Tag: award show

Musicals to My Ears

Published on by Kelly DeenyLeave a comment

I saw my first musical, Annie, when I was four-years-old.  I distinctly remember the elaborate stage, adorned with a massive Christmas tree and a winding staircase.  I don’t remember the music, just the image and the sensation that I wanted to see more. Thirty years later and I’m still in awe of how profound an experience live theatre is in my life.

Artists known for their musical theatre careers are some of the ones I hold in very high regard.  Their musical talent shadows so many other in mainstream music.  Their voices reach the back of the house, leaving me moved to tears and utterly impressed. Despite the overwhelming power of their vocal gifts, it is the sheer spiritual experience of being in a theatre during a show that moves me.  My soul transports to a dimension filled with artistry, passion, and unwavering purpose when the music swells and the vocal talent pierces the room with their abilities.

Given my passionate affinity for Broadway musicals, I made it a priority to buy a ticket to this year’s Tony Award broadcast on Sunday, June 8th.  I had it all planned – watch the nomination announcements online, blog about my thoughts afterward, buy a ticket to the award ceremony, and go to NYC numerous times in May to see the nominated shows.

I got excited as I pictured how amazing it would be to sit in Radio City Music Hall and watch some of the most brilliant talents perform.  “Could you imagine,” I’d say to friends, “how awesome it would be to be in that audience when Ramin Karimloo sings with the Les Miserables cast or see Idina Menzel win another Tony?”  I expect the chances that both will occur to be high, but I won’t be there to see it; the tickets sold out before I even knew they were on sale. (**Yes, there may have actually been some tears.**)

I’ll still go see the shows on my “must-see” list and will likely go to Times Square and watch the award show live on the massive TV screen – surrounded by my fellow theatre aficionados. It wasn’t Plan A, but perhaps an even more exciting option is around the corner.  Now I’ve got the soundtrack to Thoroughly Modern Millie playing in my mind.  (Kudos if you understood that musical theatre connection.) Apropos given Sutton Foster’s nomination for VIOLET this year.

Musical theatre may not be your “thing”, but it’s certainly mine.  And that’s one role I’m proud to play!

If you have not heard of the musical theatre artists I referenced above, stop reading and go download the cast albums.  You’re missing out on incredible talent!!

*DISCLAIMER: No endorsement from any of the above-mentioned artists or corporate entities intended or implied. I seek to share my appreciation of the industry with fellow theatre fans or those who don’t yet know they are one.*

Award Show Viewing Parties: Sharing in the Excitement

Published on by Kelly DeenyLeave a comment

I took a leap of faith by traveling to Los Angeles to celebrate the film industry’s beloved award show, and it inspired me in ways different from what I expected.

As I’ve stated before, award shows are to entertainment fans what sport competitions are to devout followers of athletic teams.  I might cheer on my local team if they make it to the play-offs, but I’m not very engaged in the world of athletics.  I’d much rather spend my time conversing about my favorite television shows, catchy Broadway musicals, or memorable films.

It got to be quite lonely sitting on my couch, eating popcorn, and cheering on nominees  with no one who was as excited about the results as I was.  My parents and siblings gave me the “Oh, Kelly” looks and went to bed long before the host stated “That’s a wrap!”  I wanted desperately to share my excitement with others, so I started having viewing parties at my (aka my parents’) house and invited close friends.  I’ll never forget the first viewing party I threw about ten years ago when my friend made cupcakes decorated like clocks in honor of “The Hours”.

Last year, my mom made “Shepherd’s Life of Pi”, and I made “Pretzel Lincoln Logs”, bruschetta with a French baguette, and other themed menu items.  I decorated my apartment with streamers, clapboards, gold/silver stars, and created a red carpet for guests.  While attendees enjoyed the appetizers, we watched the pre-show activities and played games.  It was an evening filled with laughter, good fun, and great company – all that a party should include.

This year I decided to fly out to California and attend a viewing party in Hollywood.  The day before the awards, my sister, brother-in-law and nephews took me to the area where the award show would take place.  I stood in awe at the gold statues covered to protect them from the rain.  I cried tears of joy as I stared at the red carpet and understood the enormity of putting such an event together.  I felt at home in a way I can’t quite comprehend or express without further reflection.  As impressed as I am with what occurs on-screen, I’m even more intrigued by what goes into the behind-the-scenes preparation.  To know that you were part of such an incredible event, that must be a proud moment whether you stapled the red carpet or stood guard in front of the theatre doors.

Award Show ready

The day of the big show, my sister and I got all dressed up and headed out to mingle with others who would be as excited to watch the awards show as we were.  The main dining area (VIP seating) was decorated rather elegantly with gold chairs, pristine table settings, and beautiful accents.  Attendees followed the “black-tie preferred” request, and cocktails were served as we waited for the show to start.  Once the show began, we got directed to the “No Seating/General Admission” area and mingled with some very engaging individuals.  About halfway through, our feet told us it was time to go.  We stopped to grab something to eat on our way home and watched the last 30 minutes of the show from the comfort of a couch.

While it’s an experience I’ll have forever, I realized that I’d prefer to spend the next award show differently – either working the event, sitting in the theatre, and/or celebrating with friends and family.

Block your calendars now for my Broadway party in June!!!  Themed menu to be planned upon the nomination announcement.

Still Golden

Published on by Kelly DeenyLeave a comment

Okay, I’ll admit it – last year, while visiting family in Los Angeles, I had an ulterior motive.  In addition to spending time with my sister, brother-in-law, and nephews, I held out hope that I’d find a way to attend the Golden Globes.  I’m a dreamer and positive thinker with a tendency to raise my hopes too high sometimes.  I hoped, prayed, and pleaded for my Golden Globe request to be answered. Despite my positive attitude and hopeful outlook, nothing magical occurred.

My wonderful trip involved going to the beach nearly every day, drinking coffee and looking out at the Pacific Ocean from the Starbucks by the Sea (that’s what we call it anyway), and playing chess with my eldest nephew.  The weather was perfect, the days filled with laughter and love, and my heart overwhelmed with peace and joy.

Pacific Coffee Time
Pacific Coffee Time

The California coast radiates with a low-key atmosphere.  Despite the congested highways and busy tourist attractions, there’s an appreciation for life’s little moments.  Just when I get a taste of it, my vacation ends and I’m back to the hustle and bustle of suburbia.  Upon returning to work after my week in L.A. last year, I struggled to keep that laissez-faire atmosphere in cubicle city.  It wasn’t always easy until I realized that I needed to change my perspective.  When I did so, the world around me smiled and I found joy in the smallest of details.

I am a writer.  I make my living based on my love of the written word.  There are so many other artistic individuals who can not say the same.  They are existing from day-to-day, waiting for a big break that will take them out of their current situation.  I write because doing so matters, not only to me but to others.  To know that the words I choose make a difference in even the smallest of capacities, reminds me that I am a part of something more profound than sitting at a desk.  I am part of a community.  I am proud of the work I accomplish and the outlook I strive to maintain, even in the midst of challenges.

As I make plans for my next Los Angeles vacation, I do so with the understanding that life is what you make of it.  I look forward to going back to the beach, laughing with my nephews, shopping at Hollywood & Highland, and having my picture taken with the TV Guide logo in the background.  Instead of putting my effort into the unlikelihood of getting tickets to an award show that doesn’t sell tickets, I’m planning to spend the day in the company of family.  Maybe we’ll even do a themed dinner again in honor of the award show.

Request Denied

Published on 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!