An Entertaining Idea

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

Fire & Rain: A Tribute to Eponine

Published on February 3, 2013April 21, 2015 by Kelly Deeny4 Comments

**SPOILER ALERT! – If you have not read the novel, seen the film or know the stage production of Les Miserables and do not wish to know what happens then please do not read on.**

Design inspired by the character of “Eponine”

My first introduction to Les Miserables occurred while watching a beauty pageant on television. During the late 80s, early 90s, Les Mis was one of 3 shows that everyone talked about – Cats and Phantom of the Opera being the other two. But if you didn’t sing soprano and were anywhere near the age of 18 then it was more likely you’d gravitate to Les Mis, and the strong-willed character of Eponine.

I heard “On My Own” while watching said beauty pageant. Not knowing much of anything about the storyline I asked my older sister to explain it to me. As she relayed the story and I tried to listen to the words of the song being performed I meshed the two together and came away with an odd understanding. “So, this young girl is singing about an old blind guy?” Until I actually listened to the soundtrack in full did I understand and appreciate the story as a whole.

Who doesn’t root for the character who loves unrequited? A fiercely loyal and evidently scarred young lady who’s mistreated by all of the people in her life. Yet she shows strength and complexity while displaying an unbelievable amount of unconditional love. Eponine’s love for Marius was, and still is, one of the most beautiful love stories in musical theatre. It’s heartbreaking, moving and ultimately tragic but when Eponine joins Marius on the barricades (unbeknownst to him) and stands with him as his equal there’s something so poetic and romantic about that moment.

Here’s a girl who grew up without a solid foundation beneath her. With parents who used their daughter to their own advantage. In evaluating the lyrics of “On My Own” and “Little Fall of Rain” I’ve come to the conclusion that the references of darkness and rain are actually reminders of the bleak life she led before Marius entered her world. “Sometimes I walk alone at night when everybody else is sleeping. I think of him and then I’m happy with the company I’m keeping.” While she had hoped to have been loved in return it was the mere fact of his presence in her life that brought her joy – gave her something to look forward to in the midst of deplorable conditions.

Eponine’s death gets me every time because despite all of the horror that surrounded her she died in the arms of the man she loved. She was at peace. She was home. And while Marius goes on to live a happy life we don’t truly know the depth of his feelings for his friend. That definitely peaks my creative mind and in researching Les Mis fan fiction I’ve realized that I’m not the only one intrigued!

There are two significant moments in Les Mis that help develop Eponine’s character journey, yet both occur once she has passed. Firstly, moments after her death the students sing “We fight here in her name. She will not die in vain. She will not be betrayed.” For the first time in Eponine’s brief life she’s valued. She’s noticed and her presence to be remembered. Then during the “Epilogue” Eponine appears with Fantine to guide Jean Valjean into the afterlife. Eponine’s life was filled with as much love as there was sadness and the moment she recognized that she was able to die in peace. So, it is completely fitting that she stands on that stage and sings “And remember the truth that once was spoken, ‘To love another person is to see the face of God'”.

Unfortunately, due to artistic choices neither of those moments appeared in the recent film adaptation of Les Miserables. Perhaps the interpretation of Eponine differs from mine but that doesn’t diminish what makes this character so timeless – unrequited love and perseverance through adversity. Plus, she gets one of the BEST songs in the show!

‘Silver Linings Playbook’ Makes a Touchdown!

Published on January 27, 2013January 11, 2016 by Kelly Deeny2 Comments

An incredibly well-written script, brilliant performances and overall seamless production makes Silver Linings Playbook one of my favorite films this year!

So, okay the year’s just started but that means the films that follow will have a great deal to live up to. I am very particular about the films I deem “excellent”. There are those that merely entertain me, those that make me smile and those that wow me on an artistic level. Silver Linings Playbook moved me. Impressed me. And got me examining my life and the choices I’ve made. Quite truthfully, a film that can achieve such a feat deserves my praise and support.

