22 August 2008

High School Musicals

They've made two movies about something I've never liked. And teenage girls love these movies! Blech. Yes, I know there's something wrong with me. But the Musical is a genre I've never been able to actually like.

I know that 90% of my readers will LOVE musicals, so you can let me know what's so great about them, can't you?

Correct me if I'm wrong, but musicals all seem to have cheesy, formulaic storylines and every few minutes they interrupt themselves so they can all break out in song. In high school, only a few kids get roles, and everyone else who is interested ends up in "the chorus line" (isn't that just a fancy name for "better give those poor kids something to do"?)

Side-note: When I was checking Google Images for "Chorus Line", I found a chorus line of carrots:

I gave it a good go. In Years 9, 10 and 11, I was in the Musical Orchestra and in Year 12 I was doing ... dum, da-dummm ... Makeup! I kid you not.

And what a weird gig THAT was. They give you a random Year 9 boy you vaguely remember having seen around the school, they give you a pile of makeup with a consistency of axle grease, and you have to put the two together and make the poor kid look like Madame Butterfly.

What's the deal with that?

11 comments:

Hippomanic Jen said...

Yeah, who gives the DRUMMER the makeup and expects the random Year 9 boy to look like Madame Butterfly?! (OK, so I know you play piano as well, but drummer sounds more 'out there')

Personally, wasn't so keen on musicals in High School. LOVED the one we did in primary school. LOVED the ones I did in Choral Society. But then, I'm sure I have stage genes and love the burst of adrenaline when you go out in front of an audience. Mind you, I do like to have a role (only needs to be a little role), rather than being one of the cattle herded about the back of the stage.

I love the cheese, I love Gilbert and Sullivan lyric wit, love the pathos of the occasional teary moment before everything comes out all right. Except in Carosel(What a bleak little offering that one is!). Yes, it is a bit weird that people break out into song for no apparent reason, but something has got to keep the really good actors who are also tone deaf from getting all the important roles!

Hippomanic Jen said...

PS, I also don't force any of my friends who are allergic to cheese to come and see performances I'm in. If they don't like it, they don't like it.

Had way too much of being forced to watch sporting stars perform at school and college.

MaricrisG said...

Those carrots sure was a winner! Cute!Btw, thanks for telling me the history behind your blog title, I thot that was cool. Nice choice! It sure is an attention-getter. Did you have your blog designed by a professional though? I like the matching sidebar title headers.

Heather of the EO said...

You are not alone. I've never been a big fan, for many of the same reasons. maybe I'm just too much of a realist, wondering why it would ever be normal to break out in song? I realize it's for entertainment and dramatic value, but I just can't. I just can't! But I do still like the Sound of Music. I'm weird.

WheresMyAngels said...

Oh I hate them but my girls love it. My MIL (whom is only 8 years older than I) loves them too. It is so cheesy. But you know what? So it Dirty Dancing. My gosh was there worst acting and cheesy lines ever around? But I love that movie. Now if they would of sang it, I wouldn't of.

Anonymous said...

That carrot line is a riot. hahahaha.

Unknown said...

I don't know what everyone is talking about. My daughters and I break into correographed song & dance numbers at least 3 times a day, and always end the day with a sweet/soft lullaby ballad.

Does everyone?

Jen said...

YOu are right I am one of your readers that likes musicals but I really don't know why. I guess it appeals to my sappy, impractical, romantic side.

Make-up huh? Interesting!?!

Lynda said...

Oh, I think what makes musicals so appealing is YOU get to participate - once you know the songs, you are IN it.

I mean, Sound Of Music, come on!

Do - a deer, a femal deer
Re - a golden drop of sun
Mi - a name I call myself...

Givinya De Elba said...

I've loved all your comments! Thanks to those of you who ahve helped me see the other side of Musicals. Now - hands up all who want to see Hot Tub Lizzy break into choreographed songs with her daughters! Meeee!

tinsenpup said...

I'm with you. I once paid 60-something dollars to sleep through 'Les Miserables'. My friends were so rivetted they didn't even bother to poke me. Sondheim's 'Into the Woods' was cool though. Much cheaper too.