Broadway's Best

A few months ago I mentioned that I was able to see Brian Stokes Mitchell and Linda Eder in concert. Well my childhood Broadway idols just kept coming. Two weeks later I saw Idina Menzel (of Wicked fame) at the Deer Vally Music Festival. Her chattiness and flighty demeanor actually made her that more endearing to the audience. Of course she sang songs from Wicked and it was even better live!

Then, Lea Salogna (Jasmine, Mulan, Miss Saigon, and Les Miserables) came to BYU. I felt like a little kid in a candy store. I just sat there with a giddy smile as her voice resonated in the DeJong Concert hall. She was personable and down to earth. And "On My Own' was phenomenal! I walked away from the Lea Salogna concert with a "once-in-a-lifetime" feeling. Absolutely wonderful!

When I was telling my mom about all the Broadway singers I had seen the past two months in Utah, she reminded me of a story that my seminary teacher once told her. When I was in high school, our seminary had a dating week in February. We filled out a survey that gauged our interests, personality, etc., etc. I went up to my teacher and told him that my favorite music type wasn't listed. All the typical genres were listed but mine was missing. He stared at me incredulously then asked, "What is your favorite music?" "Musicals." He looked at me. Looked at the paper. Then said, "You're right. It isn't listed." He was surprised by my answer but when he related the story to my mom, she wasn't. She knew that I would listen to different musicals while cleaning the house, working in the yard, and driving to piano lessons (a three hour round trip drive). She knew that my sister and I would sing-along to the symphonic version of Les Miserables and even try to sing every part in One Day More. She knew that one Christmas she searched the country (this was before the Internet was helpful) for a copy of The Sound of Music as a surprise for me. She knew.

Now do you understand how seeing Linda Eder, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Idina Menzel, and Lea Salogna made me feel like a kid again? One day I'll make it to Broadyway, but until then, I'm content with all the Broadway opportunities I've had in Utah.

Admit it. You had fun clicking on all those links. :)

Another of My Favorites

Yes I know I have been MIA. Life is starting to calm down again and I hope to update you on my adventures. Last night, I had the opportunity to hear the Mormon Tabernacle Choir rehearse for their Pioneer Day Concert. This year they have two guests singers and one of them is a favorite of mine: Linda Eder. I first heard her as Marguerite in The Scarlet Pimpernel Concept Album back in 1991. I fell in love with the musical and her voice. She sings with such power and emotion, and I sat in awe as I listened to her live. Beautiful and amazing voice! One song she sang really resonated with me and sparked thoughts of someone past. Even after everything that has happened, I guess I'm still a hopeful romantic. Here's to seeing you...

A Bit Obsessed?

I remember when my aunts came back from London raving about this new musical they saw. They played the music from the cassette tapes they had bought and I became intrigued. They gave my mom a copy of the tapes (yes early form of piracy) and we played them over and over and over again. The musical? Les Miserables. I immediately fell in love with the music!

Since that time, I have acquired many versions of the music. I own the London Cast Recording, the Broadway Cast Recording, the Complete Symphonic version, and the 10th Anniversary DVD. Obsessed? Not quite. Just enjoy each of the different recording for different reasons.

A couple of months ago I watched the 25th Anniversary on PBS. The music is just as powerful! Even though I felt some of the singers were struggling, I loved it. However, my favorite part came at the very end. The original London Cast came on stage and performed. I loved seeing Michael Ball perform and his enjoyment of the moment. I may or may not have a slight crush on the Enjorlas from the 25th Anniversary cast who stood in for the original. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!