I had every intention on seeing the film for many reasons. For starters, its star Bradley Cooper has impressed me since his time on “Alias” many years ago. Jennifer Lawrence’s proven acting range gave me no hesitation that this acting pair would create quite an intriguing and engaging duo on-screen. But, the kicker – I’m a life-long Philly suburb girl and this film pays tribute to the city that I love so well.

Adapted from the book by Matthew Quick, David O. Russell’s script takes you on an emotional journey. From the moment we first meet Cooper’s character of Pat Solitano we care about him and that of his family who struggle to offer support and understanding at the same time. We want him to succeed, cheer him on when he does and feel for him when he falters. We can see parts of our own family idiosyncracies in that of Pat’s as he balances his inner turmoil with the help that’s waiting for him to accept.

The actors in this film are astonishing. They breathe life into their characters. Give them range, depth and complexity. As the matriarch of the family, Jackie Weaver effortlessly blends raw emotion with a serene beauty. The love this character holds for her family is evident in her every action. Robert DeNiro’s stellar career has earned him the well-deserved respect of his peers and colleagues but also that of the moving going public. His performance in this award-recognized piece proves exactly why he’s so well-respected. He brought to life a character that’s as flawed as his son. A man who loves his family and loves his “Birds” with nearly equal fervor. He showed an incredible range with each scene and has me considering this one of my all-time favorite Robert DeNiro performances.

Jennifer Lawrence and Bradley Cooper complement each other perfectly in this film. They match each other in intensity, in depth and in range of acting ability. As their respective characters battle their inner demons we see the power in subtlety. These actors manage to take these roles and give us just enough without overdoing it; creating waves of emotional strength. From gut-wrenching declarations to quiet moments of admission these two brilliant actors excelled in their craft; ultimately allowing the audience to accompany them on a ride that’s both heart-breaking and fulfilling.

In closing, Silver Linings Playbook succeeds in its genre due to the blending of each aspect of film. From the cinematography, to the score, to David O. Russell’s skilled directing. I highly recommend finding out for yourself just why this excellent film deserves all of the award recognition it has received so far this season!

Request Denied

Published on January 14, 2013 by Kelly DeenyLeave a comment

The Golden Globes came and went. Neither did I watch them on television nor did I attend despite my written request a few weeks ago.

I arranged to visit my sister and her family in Los Angeles once I found out the date of the Golden Globes. I figured I’d multi-task; spend time with family and check off “attend the Golden Globes” from my bucket list. After doing some research and realizing that tickets are not made available to the public I decided to step outside of my artistic box and hope that by just believing hard enough a door would open. In the meantime, I set my DVR at home to record…just in case. Ironically enough, despite my brother-in-law’s feverish attempts we were unable to watch the award show Sunday evening.

I have never before lowered my guard and asked for a selfish request to be granted. That is, until I wrote a blog entry imploring the entertainment world to grant me access to the Golden Globes. I shared the post numerous times on social media, linked it to entertainment organizations, TV show and film profiles and well-known talk show hosts. I hoped deep down that my words would move someone into action. That my deep sincerity and love for the creative arts would tug at some high-level executive’s heart-strings. That they’d say, “Did you read this? Let’s send this girl to the Globes!”

By noon on Sunday I had accepted the reality that no one was going to knock on my sister’s door with a camera crew and announce, “Are you ready to go? We’ve got a team ready for hair and make-up. You didn’t bring a dress? That’s okay. We have a selection for you to choose from.” I suppose my life-long Cinderella fascination finally took shape. There was not to be a fairy godmother to whisk me off to the award show ball. No one to magically know how much I truly wished for my request to be granted.

I put myself out there in a way I never have before and it’s mildly embarrassing and greatly frustrating that I allowed myself to rely so heavily on the power of positive thinking and the actions of others.

The greatest lesson from this experience? To focus on my own creative pieces (whether it’s the YA fantasy novel that’s nearing completion or the screenplay that’s in progress) and less on those of others. To complete my own work, to the best of my ability, and know that when I do go to the Golden Globes it’ll be because I’m nominated!

