How to Protect Your Conscience While Fangirling

...between you and me, why can't people think?
As implied in my INTJ fangirl post, I was reluctant to enter the fandom life because, to quote the Parrot Sketch, is seemed 'Silly, silly silly!" I saw (romantically) obsessive posts about characters/celebrities and these people popped into my head...

...and then those who weren't having crushes all over the place were moaning about how they were born in the wrong era/world/whatever and wished a time lord would pop out of nowhere and save them from their meaningless existence.

To be entirely, embarrassingly honest, I went through some of this a while back with the Percy Jackson books. Shhh!

I have such a hard time controlling my tendency to fall into escapism, because, as this picture so eloquently puts it,

Life becomes misery while I pine away after fictional characters and worlds. It's like an eternal pity-party. I really didn't want to go through that again. Ever. So when I started becoming more active on the internet, I decided I would try to stay away from exaggerated media-related mania of all sorts. I would read the books, and that was all.

 Ha. Hahaha.

It didn't work. 

Since I discovered some fellow fans who did not seem quite as silly as the others, I decided to check it out cautiously.

I didn't--and don't, want to consume my media like some people consume soda--pop the lid and guzzle mindlessly. For one thing, it makes you burp. For another, you're drinking high fructose corn syrup and don't even realise it!  Here are a few guidelines I've made and try to keep for myself to prevent falling into empty-headed ridiculosity.* I've even categorized them. 

Real People

~~Don't look up actors' personal lives. You will probably learn way more than you wanted to know and feel melancholy and despairing of humanity the rest of the day. Or week.

~~This is a long one...

Differentiate between what people can do and who they are. Someone's talent/beauty/personality is a gift--what matters about him/her as a person is what he decides to do with it. 

Let's say that you're looking at a portrait. This one will do.

You can admire it on different levels.

You could look at it and think 'that's pretty'--admiring the appearance of the subject.

You could look at it and think 'how did she hold that pose so long? I would get so uncomfortable"--admiring the skill/ability of the subject 

You could look at it and think, 'that's a really interesting outfit and background'--admiring the set and content

You could look at it and think, 'oh wow. Those ruffles are great--how do they look so perfect? gah, I wish I could paint hair like that'--admiring the skill of presentation. 

At this point, unless you are an art expert or Sherlock Holmes, you don't know anything about the subject or painter. You're just enjoying the art for what it is, and not who created it.

I try to watch movies/shows the same way. All kinds of people have been given talent in so many areas, and they don't need to be 'good people' to have and use talent correctly. Don't get me wrong; it's doubly awesome when a good person is a good artist, or vice versa. But all too often people confuse the two.  

trying to avoid this...

I can fangirl about James Barbour's voice all day without for a moment implying anything other than that he has an amazing, well-trained voice.  That doesn't mean I think he's nice, or clever, or a role model. I can blabber on about what a wonderful actor Tom Hiddleston is without sacrificing my romantic ideals to him. I can pin as many pictures of JJ Feild as I like without thinking him to be an exemplary human being. I might just like his ears. And his smirk. Or the fact that he looks like Tom Hiddleston. Moving on...

You get the picture. I may jokingly swoon a lot, but I really do try to keep admiration of celebrities in check. Separation of the talent from the person works really well. Wholehearted admiration, from what I've seen, turns into unhealthy infatuation very quickly. And then you get stuff like this...

Stories
~~Analyze everything. When you like something, find out why.
 When you sort out the pros and cons, you appreciate the good and true in the story, but you also recognize any false arguments the book/show may be pressing on you. Eat the meat and spit out the bones.
Different people have different safe tolerance levels. I can separate the humanistic messages Les Mis might try to send me and concentrate on other themes (grace vs. justice, redemption, charity, etc.), or enjoy Sherlock, despite the language or twisted worldviews, while a friend or family member may not be ready yet--or ever.

You don't have to embrace everything to love a book or show--we should treat our media like we treat people (only we have more power of selection with media). When we really like someone, we acknowledge their faults and forgive them. Some people are good to be around because they inspire us to grow and learn and love. Some people we shouldn't hang around because they're a bad influence. It's a tricky business. So filter everything you take in. Think about it, compare it with other things--Bible stories, other books, movies, historical events, whatever, talk about it, discuss it.

 Only after I have things sorted out in my brain do I switch on the emotions and allow myself to fangirl. But when that happens, you had better look out.

