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Movie Review: “Wicked” (Part 1)

“Wicked” has been a beloved stage production. Wicked has been a beloved stage production. Now you can see the story on the big screen in theaters with the whole family during the holiday season. Visionary director Jon M. Chu, who brought us “Crazy Rich Asians” and “In the Heights” inspires audiences with a truly magical retelling of the emotional Broadway hit.

For those who don’t know the story, it’s about Elphaba, a young woman who’s misunderstood because of her green skin, and Glinda, a popular girl she meets at Shiz University in the Land of Oz. The two don’t get along at first, Glinda is completely unaware of how self-absorbed and offensive she is and Elphaba doesn’t make much of an effort with her. But when they are forced to room together, the two eventually get to know each other in a way that no one else has. They form a beautiful friendship that moviegoers can’t help but fall in love with. However, that friendship is challenged when they have what they hoped would be a dream meeting with the Wonderful Wizard of Oz.

The film is a vibrant reimagining of the classic Wizard of Oz movie and spotlights the untold origin story of the Wicked Witch of the West and her once dear friend, Glinda the Good Witch. And in a lot of ways, I enjoy this story more. It raises the questions – are people born evil? Are those who claim to be heroes truly good? But more importantly, it sends a powerful message about not judging people for the way look, but for who they are on the inside. Thankfully, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande’s chemistry leaps off the screen. And if you have seen them during this press tour, it’s clear they have built a genuine friendship of their own. The two pour their hearts into unforgettable, award worthy performances. Especially, a hilarious and scene stealing Ariana Grande.

Though some have complained about the film’s nearly three-hour runtime, it allows for effective character development while impressively moving quickly and surprisingly leaves you wanting more. Thankfully, this is only the first part for the bold adaptation and fans can look forward to part 2 next year. In the meantime, this is the holiday film you want to see in theaters as you will be swept away by the dazzling visuals and moving musical numbers that undeniably defy gravity. “Wicked” is a breathtaking spectacle everyone can enjoy.

Rating: A+

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Review: “Oklahoma” is a far from Traditional Production

Roger & Hammerstein’s “Oklahoma!” at Winspear Opera House – Dallas, TX

Where to start with this production of Daniel Fish’s “Oklahoma!”. I’ll admit, even though I knew this was a different version of the 1943 production, I still had no idea what I would be walking into. The moment I sat down and saw the very bare, wooden set with walls of guns, I quickly knew, this wasn’t like anything I had imagined.

Due to the recent shootings and, unfortunately, the Tulsa shooting that happened during opening night, there was an insert card explaining a “prop gun use warning” in our playbills.  It was slightly alarming, and may have overshadowed a bit of the story.

Fish’s revival of the beloved Broadway classic is far from a traditional musical production.  The set lacks color with wooden walls and tables, the cast sits around until their turn to speak, and there is no big musical, choregraphed numbers.  This show is much more relaxed, and the dance numbers seem less rehearsed, with the exception of a emotionally heavy, solo dance in the second opening act.

I can appreciate a modern twist on an old school tale; however, this show never picked a lane.  One minute you’re in a comical, old western setting, next you’re in the dark listening to a depressing conversation about death.  It took me out of the story multiple times, till eventually I gave up trying to stay in.

Though, the production was not my cup of tea, the talent of the entire cast was!  Sean Grandillo does a fine job as Curly, offering his vocal and instrumental gifts while playing the guitar.  Sasha Hutchings as Laurey stuns audiences the moment she first sings onstage.  She effortlessly embodies her character from the beginning to the sad end.  BUT the hilarious shining star is Sis as Ado Annie!  Talk about a showstopper.  Whether she’s singing or flirting, you can’t take your eyes off of her.  In some dark times during the show, she was a bright light.  Confidently juggling two men, while acting like a sweet innocent little girl to her shotgun carrying daddy.

I’m all about creative, artistic liberties, but this production of “Oklahoma!” was just a little too outside of the box.  However, it is still enjoyable to watch this talented ensemble and hear their renditions of the beautiful soundtrack.