A Golden Request

Published on January 4, 2013January 8, 2016 by Kelly DeenyLeave a comment

I have no desire of ever attending a Super Bowl but I do have a goal of going to each major award show at least once in my lifetime. And the Golden Globes are the ones I seek to attend next! There’s one major problem though…tickets are not made available to the public and I do not hold any kind of press credentials for red carpet reporting. 😉

I’ve learned that you can’t assume that others know what you want. You have to ask. I’m asking. Can you send my sister and I to the Golden Globes this year?

In a time when our country’s worried about issues of immediate significance like falling off a fiscal cliff, hurricanes and disease it’s understandable that this request is abnormal. I stand behind the belief that the creative arts can heal. That they offer us the opportunity to reflect upon our own lives and perhaps re-examine our beliefs and/or choices. I celebrate the entertainment industry and all the hard work from those either in front of or behind the camera.

I grew up thinking that my affection for the entertainment industry was an insignificant and frivolous hobby. One that wouldn’t lead to a proper destination for my focus and energy. Yet during times of immense personal struggle it was art that got me through. And I do not doubt that there are other young girls and boys out there who have a deep love for film, television, music or theatre but that they are told to put those interests secondary in their lives.

It would be an incredible honor for me to have the opportunity to say “Thank You” to those who’ve brought these films and TV shows to fruition. To stand on the red carpet and ask Tom Hooper why he selected Les Miserables as the musical he wanted to adapt to the big screen. To congratulate Julian Fellowes on the success of Downton Abbey; a dramatic series that has depth, warmth and regality. To share in the excitement of Smash’s nomination as it’s well-deserved and hopefully the first of many accolades.

When I’ve had the opportunity to meet actors, writers or other entertainment professionals I’ve chosen to use the chance to say “Thank You” and “Your work meant something to me.” To separate the performer from the character because in doing so you pay tribute to the passion of a fellow artist.

If you are able to send my sister and I to the Golden Globes this January, whether as red carpet reporters or sitting in the bleachers, the experience is bound to prompt some interesting blog posts from this fan’s perspective. Thank you for your time and your consideration!

All the best,

Kelly Deeny

*For more information on the Golden Globe Awards and the nominees mentioned above please visit their websites listed below.*

http://www.goldenglobes.org/

http://www.lesmiserablesfilm.com/

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/downtonabbey/index.html

http://www.nbc.com/smash/

Champion the Arts

Published on December 29, 2012January 3, 2018 by Kelly Deeny1 Comment

Sports fans wear the jerseys of their favorite players, assemble fantasy leagues, and paint their faces to show their team pride. They can spout off trivia facts and engage in passionate “discussions” as to the success and failures of their hometown teams.

A similar group of individuals exist in the entertainment industry. We can list off random facts about our favorite actor, actress, writer or director. We write letters of support or complaint to media outlets and/or the particular interested parties. And like our athletic counterparts, we have in-depth “discussions” about our favorite moments. Or more precise…we disagree about which character should be romantically paired with another.

We look forward to our favorite TV shows as much as a football fan readies for Sunday night. While our sporting counterparts gather with friends and family to drink beer, eat wings, and scream at the referees, we take to the internet to re-hash the positives and negatives of the prior night’s episode.

We watch the special features to learn about the casting process, the set design choices, and the adaptation from book/stage to screen. We read interviews from the screenwriter to gain insight into the finished work he/she created. We stand at the stage door after a theatrical performance just to get a picture, signature or to manage an “I loved it!” We find inspiration and motivation from those who’ve chosen the entertainment industry as their mode of creative expression.

While some of us may yearn to one day play a role in front of or behind the camera, there are just as many who merely want to show their appreciation for a job well done. Who want to say “Thank You” for creating something that made a difference in their lives. For giving us an opportunity to look at our life from a different point of view. To pause and reflect upon the choices we’ve made and to perhaps reconsider a path we were headed towards.

So while my friends and family may plan for the big play-off party I’ll be waiting with excitement for the upcoming entertainment award show season. May the best team win!