 It's like checking your sleeping bag for scorpions before climbing in.

 In addition, you'll be able to explain yourself to others a lot more easily. Often I feel like I can't tell people I like certain things without them being shocked and horrified.

I can just hear "Oh, you're one of those..." running through their heads.
So, keep a disclaimer on hand.
Imaginary person 1: "Yes, I love Doctor Who."
Imaginary person 2:*awkward misjudgey silence* oh my gosh she's one of those brainless fans who slurp up all that evolutionary agenda without a moment's thought.
Imaginary person 1: "...I love how they explore sacrifice and love, and the historical episodes are really interesting. There are a few bits I don't agree with, but overall I think it's a great show. Have you ever seen any?"
Imaginary person 2: Hmm. This person has some good points. Maybe the show isn't as bad as I thought. "No, which doctor should I start with?"

Not that actual conversations work like that, unfortunately, but it's still a good idea to have some idea in case anyone has questions, no?

Problems with Escapism
Ah, the biggie. It took me months, but I finally (thanks mostly to Omnibus) understood why the idea of belonging to my fantasy worlds appealed to me so much. It's linked to this idea:

~~When you find yourself wishing to be part of an epic, remember that you are. I'm not going to delve too deeply into this, but the Bible is seriously the most exciting fantasy story ever written, with the best Hero and the best minor characters. Only it's not fantasy; it's real. All the others, at some level, are just imitating. It's the only book whose 'fandom,' if you will, actually gets to live in its world and participate in the adventure. I personally find that a bit mind-blowing.

If you've made it this far, congratulations!

Do any of you have any tips for thriving in the clutches of fandom?





 *yes, this is a word. I made it up. You have my permission to use it as much as you like.

Click here to see my other posts in this series.

Click here to go back to 31 Days Home.

Random Pictures from Events I Have not Posted About, Part I--the sorta-kinda ball

....meaning, of course, that we were told that we could dress up for this dance, but not to worry about coming in costume.

Ha. 

Haha.

Hahaha.

We read it something like this:

OMGSH.

A BALL! YAAAAAAY!

What are we going to wear?

Mother! My muslin needs new trim! And my ridicule is absolutely ridiculous!

I need new ribbon for shoe-roses...and ostrich feathers...

HOBBY LOBBY, HERE WE COME!

At least the boys' costumes are okay...

DAD'S WAISTCOAT IS TWO INCHES TOO SHORT!

WHERE IS BRENNAN'S QUIZZING-GLASS?

...while some people might respond to this reaction by wondering why we stress over something so simple and informal...

...we are too busy sewing each other into gowns to notice. Actually, we love having an event for which we must dress up, so we make the most out of it. If we have to make a mountain out of a molehill...well, we'll do it. Can't really tell the difference in LA, anyway. Don't have many mountains. It's not stress! It's fun. 

Actually, curling Lu's entire head in paper is stressful. But that's not our fault.  

Without further ado...

 Left to right: Em,  Jess, Bren, Lu, et moi, confident in our poshness.

 Brennan and Dad...

 Myself dancing the Ship's Cook (an wonderful dance from a wonderful miniseries) with Kristoff Grayson

 Shoe-tying--one of my chief occupations of the evening. Apparently, I was the only one whose stays didn't prohibit her movements. Ergo, guess who gets to secure the footwear? Me, that's 'oo!

 My parents, also posh

 Lu and Em in full aristocratic snobbery.

Fun fact: Emery sewed the red ribbons on her gown crossed in back (they came undone) and crossed in front in memory of the victims of the Reign of Terror. The ribbons symbolized the captives' bonds, and her red choker stood for...yeah. *gulp* that. We based it off a fashion plate from the 1790s. She said she hoped someone would ask about them so she could explain in all the gory detail.
Luckily for her, someone did. O.O

 Gabe. Need more be said?

 Gabbi and her mother. Aren't her sleeves nice and poufy? ;) 

 The Dark Side of ECD

 Lu and Gab. I was responisble for Gabbi's tunic-drape-thingy (I am so eloquent!). It's a curtain panel than was cut for use in a pelisse, but the pelisse was completed without it. It was the perfect shape already--all I did was hem and stitch the shoulder and add a sash. I would have preferred the sash to be higher, but I thought it still turned out well. 

 Scottish!

Shoe ribbons in disarray!


And I leave you with this photograph, which perfectly portrays our stately grandeur and dignity.

