Musial Theatre – An Entertaining Idea

Nothing Quite As Good As Live Theatre

Published on June 10, 2013 by Kelly DeenyLeave a comment

The 2013 Tony Awards telecast was a smashing success, if for no other reason than making me excited to see another Broadway show! This awards show consistently showcases the art form that it was created to honor.

From the opening number, all the way through to the closing, I was enthralled, entertained and inspired. Neil Patrick Harris, once again, was the epitome of class, humor and respect. His love and appreciation for the theatre community is evident and helps make him the ideal Tony Awards host. He’s funny without being cruel, entertaining without being too serious and above all – he’s a Broadway fan like the rest of us!

The performances this year did not disappoint. I’ve only had the pleasure of seeing one show (Rodger’s + Hammerstein’s Cinderella), so I was excited to see the other shows perform. Now, I’m looking forward to seeing them all and kicking myself for not seeing ones that have already left Broadway (Bring It On: The Musical and The Mystery of Edwin Drood).

As a musical fan, I found the playsicals bit hysterical! Mashing up the titles of plays and musicals – some truly funny combinations that I’m surprised we haven’t heard before. I actually laughed the loudest during that section. So classically funny without resorting to cruelty. Simply brilliant!!

My favorite number of the evening was the “Television Sucks” medley. It’s the perfect example of why the Tonys are the best award show of the year. They blend humility, humor and appreciation for their industry while also not taking themselves too seriously. In this case, poking fun at leaving theatre for TV while also showing support for the Broadway artists whose shows were cancelled. Anyone else want to see a sitcom starring Andrew Rannells, Megan Hilty and Laura Benanti? I do!!

Having only seen one of the shows, I can’t comment on whether the “right” winners took home the award. That’s what makes the Broadway community so wonderful – so much talent and only so many awards to hand out! There were some nominees whose work I’m familiar with from other shows that I was rooting for, but I don’t doubt their turn will come. I’m going to mention a few of them, only because I have great respect for their talents: Annaleigh Ashford, Laura Osnes, Santino Fontana, Will Chase, Stephanie J. Block.

Overall, the Tony Award telecast brought us laughter, entertainment and a taste of the excellence of the Broadway community. I can’t wait to return to NYC and find out what new shows are preparing for the next season!

For an entire list of the winners, visit the Tony Awards official website!

Cinderella: A Dream Come True

Published on May 1, 2013August 3, 2013 by Kelly DeenyLeave a comment

I have a Cinderella complex. There, I’ve said it. Phew! In all seriousness, my connection to this particular fairy-tale spans decades and has yet to diminish.

By the time I was seven years old my family had made numerous trips to Walt Disney World. It remains a place that brings me great joy, inspires creativity and fosters imagination. From a very young age, Cinderella quickly became my favorite Disney movie. Was it the representation of a character so kind, thoughtful and caring that moved me? Perhaps it had to do with the beautiful melodies that instilled a deep love of music that has yet to loosen its grip on my soul. Or, maybe I identified with this film and its title character because she looked like me. Regardless of the whys, the fact remained that “Cinderella” was my favorite Disney character, and the seven-year old me was about to meet her idol.

Sitting on the Main Street curb in Disney’s Magic Kingdom, I waited with anticipation for the evening’s parade to commence. The music started, the lights illuminated the night sky, and the crowd erupted in cheers. I waved with excitement alongside my fellow parade-watchers. Then finally she arrived! Strolling down Main Street in her silver carriage, “Cinderella” greeted the onlookers with a wave and a smile. Then she pointed at me and mouthed “You look like me.” Me? Did she really just speak to me? With my long blond hair and tiny stature. A girl who would shy away from attention was just recognized by her favorite Disney princess?

That moment means so much to me, nearly three decades later. I think about the graciousness of the young lady riding in that carriage. I wonder if she realized just how much a single moment of kindness and attention mattered. As an adult I still look for those moments but seldom find them through external means. When I go to concerts, stand outside Broadway stage doors for a picture and autograph or attend award show red carpets, I do so with an appreciation, respect and connection to those who choose the remarkable power of artistic expression and am inspired to create my own.

