The Death of the Musical

I grew up watching musicals. Lots of them. Over and over...and over. West Side Story, Bye Bye Birdie, Oklahoma, the list goes on and on...and on. Over the past few days I've been re-watching Singing in the Rain whenever I've had time, and it made me think...damn, the art of the musical is lost. Yes, I loved the modern day musicals Moulin Rouge and Across the Universe...however, both of those films were totally over the top and over-produced. Where has all the showmanship gone? What happened to the time when all people used were their own instruments, their bodies, to entertain? No gimmicks...just good wholesome singing and dancing...

Gene Kelly was...and is...the ultimate showman in my book. He had grace, he had style, his voice was so familiar and warm...and this man puts Usher to shame with his moves. This is what true dancing and movement are all about:


Anne Margaret used to be my idol. In Bye Bye Birdie she plays a confused teenager in love. My fav part of the dance face-off starts around 3:16:


The Gym Scene from West Side Story...actually every dance scene from West Side Story...sigh, so energetic and vibrant and passionate:


You can't beat it. I know most people aren't down with musicals, but I figure since it's Saturday, most people aren't sitting around reading blogs, so I have a little bit of leeway. Have a great weekend...try to find some time to enjoy something as much as Gene Kelly enjoys the rain.


'prece.