Once
I hate musicals.
I think Grease is among the dumbest things people have ever done. What happens in a musical is that you take a movie or play that may have had an interesting story to tell and you destroy all credibility in the characters by making them burst into instrument-accompanied song.
Mostly I hate musicals because they are lazy; the music tells more about the characters than the dialog and interaction demonstrates. It's the SHOW, don't TELL rule broken with songs.
So it's a story ruined with music.
Then the music.
By having to reveal so much of the story, the music is tedious. Music should be a bit oblique and metaphorical. When it's as literal as it must be in musicals, well, it sucks.
So it's music ruined with story.
I know many people like both the music and the story of Grease, and I have no problem that, I just question their taste in stage productions.
Anyway, the movie Once is a musical that basically pulls the pants down in front of everyone for every musical ever produced.
It's the Anti-Grease.
The characters are musicians and are a bit reserved. So when more information comes about through music, it makes sense. Good story. Good songs. Each could stand alone.
Good musical.
I think Grease is among the dumbest things people have ever done. What happens in a musical is that you take a movie or play that may have had an interesting story to tell and you destroy all credibility in the characters by making them burst into instrument-accompanied song.
Mostly I hate musicals because they are lazy; the music tells more about the characters than the dialog and interaction demonstrates. It's the SHOW, don't TELL rule broken with songs.
So it's a story ruined with music.
Then the music.
By having to reveal so much of the story, the music is tedious. Music should be a bit oblique and metaphorical. When it's as literal as it must be in musicals, well, it sucks.
So it's music ruined with story.
I know many people like both the music and the story of Grease, and I have no problem that, I just question their taste in stage productions.
Anyway, the movie Once is a musical that basically pulls the pants down in front of everyone for every musical ever produced.
It's the Anti-Grease.
The characters are musicians and are a bit reserved. So when more information comes about through music, it makes sense. Good story. Good songs. Each could stand alone.
Good musical.
Well, of course, I like musicals, but Once is a different thing entirely. Very unique and very well done. I saw it when I was in NYC in June, and I'm still listening to the soundtrack.
Reply to this
Does this mean my husband is gay? He loves Grease. I like many musicals but then again I was in chorus, unlike some people I know. Of course I prefer plays to musicals because they are easier to understand.
Reply to this
I took out the reference to sexuality retelating to Greese moments after reading it in print. You may have the first version of it if you are a subscriber. Subscribers get to see all of my mistakes and aborted ideas live on forever in email. It didn't come across as funny as I liked and kelly pointed out that someone may not even see it as a joke. Anyway.
Reply to this
Once upon a time, Chuck used to be a theater geek. Makeup and everything. If I remember correctly, Chuck, you even had a line or two.
Of course, you didn't sing, but I'm pretty sure that is only because you can't. (Neither can I, I know...) And "A Christmas Carol" in musical form probably wouldn't work.
Anyway, I think you don't like musicals because you can't sing and because no one recognized your acting ability for how awesome it really was.
I'm just saying...
Reply to this
I would like to thank you for the efforts you have made in writing this article. I am hoping the same best work from you in the future as well. In fact your creative writing abilities has inspired me. Really the blogging is spreading its wings rapidly...
Reply to this