Positoovity

It is raining.  Still.  I love the smell of the rain and I love what it does for the farms.  But I would love it even more if I did not have to go out while it was raining.  Am I the only one that feels the need to brew a cup of tea, wrap up in a big comfy blanket on a big armchair and read all day?  Leaving the window cracked just enough to allow the smell of rain to waft into the house.  Perfect.  But alas, my current projects allow me to spend most of the day in the house but eventually I have to venture forth to the theater(s).  And today I went to both theaters.  I spent the last few days recording rehearsal CDs for Annie and working out the blocking for Cemetery Club, now to finalize a rehearsal schedule for Cemetery.  I went down to the office to set up my recording equipment to record a student of mine who has written her first song.  And it was good.  Checked on the set for Cemetery which is coming along at dizzying speeds.  Then went to our first rehearsal for Annie.  Then back to the office to teach my voice class.  Because of the set construction in the theater my class was moved to a piano lab.  Six students and myself in a tiny classroom makes a very intimate session.  But my each of my students took something different from the meeting time.  Me?  If one of my students hadn't cancelled and I hadn't denied a guest from sitting in on the class we would have been bursting at the seams.

My younger sister is applying for colleges.  When did that happen? Oy.  I am going to be celebrating my 25th birthday this year.  I feel so old. I am going to throw myself a huge party.   There is always something happening on my birthday.  No exception this year but I will still be having a party.  Want to come?  Details to follow.  For now I leave you with some thoughts on this evening's musical of choice:

This evening I listened to The Little Mermaid.  I am obsessed with this cast album.  So many amazing voices on one CD! Norm Lewis, Sierra Boggess, Sherie Rene Scott, Tituss Burgess, Sean Palmer and an uber talented ensemble.  The Menken/Ashman/Slater musical is such a great adaptation drawing enough music from the original Disney film and incorporating such great new music.  True there are a few songs that I do not enjoy, "Human Stuff" being the "worst" of them.  But the rest of the album makes it an essential recording for me to have.  "I Want the Good Times Back" has to be one of the best songs on the album.  It is such a throw back to the classic broadway tradition of writing songs that move the story along rather than just singing feelings.  The orchestrations for "Good Times" fit so beautifully, the piano arpeggiating up the scale and chord accompaniment at the begining slowly adding violins and then the reeds and finally adding the brass, flowing yet never leaving that vaudeville-esque feel of the uhn-chik accopaniment of the piano.  CLASSIC!  And Sherie Rene Scott as Ursula...mind blowing.  I love that she does so much with her voice.  Not only does she sing the part amazingly effortless but she colors her voice in so many ways that add layers to the song that are all hers.

Immediately after "Good Times" is the audience favorite "Part of Your World" which is so fluid, always moving forward. It really brings the idea of land and sea together.  The flowing music with the yearning for the shores above.  Any one who grew up with the films knows this song.  My only complaint is that the song doesn't go anywhere!  After the "bright young women, sick of swimmin' ready to stand.... and" there is the perfect opportunity to take the song to a new key.  Yet we stay right where we were.  Gahhhhhhh!  Although, looking at it, you could say that the composers were helping to convey the aggravation that Ariel faces at being stuck in the sea.  Or, it was just something overlooked.

Ahhhhhh, luckily after that frustration comes "She's in Love"; what a way to feature the sisters and Flounder.  And does it feature Flounder!  The joy that I get from this song cannot be expressed in words.  Great word play, amazing melody, fantastic orchestrations, and perfect execution by the actors.  Again I say, Flounder!

Sean Palmer as Prince Eric.  Agh, why can't my voice sound like that!  If I could I would want my voice to be a mix of his and Gavin Creel.  "Her Voice" & "One Step Closer" just as you think that he is about to crack his voice clears and goes even higher.  NORM LEWIS!!!!  "World Above (Reprise)" talk about orchestrations providing mood.  And such a power house performer.

I leave you with one last thought... Titus Burgess, "Under the Sea".  Enough said.  Get yourself a copy.  Use these links to purchase from Amazon.  The digital download: The Little Mermaid: Original Broadway Cast Recording or the physical CD: Disney's The Little Mermaid (2008 Original Broadway Cast)