WICKED! GOOD TIME

Even though yesterday started out all types of crummy, by mid-day things had tuned around. After happening to be in the right place at the right time, I was invited to attend Wicked! with some of our students as there were some extra tickets. After falling madly in love with the book (that Monica totally owes me a copy of cause she promptly lost it but I still love her and don’t really care), I had wanted to see the show for some time. Additionally, as my loyal readers know how I feel about musicals, it is obvious that I wouldn’t turn down this type of production. Friend had told me that the music was somewhat shrieking and that had keep me from feeling too sad about not going. I think I have to thank the cast because I could easily see how the songs could get into that annoying part of the register but they seemed to keep things relatively in check. I will admit that I didn’t walk out with any songs in my head which should let everyone know something in the lyrical or tune writing department could have been improved. Just now I was trying to think of the tune for “No One Mourns The Wicked” and all I could come up with was the theme for Rocky.

The show was very pleasant and, if I hadn’t read the book I think I would have found it to be absolutely perfect. However, since I am such a fan of the book, I was a little put off. The book is dark, highly political, violent, and shocking. The play, on the other hand, strove to be child friendly. I guess that makes sense as it is more accessible to the general public. It still worked for a good story, it just wasn’t exactly what I was expecting. When we sat down I noticed a family with three children 4-9 sitting to my left and was a little afraid that the children would be traumatized for life. With the changes to the story, traumatization was certainly not an issue. I was slightly disappointed by that. Even though I feared for the psyche of the children, I really enjoy it when parents take their kids to things they shouldn’t and the kids are warped. I know that shouldn’t bring me happiness but I really like stupid parents to get a lesson in fact checking.

There was only about 20 minutes of dialogue in the 2.5-hour show, which tells you how much singing was involved. It was fine by me because all my years of watching musicals has given me a strong ability to understand lyrics. I know that many people don’t have that gift. Some of the people I was with missed some of the subtle plot exposition that was included in the songs. I was really glad I understand lyrics so well. It would have really diminished my appreciation of what was going on if I didn’t. One of the actors had been on Buffy The Vampire Slayer and it was nice to see him play a goat. I love Buffy. Knowing the goat was also capable of being a terrifying vamp also enhanced my enjoyment of the show.

The only drawback to the evening was that I didn’t get home until about 11:30 and since I had been up super early for the breakfast yesterday it was a little bit of a drag. I didn’t get the chance to sit and loaf as much as I usually do. I must say, when I actually got into bed, I was plumb tuckered out. I have no idea what that means but I like the way it rolls off my tongue.

Starting in about an hour and fifteen minutes I am going to have a very busy day. Should be interesting. I forgot my glasses at home and can’t see all that well, at all. Since I am nearsighted that means that I am going to be ok as far as work goes. My eyes are really watery though. I hope I’m not squinting too much. I don’t think I am. I noticed my glasses were missing on the train ride to work. I had been reading the paper and all was well until suddenly I touched my face for something and found no glasses. Not being able to see clearly makes me very very sleepy. In fact, I am wondering how I will make it thought the busy day. I think I might have to drink coffee. I am not the biggest coffee fan. There is no coffee in the break room. I guess by 9:47 all the real coffee drinkers have finished it all off. I wouldn’t know, as I am not one of them.

Hell Yes, Beck- I like Beck. I had a renewed interest in him this past year. I am not sure why but I guess there had been a large Beck void in my life. There is something so reassuringly ‘90s about his music. With the exception of Sea Change, that is quintessential early ‘00s.

Carey, Joni Mitchell- Blue is easily one on my favorite albums as a whole. It makes me really happy. Reminds me of good and carefree times. Then again, in those times I skipped certain songs that I have come to enjoy. I think I even programmed my CD player not to play a few of them. I must be getting old.

Traveling at the Speed of Thought (remix), Ultramagnetic MCs- HAHAHAHAHAHAHA is all I have to say about that.