Occasionally, I have written about events that I have gone to. Since I took a writing hiatus this summer, I thought I would offer my personal reviews on some of these broadway shows, concerts and a miscellaneous 3D experience.
Broadway
Hell’s Kitchen the Musical
This is a true story about Alicia Keyes’ teen years growing up in Hell’s Kitchen. This area is the far west side of the 40’s in New York City. It was considered a rough area, however the apartment Alicia’s mom and her lived in was a designated arts building. This setting allows for interesting neighbors and some questionable influences around her hood. Besides the intertwined storylines, the songs are mostly from the Keyes. Two of my friends and myself enjoyed this show.
MJ The Musical
Michael Jackson was a controversial character. Some people are not fans, but his childhood paralleled mine and his music was my part of the soundtrack of my life. Much like Hell’s Kitchen the music and how it came to be outlined the story of this show. The dancing was also designed to highlight another of Michael’s talents. If you admired Michael and his extraordinary skills, then this is a must see.
The Great Gatsby
This is a story that has been told and retold many ways on different media types. The story takes place in 1925, in an ostentatious mansion in the Hamptons. The house is strategically located across the water from J. Gatsby’s past love interest Daisy Buchanan. While Gatsby served in WW1, Daisy married Tom who’s family had old money. This in no way curtailed J. from pursuing Daisy who was unhappy in her marriage. The storyline was updated to be reimagined into this musical. Both the costumes and scenery were beautiful keeping with the time period. It made for a pleasant matinee with one of my childhood friends.
Rolling Thunder
This is an off broadway show. What attracted me was it was advertised as having rock music. The music was used to tell the story of the 1960’s, with a focus on the Vietnam War. These were chaotic times and the story was depressing. The music presentations were lacking.
Musical Concerts
The Beach Boys
The week that legendary Beach Boy Brian Wilson, we had tickets to see them. I was certain they would cancel, instead it became a touching tribute. The venue they performed is an intimate setting in NYC, named the Town Hal. There was a memorial video and touching speeches from the band members. John Stamos played drums, cousin Mike Love and the rest of the band. All their hit favorites were played. The older audience was energized hearing the songs of their youth. This was a wonderful, fun time.
John Fogerty
As many rockers are calling it quits, John Fogerty is still going strong. After years of a legal battle, he finally gained back the rights to his songs. His catalog is quite impressive with songs such as Fortunate Son, Who’ll Stop the Rain, Proud Mary and many other hit tunes. This concert is in celebration of his 80th birthday. His performance is as good as ever. What makes it even better is his family members are now part of the band. The music genes run deep in the Fogerty family. To enhance his upbeat sound are the tech and lighting. No doubt a plus for adding the youngens. Fogerty is constantly touring, so I highly recommend this evening of sheer enjoyment.
Paul Simon
A long time favorite of mine, so I had to see his tour. The nuance that I didn’t get was it was called A Quiet Celebration. The first set was very quiet, filled with new slow songs. Finally, at song number 8 he sang Graceland, which was not a good reedition. Then there were other older songs that were not hits. Unlike John Fogerty, Paul’s performance was lacking. His voice was not the same, thus the reason for the quiet tour. I believe he didn’t sing his hits, because he just couldn’t. My husband, who was always a fan, came away very disappointed.
The Who
I have probably seen the Who at least six times. This tour is touted as its last. There was no way I would miss this. Roger Daltry whose voice reportedly was going showed no sign of that, at this performance at MSG. They played everything the audience came to hear. For Who fans this is like going to a shrine. Simon Townsend also joined in with Going Mobile. It is sad to see these incredible groups closing the doors. However, I feel fortunate to have witnessed some of the greatest musical acts of all time. Thanks to the Who for filling my life with such wonderful memories.
Virtual Experience
Tonight with the Impressionist 1874 Paris
One of my past careers was event planning. A company called Fever has turned events on its head by making them a virtual experience. When you arrive you receive a virtual headset like the Oculus. You are to follow the blue lights on the floor and your virtual host will guide you through the experience. The tour begins on the city streets of Paris with the decor, shops, clothes and sounds of 1874. The host is narrating as you move along. Eventually, you end up in an art exhibition. You can now see the paintings and meet the painters of the day. You are now a potential buyer to these artist I met Monet, Renoir, Cezanne, Pissarro and Degas. This truly was an amazing experience. There were times I was walking and it appeared you had to walk up and I had to remind myself it is just a flat floor. Fever has experiences in many cities. If you get the opportunity, please go.
