The Return
My 2nd day back at work has been tolerable so far. The expected Chinese New Year crowd didn't show during my shifts, and our MOs are working hard to keep the numbers in check -- thank you for that! :)
As I wind down at the tail end of a night call, the Company DVD plays on my laptop -- brought from home since I can't spin DVDs on the hospital computer.
It's just temporary, until the audio CD arrives from Amazon, which will be very soon. :)
Catching Up
An American friend recently re-established contact via email after a few years' absence. Neither of us is quite sure why we both stopped writing for such a long period, but none of that really matters now since we're back to the old comfortable routine of trading opinions about everything from politics to the sad state of our personal lives.
I'd forgotten how much I enjoy our "conversations". It's probably my fault for not replying to his last email from 3 years back. Won't happen again, I promise. :)
A Cusack Gem
Bullets Over Broadway is the latest DVD to pass through my laptop in the wee hours of the morning in the comfort of my bedroom. And what a treasure it is!
Directed by Woody Allen - whom I usually can't stomach - but featuring a beautiful cast which includes John Cusack, Dianne Wiest ( who won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress ) and Chazz Palminteri, the film is set in 1920s Manhattan, revolving around a struggling playwright ( Cusack ) whose project gets funded by a Mafia boss intent on pleasing his aspiring-actress ditz of a girlfriend.
The humour is by turns wacky and sophisticated, aided by the eclectic group of characters who're perfectly portrayed by the actors. Cusack's comedic timing is, as always, impeccable. His bespectacled and disheveled David Shayne glues the various subplots together, but two others also shine in this ensemble piece.
Dianne Wiest is a hoot as over-the-hill diva Helen Sinclair. Her illicit affair with Shayne offers numerous hilarious encounters ( "Don't speak!" is one of the funniest catchphrases in this movie. ), but one scene set in Central Park is particularly poignant.
My favourite, though, is Palminteri, who plays Mafia hitman and ditzy moll's reluctant bodyguard. His character undergoes the most drastic transformation, but Palminteri makes it so believable you actually start rooting for him.
Bullets is way better than Match Point. I hated Scoop, but haven't seen Vicky Cristina Barcelona. Have to admit Bullets has really piqued my interest in Allen's other films.
American Idol 8
Just realized I haven't written anything about this yet.
What can I say -- it's more of the same, with new judge Kara DioGuardi adding a bit more sass ( Paula's terribly bland in comparison ). I'm starting to feel the fatigue this year, often getting distracted during the tedious auditions.
The only ones who stand out are Anoop Desai, the brainy Indian post-grad student who sings surprisingly well, and the stocky dude with glasses whose young wife recently passed away.
At this rate, I don't think the show can last more than another year or two. Unless the producers give it a major overhaul. I'm getting kinda sick of Simon Cowell ( especially after reading about his Botox use, ick! ).
It's 8am. Time for home, woohoo! :)
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Heralding A New Era
Cable TV is swarming with coverage of President Obama's inauguration ( they still address him as "President-elect", but I think it's irrelevant at this point! :)). Just finished watching We Are One: The Obama Inaugural Celebration on HBO, and was most inspired by Obama's short speech ( he's a master orator ) and Beyonce's closing performance of America The Beautiful.
As I sit waiting for President Obama to be sworn into office ( 4 more hours to go ), I share Americans' overflowing excitement, especially those who've braved freezing temperatures to congregate at the Lincoln Memorial and witness a great historical moment.
I just find it strange that the self-proclaimed "world's greatest democracy" took a longer time to reach this point, compared to other developed -- and even developing -- countries. I, for one, expected the U.S. to elect a President from either a minority group or of a female gender sometime in the 1990s, but the only frontrunner in the former category was General Colin Powell, who pulled out at the last minute, reportedly because of fears about his personal safety.
An article cum interview with President Obama in Time magazine ( the Person of the Year issue ) highlighted the many hurdles he will face in the near future, but he has already commenced preparations ( he attended a meeting the night he won the election, rather than take a few days off -- something George W. Bush would've done, I'm sure ), and perhaps enjoys the additional benefit of youth and energy, as aides and close friends express their admiration for his boundless stamina.