For my 36th birthday in a few weeks, I’ll be visiting NYC in the company of dear friends and family with hopes to attend a Broadway show. There’s still that 7-year-old girl inside who lights up with the mere mention of Disney World and combined with my long-time love of musical theatre here’s hoping that Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella will be one of the shows we’ll be able to see!

To all those young girls out there who sit on that Main Street curb waiting for their favorite Disney princess, keep dreaming, wishing and believing.

*DISCLAIMER: A reminder that the opinions stated above are mine alone and do not reflect any other person, company or entity’s position. I simply share my appreciation and respect for those stories and characters that helped shaped my childhood.*

I “Once” and Still Am Irish

Published on March 3, 2013April 21, 2015 by Kelly DeenyLeave a comment

*UPDATED 1/8/2015: Once has since closed on Broadway, but the show is currently touring. Visit their website to see the tour schedule and get tickets!*

My dad’s side of the family is Irish and my mom’s got Czech lineage. That’s not the only reason I went to see “Once” on Broadway. It was an odd, yet fitting, blend of two interests – genealogy and music!

On the train ride home from NYC yesterday I decided I’d write a blog post about the amazing matinée performance of “Once”. I’d give a thorough review with praise and compliments for everyone involved. While that’s still the plan, the method of transporting that message has changed. A separate blog post will follow with a more typical type of review. Instead of describing the who, what, when and where of “Once” this post seeks to pay tribute to what I believe the show’s message to be – love. For country, music and one another.

I woke this morning thinking about how proud I am to be Irish. How much I love this culture and all the richness it’s brought to my life. Granted, my third great-grandparents emigrated from Ireland to America in the mid 1860s but I still consider myself Irish.

There’s something so engrained in my spirit that connects me to that part of my ancestry. Perhaps it’s the mystical element. The Celtic traditions so steeped in grace, beauty and magic. But what I truly believe to be the strongest link is…ART. Music speaks to me in a way nothing else ever has. The melodies, the harmonies, the fulfillment of sweeping scales and gorgeous vocals. Irish music tells stories and as a storyteller myself I gravitate to that which does the same.

Nearly ten years ago I traveled with a tour group to the southern points of Ireland. From places such as Killarney, Kilkenny, Cork and Dublin. I climbed Blarney Castle and kissed the Blarney Stone.

I walked from my Dublin hotel, through the park and onto Grafton Street. I rode on a horse pulled carriage along the streets of Killarney into its National Park. My brief visit at the Muckross House ultimately being the catalyst for my YA fantasy novel.

In each town that we visited a few of us ventured out to the pubs each evening. I had some Guinness, enjoyed the company of new friends and listened with intrigue to each band that entertained us. The ambiance differed from the bar scene back home. At the Irish pub it was about chatting with one another, dancing and letting the music lead the evening.

And that brings me back to why “Once” moved me so. It took me back to that wonderful August week in 2004. To the incredible musicians who shared their love of music with the rest of us. Artists who used their passions and talents to unite us all in a shared experience. We came from different places, had different backgrounds and different needs but for a few hours we simply existed in the same time, same place and same moment.

Multi-talented artists grace the stage at the Jacobs Theatre 8 times a week. Each one of them not only singing but playing a musical instrument as well. Including an instrument that looked like a cross between a mini piano and clarinet. Anyway, from the moment you enter the theatre music invites you in; welcomes you into the environment and a shared musical experience. Even so much as allowing audience members on-stage to get a beer and watch the musicians perform. I stood at my seat and watched with an artist’s pride at what was unfolding before my eyes. Music linking us all together. Respect for the art form and all that’s it’s capable of achieving.

Throughout the next two hours I beamed with pride; knowing that this was a moment I’d remember for a lifetime. This brilliant theatrical piece may differ from the traditional Broadway musical but it achieves the same goal in a different fashion – sharing passion for art with those who need to hear it.

Now, back to researching the Czech side of my family!

Please check out the following sites..

Once the Musical

Muckross House