Rodgers & Hammerstein’s OKLAHOMA! at the Winspear Opera House from May 31 – June 12.  Get tickets at https://broadwaydallas.org/shows/oklahoma/

Coming Soon: Jason Reitman begins Production on “Men, Women & Children”

HOLLYWOOD, CA (December 16, 2013) – Paramount Pictures, a division of Viacom, Inc, announced today that principal photography has commenced on “MEN, WOMEN & CHILDREN,” from Academy Award®-nominated filmmaker Jason Reitman (“LABOR DAY,” “YOUNG ADULT,” “UP IN THE AIR”).  The film stars Rosemarie Dewitt (“KILL THE MESSENGER,” “RACHEL GETTING MARRIED”), Jennifer Garner (“DALLAS BUYERS CLUB,” “DRAFT DAY”), Judy Greer (“DAWN OF THE PLANET OF THE APES,” “TOMORROWLAND”), Dean Norris (“Breaking Bad,” “THE COUNSELOR”), Adam Sandler (“GROWN UPS 1 and 2,” “THE LONGEST YARD”) and Emma Thompson (“SAVING MR. BANKS,” “LOVE ACTUALLY”). The film is shooting in and around Austin, Texas.

“MEN, WOMEN & CHILDREN” is based on Chad Kultgen’s novel of the same name with Reitman directing from a screenplay he co-wrote with Erin Cressida Wilson (“SECRETARY,” “CHLOE”).  He is producing the feature with his partner Helen Estabrook through their Right of Way Films banner.  Michael Beugg (“UP IN THE AIR,” “LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE”) and Mason Novick (“BAD WORDS,” “JUNO”) will serve as executive producers.

The young ensemble cast includes Timothée Chalamet (“INTERSTELLAR”), Olivia Crocicchia (“TERRI”), Kaitlyn Dever (“SHORT TERM 12”), Ansel Elgort (“THE FAULT IN OUR STARS,” “DIVERGENT”), Katherine Hughes (“ROADIES”), Elena Kampouris (“LABOR DAY”) and Travis Tope (“THE TOWN THAT DREADED SUNDOWN”).

“MEN, WOMEN & CHILDREN” follows the story of a group of high school teenagers and their parents as they attempt to navigate the many ways the internet has changed their relationships, their communication, their self-image, and their love lives. The film attempts to stare down social issues such as video game culture, anorexia, infidelity, fame hunting, and the proliferation of illicit material on the internet. As each character and each relationship is tested, we are shown the variety of roads people choose – some tragic, some hopeful – as it becomes clear that no one is immune to this enormous social change that has come through our phones, our tablets, and our computers.

Narrated by Emma Thompson, the film’s ensemble cast features Sandler and DeWitt as Don and Rachel Truby, and Tope as their son Chris.  Garner stars as Patricia Beltmeyer with Dever as her daughter Brandy.  Greer is Joan Clint and Crocicchia is daughter Hannah.  Norris plays Kent Mooney with Elgort playing his son Tim.  Hughes and Kampouris play cheerleaders Brooke Benton and Allison Doss, respectively, and Chalamet is football player Danny Vance.

Rounding out the cast are David Denman (“The Office”), Jason Douglas (“Revolution”), Dennis Haysbert (“SIN CITY: A DAME TO KILL FOR”), Shane Lynch (“Ray Donovan”), Will Peltz (“PARANOIA”) and J.K. Simmons (“Growing Up Fisher”).

Help RivetHead Make their New Music Video!

Indiegogo continues to help the arts.  And now you can help produce their new music video!

RivetHead and the Fans

“We are a band for the fans, and funded by the fans. All of our seventy songs have been independently produced and any profits made went right back into producing our next album. We’ve had our music played on Sirius/XM Octane, The Lex and Terry Morning Radio Network, we even had our music featured in the Lion’s Gate movie “Unrivaled.” Our soul focus for making music has been the fans, and now we want your help to take things up a notch.”

“What we want to do is make you a part of RivetHead. What better way to do it, than to have a music video that is entirely funded by you, our Fans. We want to bring the RivetHead fan-base together and show the world that we aren’t just some independent metal band. We are The Independent Metal Band.”

The Video 

The video will be for the new song released on the Doomsday for Optimism album titled “Cricket Bat.” Cricket bat is a heavy and rocking song about not taking any more flack from the world around you. That’s why the video is about taking the power back at the workplace.

“Once this about how people can get involved and support local art. When you guys contribute/support local art, you will even get great rewards. On the page there are exclusive incentives for people who want to be a part of the campaign. There’s things like a $5 donation gets your name in the credits all the way to $125 will actually get you featured in the video. It’s something that bigger bands or production companies can’t do, and that’s getting the community to have a direct relationship to the product. That’s what makes this campaign new and innovative. That’s what people will be interested in hearing about,” says Brady Tulk (Music Video Director)

Click Here to listen to the Director and Producer of the Video, Talk about the Campaign

brady

Click Here to Donate to the Video!