I feel privileged -- as do my parents, who're following this event closely -- to be able to be part of a new era, as the next leader of the free world inevitably brings to mind a darker period in America's history, yet also demonstrates how the nation has taken the final leap in overcoming any doubts it may have had about an African-American shepherding the country through crisis.
The last President who impressed me greatly was Bill Clinton who, despite the Monica Lewinsky scandal, was an otherwise excellent commander-in-chief.
Likewise, President Obama instills great hope in me, and I wish him a smooth transition, followed by a very successful term ahead.
A verse from America The Beautiful goes:
"O beautiful for patriot dream
That sees beyond the years
Thine alabaster cities gleam
Undimmed by human tears!
America! America!
God shed his grace on thee
Till nobler men keep once again
Thy whiter jubilee!"
May President Obama restore his nation's glory and be remembered not merely for making history, but as the harbinger of a brighter future as well.
The Last Lecture
Picked up Randy Pausch's book on a whim, but am enjoying it more than I imagined I would.
Aside from his simple yet effective writing style and memorable anecdotes, I'm most surprised by the similarities in our opinions, be it about relationships ( the "brick wall" theory ), cars ( "utilitarian devices, not expressions of social status" ) or the importance of integrity.
Chapter 48 -- my favourite -- is short but wise:
"People lie for lots of reasons, often because it seems like a way to get what they want with less effort. But like many short-term strategies, it's ineffective long-term. You run into people again later, and they remember you lied to them. And they tell lots of other people about it.
That's what amazes me about lying. Most people who have told a lie think they got away with it... when in fact, they didn't."
Speaking from personal experience with a number of scumbags ( the worst 3 of whom are from the medical profession ), this statement brought a satisfied smile to my face, because I realized how right he is, and that yes, they actually didn't get away with it after all. :)
The Week So Far
Has been terrific!
2 days in, I'm already feeling rejuvenated, as I spend time at home doing what I love, and begin to sleep soundly again.
Just hope the next 5 days pass by a little more slowly.
More Video Clips
Raul Esparza singing a Latin-flavoured O Holy Night -- a very novel ( and sexy ) approach. Yow. :)
Another song from Company that is becoming a huge favourite of mine. I've tried playing a saxophone before, which almost killed me. I admire any female who can do so, especially while singing and prancing around on-stage.
Best of all, Esparza's unbelievable performance of Being Alive. Looks like he's playing in E flat major? Imagine him doing this every night for months -- typical duration of a Broadway run, at least for an original cast. Watch his face when he gets to the bridge and sings "mock me with praise". Wow.
Yes, I love this musical. :)
Some bonus material for Pushing Daisies fans ( they're cancelling the show after 2 seasons, argh! ):
Esparza as travelling salesman Alfredo -- just realized I've seen this episode ( season 1 ) and remember him quite well, though I didn't know his name at the time. Am very pleased about that. :D
Another hilarious scene. Enjoy.
Am going to miss the show's intelligent humour and whimsical storylines. DVDs from Amazon? Heh heh...
And of course, something from Kevin Spacey -- the finale from Beyond The Sea. He is SO fabulous!
There's a segment at the end with the real Bobby Darin doing the same piece. First time I'm hearing it -- the similarities are startling!
More next time...
Cable TV is swarming with coverage of President Obama's inauguration ( they still address him as "President-elect", but I think it's irrelevant at this point! :)). Just finished watching We Are One: The Obama Inaugural Celebration on HBO, and was most inspired by Obama's short speech ( he's a master orator ) and Beyonce's closing performance of America The Beautiful.
As I sit waiting for President Obama to be sworn into office ( 4 more hours to go ), I share Americans' overflowing excitement, especially those who've braved freezing temperatures to congregate at the Lincoln Memorial and witness a great historical moment.
I just find it strange that the self-proclaimed "world's greatest democracy" took a longer time to reach this point, compared to other developed -- and even developing -- countries. I, for one, expected the U.S. to elect a President from either a minority group or of a female gender sometime in the 1990s, but the only frontrunner in the former category was General Colin Powell, who pulled out at the last minute, reportedly because of fears about his personal safety.