Frozen, part 2

A LERT

CONCERNING CERTAIN SPOILERS

WHICH MAY OR MAY NOT BE AHeAD

AND WHICh MAY THREATEN THE NAIVETE 

OF THOSE WHO HAVE NOT SEEN THE FILM

WHICH IS THE SUBJECT OF THIS LERT

I'm growing rather fond of my little spoiler alert. Thanks, N.D. Wilson.

All right! Now I've dealt with the conspiracy, it's time for my thoughts on the film itself. Because you're all dying to know, right? WHAT DOES CATIE SAY? AM I GOING TO BE JUSTIFIED IN MY OPINION OF THIS FILM UNTIL CATIE GIVES HERS? (I always wonder why we bloggers think our opinions matter so much. anyway) AHEM.

Be warned. Philosophical nonsense ahead. Slippery ground, folks (You're not laughing. Get it? slippery? ice? eh).

I love the characters. I like the music. The animation is lovely. However, what impressed me most was the plot. It's not epic*, and it's not too sweet. I prefer my tea without sugar, thank you. 

I was concerned for the message of the movie when said dear friend performed 'Let It Go" during a nightlong sing/talk/giggle party. She did an excellent job, by the way.Whether or not I threatened to drop an Omnibus textbook on her toe during the chorus will remain unsaid. It was exam week, for goodness's sake!**  The song seemed to express a rather modern notion of retreating into oneself to find peace, happiness, whatever, and 'letting go' of societal (and often moral) restraints. "No right, no wrong, no rules for me. I'm free!"
 If that was all the movie had to say, it was worth an eye-roll, and that was it. 

BUT IT WASN'T. I was shocked. Flabbergasted. And rather pleased. 
In my Omnibus class, we have been discussing (actually it consists mostly of the illustrious Mr. Sumpter lecturing while I yawn and burn my tongue while guzzling Earl Grey--7 that's a.m. for ya) the concept of the 'true self' and the 'false self.'  The false self is our twisted nature, and our self-image--what we want others to see. In a word, hypocrisy. 
I have heard multiple thoughts on hypocrisy, from multiple sources. Pascal is my favorite.  Most people agree that hypocrisy is not recommendable, but often the only solution offered is 'to just be yourself.'
Hold on a minute. Not only did you just split an infinitive, but what if I don't like myself? What if my self is messed up? In this post  the author made a rather uncomfortable point--we're twisted. 
Thus, 'the real me' isn't likely to be someone very nice.
Frozen illustrated this wonderfully. Elsa tries to conceal her power her whole life, trying to be a 'good girl' all by herself. She shuts everyone out, because, as C.S. Lewis so eloquently said, 

“To love at all is to be vulnerable. Love anything and your heart will be wrung and possibly broken. If you want to make sure of keeping it intact you must give it to no one, not even an animal. Wrap it carefully round with hobbies and little luxuries; avoid all entanglements. Lock it up safe in the casket or coffin of your selfishness. But in that casket, safe, dark, motionless, airless, it will change. It will not be broken; it will become unbreakable, impenetrable, irredeemable. To love is to be vulnerable.” 

I immediately thought of this quote when I saw Elsa's frozen room in "Do You Wanna Build a Snowman?"

 She trying to keep her family, and herself, safe by keeping away from everyone. "Conceal; don't feel. Put on a show." Until Coronation Day finds her minus one glove. oops. Or perhaps, might we say, minus one cup of coffee, or night of sleep, or ____ (insert anything used to make one sociable). 

A nod to the similarity between Frozen and S& S

In "Let It Go," Elsa is rejecting her false self, her avatar.

"The wind is howling like this swirling storm inside

couldn't keep it in; Heaven knows I've tried....

I don't care what they're going to say!

Let the storm rage on; the cold never bothered me, anyway."

There is triumph in finally letting go of one's image, and it's a valuable experience...

"It's funny how some distance makes everything seem small

and the fears that once controlled me can't get to me at all!"

In class, Mr. Sumpter presented to us the 3 Ps of Power, Possessions, and Prestige. People are slaves to them to preserve their self-image--Mr. Merdle in Little Dorrit, for example. Or Gollum. Or Fanny Dashwood. Or any politician you can think of. Unfortunately, rejecting one's facade isn't enough. 

"No right, no wrong, no rules for me--I'm free!"

is not a valid conclusion. Most movies, however, would have stopped there, frozen in an individualistic ice castle of independence.
Frozen didn't. "Let It Go" is only one stage of Elsa's progression. But before I spend too much time on stage 3, let's go to everyone's favourite royal redhead...

