Beautiful: The Carole King Musical

Last week I had the opportunity to go see Beautiful: The Carole King Musical on Broadway.  I was excited about the last minute plan and couldn't wait to see the show after hearing wonderful things about it.  I love Carole King's music and knew that it would be a fun show if nothing else.  I was blown away by the performance.  Not only was it entertaining and funny, it was also so much fun and a great way to relax after a hectic day.  

The show reminded me a lot of Jersey Boys, following Carole King's journey as a singer/songwriter.  You get to see her big break and go through her career, hearing about songs she wrote you would have never guessed (like "The Locamotion" among others!) The play chronicles, not only her career, but also her personal life and relationships.  Detailing her early marriage to Gerry Goffin and her friendships with Cynthia Weil and Barry Mann, Carole is portrayed as a compelling and fascinating woman. Someone so normal and down to earth, I immediately wanted to be her friend. I left the theater with an enormous amount of adoration and respect for her.  Chilina Kennedy is currently playing Carole on Broadway and her performance was incredible.  She looked so much like Carole King and was a phenomenal singer and actress.  

Beautiful is an excellent option if you're in the market for a fun, feel-good Broadway show! It has heart, it has humor, and most importantly, great music! At the end I was out of my seat and clapping along as the cast belted out "I Feel the Earth Move." The show is great for all ages, I can't wait to take my mom when she comes to visit soon! 

♥ Caro

The Curious Incident...

Last night I went to go see The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time on Broadway. 

It. Was. AMAZING.

I had to read the play for a class and after reading it I knew I wanted to see the performance, if nothing else, to see how they accomplished everything on stage.  We went after studio to try and get $27 student tickets but ended up having to get $35 partial view seats. Even though the view was partially obstructed I have to say it was totally worth it to pay more and see the show.  The play is adapted from the best selling book and tells the story of Christopher, a young boy living in England who is mentally disabled in a way (it is never named but many believe it to be Asperger’s or something on the Autism spectrum) He is very smart but lacks some social skills and everyday activities can be difficult for him, he also attends a special school.  The story is told through narration as well as scenes, mostly narrated by his teacher Siobhan or himself, there are only a few main characters – Mother, Father, Siobhan, Christopher.  The rest of the cast is made up of the ensemble.  The ensemble cast members remain on stage, changing their shoes or putting on a pair of glasses when you have your attention else where, so by the time they stand up again you are seeing a different character. 

{Partial view seating - still worth it}

As an actor, I was blown away by the performance – especially that of the actor playing Christopher.  His name is Alexander Sharp and he graduated from Juilliard in May.  That’s right, 5 months ago. In fact, he was cast while he was still in school.  In the program, an interview states that he only went to the audition after getting a text from a friend telling him that he would be perfect for the part.  He also picked Juilliard because it was the only acting school he knew of and he heard it was the best.  It was the only place he applied. And he was one of 18 in his class. So basically this guy was destined for success from the beginning – for a good reason.  Watching him reminded me why I do what I do and why I study this crazy art form.  His talent was remarkable and the character seemed to come with such ease.  Acting like his inspires me to continue to better my own.

{A publicity still from the website - the set was incredible}

Not only was the story great but the staging was remarkable.  The walls surrounding the stage are grids and they light up and display projections throughout the show.  The floor lights up too! The boxes around the sides provide seating for the ensemble members on stage and there are trap doors covering the walls and stage floor that the actors use to access different props as the story progresses. 

This show is a must see. An amazing story, great staging and even better acting, this play is not one to miss.  Go see it while you can!! When it opened in London it ended up winning 7 Olivier Awards and I have a feeling it will definitely be on a list for the Tony's.  Check it out here

♥ Caro

This Is Our Youth

Last night I had the pleasure of going to see This Is Our Youth at the Cort Theater.  The play, written by Kenneth Lonergan, is a revival directed by Tony award winner Anna D. Shapiro. Staring Michael Cera, Kieran Culkin, and fashion blogger Tavi Gevinson, the quick-wit comedy involves three Upper East Side teenage potheads in the 80’s.  The show works in two acts, chronicling one night into the next afternoon and the misadventures they endure during this time.  

I found it to be thoroughly entertaining and laugh-out-loud funny.  The writing is incredible and I, honestly, credit a lot of the laughs to the script.  I thought Kieran Culkin was great in the role of Dennis, the drug dealer friend of Warren’s (played by Michael Cera) who tries his best to be a good friend.  He took the part and produced a character that the audience hates, but also understands.  All of the characters are accessible to the audience, with parallels that can be detected throughout the show.  Plus there was a cool set, a simple one-bedroom apartment in New York, where the entire play takes place.  Despite the setting being in the past, the plot points are still very relevant today. 

{Kieran Culkin, Tavi Gevinson, and Michael Cera}

The show is in previews now, not officially playing until September 11^th, but it will be running through January 4^th.  I was able to get a balcony ticket for $35.00, which also happens to be the rush price.  **If you don’t know what rush is, when you are a “student” (18-25) you can “rush” a Broadway show, sometimes early in the morning, sometimes an hour before the show starts, and get the tickets that haven’t sold yet at a lower price (typically anywhere from $20-40, depending on the show.) Rush policies differ from show to show and not all shows offer it.  

My friends Bailey, Andrea, and I wanted to see it before we got too busy – and also before word got out about it.  The cheaper balcony seats were great, we had a view of everything and, though it would’ve been nice to be closer, we definitely got our money’s worth and more. 

{The stage from our seats – not bad for 35 bucks}

I loved the show overall, I found it to be very enjoyable and would highly recommend it if you are in the city and looking for something to see.  It is a good show for both guys and girls, there is some foul language and some of the subject matter is a bit crass - so it’s not a show for kids.  I didn’t love Michael Cera’s performance, I felt he was just being Michael Cera on stage.  But his performance did work, in a way, because his character, much like every character he plays, is awkward and strange.  And Tavi was fine, though she yelled the entire time and I am not sure how much training or experience she has had.  If you can get past this and focus on Culkin’s performance and Lonergan’s writing, I can guarantee you it will be a show that makes you laugh all night!

{Bailey, Andrea, and I before the show}

♥ Caro

So You Know...

There are a few things I have been loving recently and I couldn’t help but share them with you!

The Skimm – this website allows you to sign up to get emails every (weekday) morning with all the news you need to know.  They skim articles for you, then summarize the big stuff, so that you are up to date on current events.  I don’t have a television at school, so this morning email is the perfect way to ensure I am aware of what’s happening in the world. Quick, to the point, and oh so helpful. Get in the loop here

This awesome ad for Under Armor proves that ballet is, in fact, a sport. I love the entire video and I am so happy the sports world is finally catching on.

I love Broadway - I saw Wicked as a kid and have been a musical theater fanatic ever since.  I saw the video of the Lion King cast performing on an airplane and was amazed (and jealous I wasn’t there.) Well, they’ve done it again, this time on a subway in New York.  Such a cool video, it makes me wonder why cool things like this don’t ever happen when I’m on the subway?

♥ Caro