Spotlight
Stories that deserve your attention
Why Wicked Would be the Perfect Next Musical to be Officially Streamed
“I believe Wicked can be inspirational for both young and old: it genuinely depicts that life can be hard, people cruel and some dreams impossible to come true, but no matter what, fighting for what we believe in – even if it seems a lost cause – is worth it and, in one way or another, pays off.”
Chill Inducing "First Burn" is the Cover You Need to See Today
“A fantastic cover of “First Burn” has been posted on Youtube.”
What is Their Definitive Song? : Alan Menken
“If your friend had no idea who Alan Menken is, what would be the one song you’d pick to illustrate his work? Here’s my pick.”
How could you be anything less than satisfied with Phillipa Soo?
“As Eliza, we see a committed and gentle heroine. Through Soo’s gorgeous vocals she creates a full and complete character as a woman, wife, mother, philanthropist, and storyteller.”
Are Recorded Musicals the "Death Sentence" of Theatre?
“Every show is different, performers can sing and act their lines slightly different because actors feed and react from and to each other, and also from the audience’s energy and reactions as well. Personally, that’s what makes live theatre so exciting to watch and the reason why recorded musicals can’t substitute theatre.”
If This Fan Theory of the Ending of 'Hamilton' is Wrong, Then I Don't Want to Be Right
“If you’ve seen 'Hamilton’ then I’m sure you’ve weighed in on your interpretation of Eliza’s gasp at the end of the show. I know I’ve got mine. But Mallory Ellis might have just stumbled upon the best one that I’m fine with accepting as the truth, whether or not Lin-Manuel Miranda admits it.”
Cancel 'Hamilton'? - A Worthy Discussion or Cancel Culture Disruption?
“While many might dismiss #cancelhamilton out of hand as ludicrous, that would be unfair and would ignore some real flaws in the musical’s storytelling to what it ignores and how it depicts certain events. At the same time, I am more than skeptical of the intent behind the latest viral hashtag movement.”
The Influence of Stephen Sondheim in Jason Robert Brown’s Writing
“Sondheim’s influence on Brown’s compositions is quite thrilling to find, as are both their storytelling through beautiful, meaningful lyrics with multidimensional characters.”
Behold, "Weird Al" Yankovic's Video for 'The Hamilton Polka'
“In case you needed a good laugh today, Weird Al delivers once again. On July 4th, the parody-song king posted a video to go along with his “Hamilton Polka”.”
"Best of Wives and Best of Women": The Role Eliza Plays in the History of 'Hamilton' and America
“Without Elizabeth, much of the existing information regarding Alexander Hamilton might have been lost, and thus it is difficult to tell his story without telling a bit of hers. Even though Alexander is evidently the protagonist in the musical, one can speculate on the reasons why, instead of using his full name for the title, Lin-Manuel Miranda chose to use only his last name- the name that he shares with his wife, Elizabeth.”
Like Sands Through the Hourglass, Scott Rudin will Produce Shows with White Writers, Directors and Stars
“Despite an industry-wide call for producers and Broadway power-players to increase the production, representation, and employment of black artists, Scott Rudin is producing another show written by a white playwright, directed by a white man and starring a white man - a MeToo problematic white man at that.”
Broadway Pianist Justin Brown was Arrested for Allegedly Trying to Meet a Minor for Sex in Sept, Now He's on TikTok
“The TikTok account “Disney.bway” features a man behind the piano playing showtunes and asking his followers to record duets with him. So far the account has amassed over 9,000 followers. What should also be known is that the man in the video is Justin Brown. Nine months ago, the Broadway pianist was arrested in an NYPD sting operation for allegedly trying to meet with a minor for sex on social media apps.”