 ...because, in her own way, Anna is doing exactly what Elsa did. Because her sister won't love her, she seeks companionship in other places. Elsa retreats further into herself, and Anna looks further and further away for satisfaction--first to her dolls, no doubt, the the pictures on the walls (la! another rhyme!), and finally, Mr. Willoughby. I mean Hans. It's the difference between the introvert and the extrovert--they have opposite reactions to the same problem. 

"For the first time in forever I won't be alone. I can't wait to meet everyone!" 

  ...needless to say, Anna's method didn't work out either. 
Back to Elsa. She isolates (get it? Ice-o-lates? I think the song made that one already) herself in her castle, thinking she's 'alone and free.' She seeks freedom within herself. In Omni we've been discussing the difference between Christian, Trinitarian freedom and unitarian, 'loner god' freedom. In the latter case the freedom is individualistic--I'm free to do what I want. I am independent. Liberty, equality, fraternity. Long live the rights of man (and woman).

In Trinitarian freedom, I'm free to serve others; I'm free because I'm dependent. I'm a slave to love. The Christian God, in three Persons, is able to love Himself selflessly. I know. My brain just exploded, too. Mop it up and let's continue. But first I need some carrots (behind you there). They're good for my brain--what's left of it, anyway. Good for noses as well.

What amazed me so much in Frozen was, they seemed to get it. 

"I'm such a fool! I can't be free

no escape from the storm inside of me!

I can't control the curse!"  

Elsa finds her true self after she abandons her scheme of independence. Turns out that her selfish letting go was not any more real than her good girl facade.  Elsa learns to love, and then she's able to conquer 'the storm,' and use her power for good. 

"'I don't even know what true love is.'

'I do. That's when you put someone else's needs before your own.'" 

Anna learns that true love isn't necessarily romantic--it's a decision, and she finally stops fantasising about Prince Charming. The sisters learn to love each other, and Elsa is finally free, but in a completely different way. 

Being so similar in personality to a character as I am to Elsa is more uncomfortable than anything else I can think of, apart from theater seats. It's been embarrassing to me to see how often I behave just like her without even realising it. What if, say, Elsa had the power of writing, or rhetoric, or ___(insert talent), instead of ice? Words can hurt worse than any old icicle, and they can create personal flurries for people as well. 

Me: (while reading a criticism of my work) "Oh look! I've been impaled." 

Power is dangerous. Repressed power is dangerous and highly explosive. Self-centered power is even more dangerous. Power, used for true love*, is glorious.

That's what I saw in Frozen. Perhaps I'm being philosophically nonsensical, as usual, but I enjoy being that way. And I daresay it's better than frowning at everything, or just giggling at everything. Don't you think?     

*Odyssey-epic here
**and don't you think a Martin Luther version of that song should be composed? "Here I stand" and all that
* agape, unconditional love--found perfectly only in God

Catie's Yummy Rice Stuff

...or, I I prefer to pronounce it, risotto. I first made this with America's test kitchen recipe (the variation with chicken, of course). I made it twice with that recipe, come to think of it, both times successfully, and then I abandoned the book (I am too much like my mother to follow a recipe for long).

*INSERT BEAUTIFUL VINTAGEY HEART-WARMING IMAGE OF RISOTTO HERE*  

I think it looks nice, don't you?

Anyway, enough with my aspiring (expiring?) photography skills. I made this at Christmas for the lot of us (a most delightful occasion), and had the pleasure of hearing it called all manner of names, which will not be repeated here (ricotta! chicken and rice soup, indeed!). Since I made more than usual, and apparently was in too great a hurry (Anthony Andrews was saving the Dauphin, people! How could I concentrate? That's what comes of having TSP playing during food prep) to measure my liquid or my cooking times adequately, the rice turned out a bit crunchy in the center. *I* didn't mind--I was happy in my knowledge that Percy and Margot were reunited--but it led to some conversation with a very wise person after lunch.

Wise one: That was good, but nothing beats a good old [American] chicken and rice soup.

Me (in a huff): Well. Italians have been eating risotto probably longer than America has been in existence.

Wise one: It should have stayed in Italy, then

Me: Italian immigrants brought it to America--

Wise one: You know why they came over here?

Me: Sure.

Wise one: I'll tell you. They were tired of eating risotto!

