5,6,7,8

The idea to write about my favorite musical numbers was sparked during a recent Gilmore Girls binge (yes, another one)  wherein I was reminded of the perfection of the episode titled “Raincoats and Recipes.” In tone, dialogue and plot, “Raincoats and Recipes” strikes all the right notes. And it got me thinking about short form storytelling, episodes and scenes in particular, because they exist as part of a greater whole. Some scenes are expositional, some are transitional (ie. filler) and some are full of conflict or end with resolution. When done well, a single scene can change the course of the entire show. Today we focus on musical theater!

Something Rotten,  “A Musical” – The show itself disappointed me. The humor is lower than lowbrow, which is fine if that was what I had expected. But instead it was compared to The Book of Mormon. Whip smart, biting satire it is not. That said, this scene is incredibly fun. A riff on the history of musical theater that features themes from several classic musicals and a big glitzy tap sequence is impossible to resist.

Kinky Boots

Kinky Boots, “Raise You Up/Just Be” – These two numbers are pretty much one and are featured in the finale of this empowering musical, and it’s pretty much impossible not to get up and dance along. More fun? The entire cast (other than Lauren) are decked out in Lola’s thigh high glittering boots. Life lessons in the key of fun.

Mamma Mia! “Dancing Queen” – Done right this is one of the funniest scenes in any musical, ever. Mamma Mia aims to please and the show often takes the easy road: the easy joke, the tug on the heartstrings but it does it with such infectious joy that it is impossible to resist. And “Dancing Queen” is the epitome of irresistible. Donna, Tonya and Rosie acting out the song using objects from around the room is hilarious. Feel the beat of the tambourine.

The Bridges of Madison County

Wicked

The Bridges of Madison County, “Always Better” – No other final number so beautifully ties up a musical, especially one as complex as The Bridges of Madison County, as “Always Better.” The scene is simple: Francesca at the bridge reflecting on her life and the passage of time. Choices, consequences and moments of happiness and heartache. It’s a number so nicely composed as to explain one of the biggest themes of the show, but thanks to Jason Robert Brown’s artful lyrics, it feels the opposite of explanatory. Simply put: beautifully comprehensive.

Hamilton, “The Schuyler Sisters” – The lyrics, the turntable and the entire ensemble combine to make this one of the most active numbers in a very active show. This song sets up two of the most pivotal relationships in the show: Hamilton and Eliza and Hamilton and Angelica. Looking back at the end of the show, this is the moment when the story starts to unfold. 

Wicked, “The Wizard and I” -  Every musical has it, an ‘I want’ song, but none is quite as powerful as “The Wizard and I.” All of Elphaba’s hopes and insecurities belted out in perfect melody. Sure it doesn’t feature Elphaba flying high above the stage but “The Wizard and I” is earnest and hopeful in all the right ways. The lighting and scenic design mesmerizes me every time. Elphaba stands center stage against a shifting backdrop of Shiz University and The Emerald City to a simple background of purples, oranges and, finally, a brilliant emerald green.

While these scenes are plucked from very different types of musicals they all have a common thread: they match exactly the tone of the show and, even though they are only a small portion of the entire show (especially the long ones. I'm looking at you Bridges and Wicked), they underscore and expand on the larger story. I can't imagine the shows without them.

The List of Deliciousness

The idea machine was pretty close to empty today, so when I consulted an old “ideas” document you can imagine my surprise when I discovered this not quite brilliant but passable idea scattered amongst mostly outdated blog prompts. It was going to be a random assortment of people, places and things that I am always happy to stumble upon (among other things, the charming Eric Ripert and the hilarious Allison Janney were on the list). However, after reviewing the list, it became clear that since most of the items on the list were food or food-related that it had to become the list of deliciousness. These tasty treats are presented in no particular order.

Marshmallows – Straight up true love. They don’t need to be in a s’more or a krispy treat. If they are, I will still love them, but unadulterated, fresh mallows are a real delicacy. There is a reason the magnet on my fridge reads ‘money can’t buy happiness but it can buy marshmallows, which is kind of the same thing.’

Kraft Macaroni and Cheese – I never came down with the blue box blues because I ate Kraft Dinner all the time. Homemade mac is delicious but it lacks that orange, powdered cheese flavor that my palate has come to love. Lest you think I’m a child in an adult’s body, my tastes have evolved. I now prefer the three cheese, white cheddar or spirals varieties. And while I don’t eat it nearly as often as I used to, I still make sure there is at least one box in the pantry. Just in case.

Homemade Pizza – Frozen pizza never was and never will be a thing. I grew up eating homemade pizza. I now have the family dough recipe memorized and when I whipped up a batch last night it was one of my best. Don’t get me wrong; I love Blaze Pizza, and most other chain restaurant pizzas are far from disgusting to me, but there is nothing like a homemade pie.

Cereal – One of humankind’s greatest inventions. I crave it. I need it. I must eat it every day. The best part of college? All day access to cereal. There was a period of time wherein breakfast, lunch and dinner were accompanied by a side of Cracklin’ Oat Bran. The worst part about vacation? The potential cereal dry spell. Give me a cheap hotel with a continental breakfast and those weirdly hard to operate cereal dispensers over a five star hotel any day. 

PB&J – It has been almost a decade since I began enjoying PB&J for lunch on most of the days that end in ‘y.’ This sandwich is salty,  sweet and pure perfection. And while I am a classic frugal shopper - I despise the shopping trips where I must buy toilet paper, literally money down the toilet - peanut butter is the one thing that must be name brand. Preferably Skippy but Jif in a pinch. And never grape jelly. 

My dad may have a heart attack at the amount of sugar on this list. No, he won’t. He doesn’t eat sugar anymore and is the healthiest human alive. For real. This may not be a list of healthy foods but everything in moderation. Other than cereal and PB&J I don’t eat these with any frequency. Oh wait, I made pizza last night, made a batch of Kraft dinner on Friday night and ate marshmallows for a snack this afternoon…An atypical week for sure.