitty Bang Bang? Or the original Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory?" Or The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh? Or The Muppet Movie?

    "I don't care for Broadway musicals" is probably a more accurate statement.

    1. I think I'm going where you are, although I can't just eliminate Broadway musicals outright. I can tolerate the old classics.

      Mrs. Runner and I had season tickets to The Muny our first year in StL, and there were many that I enjoyed. I particularly remember Bye Bye Birdie with Van Johnson singing "Kids", and Ann Reinking chastising Tommy Tune (who had forgotten/missed a line) with "And he just won a Tony!"

  3. Haven't been in a play since Kindergarten, and there was not a singing part. But I do love me a good musical, though I admit Broadway ones can sometimes feel samey. I will gladly belt out "Popular" or "La Vie Boheme" or "Heaven on Their Minds" or "Boy For Sale" any chance I can get.

  4. I was in choir from 7-12th grade, but also a sport in each 'season' for most of those years too, so participation was a challenge. Never had any main player credits, but I was in Hello Dolly and did a Grease-montage with the dance team during high school.

    I really enjoyed seeing Fiddler on the Roof, Rent and Wicked on stage and could easily belt out a few Oliver, Sweeney Todd and Rocky Horror tunes.

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