Ha. hahaha.  Joking aside, here's the 'recipe.' If you want something more useful, go to this link http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/member/views/ALMOST-HANDS-FREE-RISOTTO-WITH-PARMESAN-AND-HERBS-AMERICAS-TEST-KITCHEN-50122790

CATIE'S YUMMY RICE STUFF 

5 cups of chicken broth, diluted with water as needed (sometimes we use homemade broth, which is way stronger than store-bought)

2 cups of rice--they recommend Arborio; I find it a bit pricey, so we buy huge bags of sushi rice. Great stuff to have on hand.

1 onion, chopped. This is what gets the family interested.

1 garlic clove, squashed and maneuvered into acceptable texture. I have omitted this before, without disastrous results. If the onion didn't get everyone interested, this will.

1 cup white wine. Gasps and horror. I usually just use extra broth; my attempt with a bit of wine vinegar and broth went awry because Mom stores regular vinegar in the bottle, and I didn't both asking. That was interesting.

A nice bit of butter--to cook the onion in, and add towards the end.

A nice bit of chicken. I always skip the browning stage recommended in the book because those horrible frozen chicken tenders we buy don't brown well. at all. Often, if we have any leftover shredded organic chicken, I use that. You know how much you like.

Some rather nice herbs--chives, parsley--whatever. Basil is particularly lovely. I've used mint too; it was not quite so popular, but I liked it.

Lemon juice, if you like

Quite a bit of Parmesan. I cheat and use 'green cheese,' that is, the stuff in the canister. I have also cheated and used a bit of mozerella, monterey, cheddar, pepper jack, etc., on those occasions when I discovered that my shaking the container would not result in any more parm coming out of the container. I never measure cheese or herbs, as I'm sure you've noticed--eyeballing is a useful skill here, even if it sounds gruesome. The more dairy the better, folks. Generally speaking.

1. If you are using brownable chicken, get out your rather large pot/pan/bathtub and brown your chicken. This is where you will cook the whole darn thing, so be careful in thy selection.

2. While you are burning the chicken, get out a smaller saucepan and unceremoniously dump your brothy ingredients into said vessel. Season it with salt, pepper, Mrs. Dash, whatever. Bring it to a boil, fast.

3. Remove chicken and place into brothy substance. Cook until it is no longer objectionable. If you used stupid frozen tenderloins you probably already boiled your chicken in trying to brown it. Remove when it's done, but while you're waiting,

4. Haphazardly throw your onion into the browning--making that blackening--pot, and stir it. Or call stir-happy relative. Thanks, Lu.

5. Wildly 'measure' your rice out, if you haven't already (shame on you!) and remember that you forgot the garlic. Furiously mince garlic and add to pot with now-browned onion. This is where everyone says, "wow! that's smelling great! whatcha cooking?" and you growl.

6. after 30 seconds of garlic bliss, dump in rice and hand spoon over to stir-happy relative. Thanks, Lu. 

7. After peering suspiciously at the cooking rice grains, to see if they're translucent, add your 'wine' (*wink wink*). Once the rice is done absorbing that, pour in your most of your brothy stuff. You did take the chicken out already, didn't you?! Set a nice loud timer for 16 minutes, pop on the lid, and don't forget to turn the stove to low. Trust me. Go watch Percy being wonderful, perhaps sending in stir-happy relative twice during the cooking time. 

8.  Get up and tell family to clear and set table. If you don't do this now, with adequate urgency of tone, your food will be cold before you eat it. ugh.

9. Add about a cup of broth and stir. The recipe says to stir gently; I don't see how that's possible with this thick stuff.  Get a cement mixer on the job, and add your cheese. Cover and let it stand--or sit-- off the heat for 5 minutes or so. THIS IS YOUR LAST CHANCE TO CHECK ON THE TABLE-SETTING PROCEEDINGS. 

10. Stir in your herbs, lemon juice, and butter. If it seems too thick, add some more broth. Announce that dinner is ready, and you don't intend to eat cold food. 

Bravo. You have made risotto (and I made a rhyme--aha!). 

Notes:

This stuff reheats very well indeed, with a bit of butter, in the microwave.

We've had it without the chicken, with some nice steaks. Yum.

I've been told that it can be frozen and used as a base for *cough* soups.          

  

Just a Note...

There's a Christmas concert a-brewin' 'round here.  Last year, as many of you know, we three sisters (sounds like a song title to me) and Gabbi donned red formals, practiced (though not nearly enough), and performed some songs for a selected audience at one of the most prestigious venues in the country.

This year, we're a bit more ambitious. Our lovely piano teacher has agreed to record some music for us, and there's been rumor of a violin player. Needless to say, I'm a bit excited--so of course, I did the logical thing and put it on the internet. As we all know, thanks to Blimeycow, posting something online makes it official. 

He looks festive, doesn't he?

Here's the current song list:

Ding-Dong Merrily on High

Mary's Boy Child

Hark the Herald Angels Sing/ Joy to the World

Believe (not the TSP version. sorry, folks.)

Silent Night

Home and the Heartland

The Lord's Prayer

Carol of the Bells

Tomorrow Shall be My Dancing Day/Lord of the Dance/Gaudete!

Walking in the Air

The Prayer

A Blessing

Wexford Carol

Adeste Fideles

O Holy Night

Here is the link to my Youtube playlist for it--had a hard time finding the right version for some of them, as I'm sure you'll notice.

Oh, and this year we're adding two more things:

One is a fancy-shmancy name--Vanyalin. (It looks better in a cool Elvish font)

and the second is Emery. Thus, the concert this year might look more like this: 

Whaddya think? :)

The Scarlet Pimpernel: The Story & the Songs, or the Really Really Long Post

~DISCLAIMER: until about a year ago I was under the delusion that all musicals were lovely, innocent, lighthearted, and generally child-friendly. Then I met Les Mis.If you have been in this happy, blissful state, I hate to break it to you, but most musicals are just like movies--some are happy, lovely stories, and others are dark, creepy, violent, or just inappropriate.

and Eponine adds, "You got that right."

Most fall somewhere in the middle, and TSP is one of these. I have never seen the entire musical, but I understand that there might be one or two scenes that are not Mary Poppinsish, that is to say, nice, in addition to a few words here and there that would have earned Bert a smack from the practically perfect nanny's umbrella. END OF DISCLAIMER~


All right. Now that the warnings are over, I think a brief plot summary is in order (based on the songs, on which my personal opinions will be following). I will mostly be working from the OBC album, with occasional references to the later versions. Here is someone else's much better synopsis that I am using because I am lazy.

Act I:
Overture: Time for everyone to sit down and get excited. Luckily, rather short and epic*.

Madame Guillotine: The (French) people are singing the song of angry men while they cut off aristos' heads. The Marquis de St. Cyr is not thrilled about this.**This number is very..effective. For some reason, everyone loves it--including myself--even though it's about, um, decapitation. As I said, it gets the point across.

DA...da da da da da...He's there, the phantom of the...guillotine...Wait, wrong musical.

Believe: Not the dumbest song on earth. It's so beautiful to listen to. I think I would like it better if it were in another language, so I wouldn't understand the (rather ridiculous) words. I mean, seriously, As waves lean on the sea/ My love, come lean on me?? I went to the beach last week and didn't see any waves leaning on the sea--and I looked very carefully. Crashing, yes, leaning, no. Well, the music's pretty!

Vivez!: I love the tune of this song. The words are very...ah, Romantic and French. Not happy-starry-eyed-sigh romantic, but like, well, the Romantics.

Prayer: It took me forever to listen to this song. It's hardly fast-paced. I think it works well in the setting, but *ahem* there's that little issue with the plot.

Into the Fire: Also know as The Percy Awesomeness Song. The best of the bunch.

Falcon in the Dive: this is my favourite of Chauvelin's (two)songs--except for That Word. I wouldn't put it past him, but was that really necessary? This song makes Chauvelin seem like Javert, only meaner. Apart from the fact that the whole falcon simile is cool, I like the tongue-twisters in the beginning and in the last verse...

When I Look at You: All right. I know it's sappy, but I love this song (apart from the warbling). It has pretty words, and expresses Marguerite's position pretty well.

The Scarlet Pimpernel: Oh dear. When I first heard this song, I couldn't make out half the lyrics, and thought it sounded funny. I made the mistake of listening too closely. Four letters--D-U-M-B.

Where's the Girl?: I call it the "Music of the Night Wannabe." 'Nuf said. Fun fact: the beginning of the line and I know she remembers how fearless she feels... sounds just like  and I know if I'll only be true to this glorious quest... from "The Impossible Dream." Have fun throwing M. Chambertin's romantic attempt awry by loudly changing songs at this point.

When I Look at You (Reprise): This song is titled "The Saddest Song Ever." I enjoyed letting forth pathetic-sounding romantic sobs during this song, until I discovered that if one stretches the old vocal cords one can sing along an octave higher, making it a duet!

The Creation of Man: This song is hilarious. If you're out to make a splash, cheri, do know your haberdashery! Brilliant! The words are ridiculous, but they're supposed to be. I call it "The Dandy Song"  Although later versions have That Coat in them...but we don't talk about those.

The Riddle: Reminiscent of "The Waltz of Treachery." Like Madame Guillotine, very effective. Am I the only one who thinks of Christine Daae on feel the terror draw ever nearer/the more you stare in the mirror ?

Act II

They Seek Him Here: I'm glad to have a tune for The Poem. The other verses, I could do without (and is it just me or is future George IV too intelligent in the musical, making up all those rhymes? whatever happened to, "as it were crystal clear...my dear"?).

Only Love: I hate to say it, but I very firmly feel this song is not an asset to the musical.  But I'd like to say a word on its behalf--"Only Love" makes me laugh. Not really. But between the weird melody and the, um, lyrics, I was glad to hear that this song was cut from the show. Sorry, Lainey. That doesn't keep me from warbling it in the shower, though.

She Was There: This is another song that took me a while to listen to all the way through. I'm glad I did, though, because it's really sweet.

Storybook: I have mixed feelings about this song. I'll probably do a post on it later this week.

Where's the Girl Reprise: Aka, "I See your True Colors Shining Through/and That's Why I Hate You so Now I'm Gonna Get You Executed...and Your Little Brother, Too." I believe that title may be longer than the actual song...

Lullabye: short, sad and sweet.

You Are My Home: Oh boy. First off, I can't stand Armand, so having him played by whoever that nasally guy was did not help. Second, there is no scene with Margot and Armand in prison inside that little paper thing over there that they call the book. The lyrics are not the most profound in the world. I do like, I will not walk away from you/I will not let you go... because I always yell to the singer (most often Lainey), "Sing like an ANGRY Frenchwoman!" I'm very easily amused.

Believe Reprise: Cute. More leaning waves. I imagine Percy and Margot passed out after holding that ridiculously long note. I doooooooooooo beliiiiiiiiiiiiiiieeeeeeeve iiiiiinnnn yooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooouuuuu.... you get the point.

Into the Fire Reprise: Since the lead couple has passed out, the League and the Leaguettes lead us in a lovely reprise of the Percy Awesomeness Song. Percy recovers enough breath at the last second to sing:
Into Fiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiirrrrrrrrrrrrrrrreeee...

...and all the Leaguettes smile and sing Onward, ho! before sighing happily and trying to revive poor Douglas Sills, who has fainted again. "What did 'e die of? Shortage o' bref?"

Overall a lovely listening experience.
 And, by the way, which do you think is the better Percy?
This...

or this...

Calm down, calm down. I'm just joking.

 *see my earlier definition of this word. This week I shall use this word quite a bit, to mean rousing, exciting, or even just loud. Odysseus-like, not so much.
**I will also use quite a bit of litote and understatement this week. You have been warned.

Celebrate Musicals Week: Tag

I'm not sure how well I'll do on posting, as I'm pretty busy, but here goes nothin'.

Yet Another Period Drama Blog

1.  What musical did you pick to "spotlight" this week and why?
I finally, after running through the numerous (5) musicals that I am well acquainted with, I decided...that is, I have almost made up my mind...to do 
The Scarlet Pimpernel
...mainly because Jess already took Oliver! and everyone is doing Les Mis. And I hardly know anything about Mary Poppins (as far as the play/songs/other casts go--on the movie I am quite the established authority). I just recently discovered this musical, and am quite ready to dissect it--and here was a chance to do so where others might get something out of it (?). 

2.  How did you discover the musical you picked (hereinafter referred to as "your musical")?
I read the book. And watched the one and only TSP '82.

And saw there was a musical. Keeping in mind that Mom can't stand Phantom and was tired of Les Mis, I thought it was time for some variety. Actually, I think it was the Song of Percy's Awesomeness that did it.

3.  If you had to pick three favorite songs from your musical, which ones would they be?
oooh, the hard one.
 "Into the Fire" is certainly my favourite (nice British u there) .
  "When I Look at You" ties with "The Riddle" for second place, and
"She Was There," and "Storybook" compete for third. 
"Madame Guillotine" is, shall we say, effective.
4.  What's your least favorite song from your musical?
Probably, oddly enough, "The Scarlet Pimpernel" for its general stupidity, but "Where's the Girl?" isn't lovely, either. I hate the portrayal of vice as being attractive and 'wordly,' but more on that later. Probably quite a bit more on that. "You are My Home," isn't the most intellectual song out there, either. 
5.  Who are your favorite characters (choose up to three)?
Well, Percy, Percy, and Percy, right? 
Oh. three different characters. Percy, Marguerite, and, um, not Chauvelin. 
Third try: Percy, Marguerite, and the Scarlet Pimpernel. There we go.
6.  Which versions of your musical have you seen/listened to, and which is your favorite?
I have never seen the entire musical, any version. I own the original Broadway cast recording; this is what I listen to. I've heard Rachel York's "Storybook" and the 'other Chauvelin's' "Falcon in the Dive." Of all the professional recordings I think the original Broadway cast's is my favourite; the VHS performance, or the snippets on Youtube, anyway, look great. Chauvelin is AMAZING.  This performance looks great (especially Marguerite) but I can't take the bad audio for more than a few minutes at a time. 
7.   Is this your favorite musical of all time?  If not, what is?
No--I love Les Mis. And Bach's St. Matthew Passion is kind of like a musical, isn't it?
8.   Which cast album/musical soundtrack in your collection do you listen to the most?
I listen to my siblings and friends hum it--our own special edition. Apart from that, the Original Broadway cast recording. 
9.   What is your favorite costume from your musical?
Oh, the costumes. I haven't seen many costumes from the musical itself, but I love, love, love Georgian costumes--even though, technically they should be early Regency costumes. And I hate, hate, hate Percy's Tiger-stripe tailcoat. The end.

I hate this coat.

Ugh. there's That Coat again.

10.  If you could change anything about your musical, what would you change?
(I am speaking of the storyline described in the album I own, not the newer version of the show)
That ridiculous Coat from "the Creation of Man." Come to think of it, I would cut/rearrange several songs, change the plot to be more like the book, and rewrite the entire script. Oh wait. I did (more on that later). 
11.  Which role(s) would you most like to play in any musical, if you had the opportunity to do so on stage?
oh boy. Eponine, obviously. I like what Miss Dashwood says, "Her songs are all within a comfortable mezzo range (no struggling with super-high notes),  she has one of the best solos in the history of theatre...she gets to die onstage and sing a heartbreaking duet while doing so, and she doesn't have to kiss anybody.  Wins all around."
Marguerite would be fun (obviously), depending on the version of the play (again, no super-high notes, if "Only Love" were cut(yes, Jessie, that does count as a high note). 
Unfortunately, in our impromptu plays I always wind up playing Sir Percy. And Jean Valjean. Oh well.

Me starring as Jean Valjean in a stirring rendition of "One Day More," although now it looks more like "Masquerade"

12.  If you could choose one performer to play any part in your musical, who would you choose and which part would you have him/her play? hmm. I love Marguerite from the Album I Own, but she's kind of warbley. I'm trying to think of someone who would be a great Marguerite but can't think of anyone professional. 

Best friends don't count, even if they are making lovely faces.

13.  Do you consider yourself a musical theatre fan in general or do you just like a few musicals?
Theatre is an art form, like any other, only more epic*.  It's dangerous/effective because it allows so much portrayal of emotion through randomly bursting into song (which is what makes it epic). Any further and we'll run into a Deep Thoughts post, which I don't have time for. I love the art form, and I love a few musicals. I just don't like musicals in general (if that makes any sense). I don't dislike musicals in general, though. :)
14.  Are you tired of the word "musical" yet?
um, to tell the sheepish truth, almost.
15.  Turn your music playing device on shuffle (or utilize Pandora if you don't have one) and tell us the names of the first three show tunes that come up-- no cheating!  How do these rank on your favorites/most-listened-to list?
"The Scarlet Pimpernel," Ironically enough. 
"I See the Light," which I'm not sure counts, but Jackie Evancho's rendition is sweet,
"Believe" which does not have the dumbest lyrics in the world (I keep telling myself this), from TSP, not The Polar Express.
The first song from the American Girl Revue also came on, but... 

*epic in the popular, almost meaningless sense of the word. Virgil, Dante, and Milton are really epic. Now, a musical of The Odyssey would be an epic epic.