An article cum interview with President Obama in Time magazine ( the Person of the Year issue ) highlighted the many hurdles he will face in the near future, but he has already commenced preparations ( he attended a meeting the night he won the election, rather than take a few days off -- something George W. Bush would've done, I'm sure ), and perhaps enjoys the additional benefit of youth and energy, as aides and close friends express their admiration for his boundless stamina.
I feel privileged -- as do my parents, who're following this event closely -- to be able to be part of a new era, as the next leader of the free world inevitably brings to mind a darker period in America's history, yet also demonstrates how the nation has taken the final leap in overcoming any doubts it may have had about an African-American shepherding the country through crisis.
The last President who impressed me greatly was Bill Clinton who, despite the Monica Lewinsky scandal, was an otherwise excellent commander-in-chief.
Likewise, President Obama instills great hope in me, and I wish him a smooth transition, followed by a very successful term ahead.
A verse from America The Beautiful goes:
"O beautiful for patriot dream
That sees beyond the years
Thine alabaster cities gleam
Undimmed by human tears!
America! America!
God shed his grace on thee
Till nobler men keep once again
Thy whiter jubilee!"
May President Obama restore his nation's glory and be remembered not merely for making history, but as the harbinger of a brighter future as well.
The Last Lecture
Picked up Randy Pausch's book on a whim, but am enjoying it more than I imagined I would.
Aside from his simple yet effective writing style and memorable anecdotes, I'm most surprised by the similarities in our opinions, be it about relationships ( the "brick wall" theory ), cars ( "utilitarian devices, not expressions of social status" ) or the importance of integrity.
Chapter 48 -- my favourite -- is short but wise:
"People lie for lots of reasons, often because it seems like a way to get what they want with less effort. But like many short-term strategies, it's ineffective long-term. You run into people again later, and they remember you lied to them. And they tell lots of other people about it.
That's what amazes me about lying. Most people who have told a lie think they got away with it... when in fact, they didn't."
Speaking from personal experience with a number of scumbags ( the worst 3 of whom are from the medical profession ), this statement brought a satisfied smile to my face, because I realized how right he is, and that yes, they actually didn't get away with it after all. :)
The Week So Far
Has been terrific!
2 days in, I'm already feeling rejuvenated, as I spend time at home doing what I love, and begin to sleep soundly again.
Just hope the next 5 days pass by a little more slowly.
More Video Clips
Raul Esparza singing a Latin-flavoured O Holy Night -- a very novel ( and sexy ) approach. Yow. :)
Another song from Company that is becoming a huge favourite of mine. I've tried playing a saxophone before, which almost killed me. I admire any female who can do so, especially while singing and prancing around on-stage.
Best of all, Esparza's unbelievable performance of Being Alive. Looks like he's playing in E flat major? Imagine him doing this every night for months -- typical duration of a Broadway run, at least for an original cast. Watch his face when he gets to the bridge and sings "mock me with praise". Wow.
Yes, I love this musical. :)
Some bonus material for Pushing Daisies fans ( they're cancelling the show after 2 seasons, argh! ):
Esparza as travelling salesman Alfredo -- just realized I've seen this episode ( season 1 ) and remember him quite well, though I didn't know his name at the time. Am very pleased about that. :D
Another hilarious scene. Enjoy.
Am going to miss the show's intelligent humour and whimsical storylines. DVDs from Amazon? Heh heh...
And of course, something from Kevin Spacey -- the finale from Beyond The Sea. He is SO fabulous!
There's a segment at the end with the real Bobby Darin doing the same piece. First time I'm hearing it -- the similarities are startling!
More next time...
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Anticipation
Time is flying past a little too quickly to my liking, but with one advantage: my annual leave has finally begun. :D
Another 3 hours to go before I finish up the night shift, then I'll have a whole week off. Granted, it's going to be spent cleaning house, running errands and catching up with administrative work, but at least I won't be at the hospital seeing patients.
Sure, I enjoy emergency medicine, but burnouts are occurring at 3-monthly intervals these days, so I welcome the much-needed break.
Of course, I won't be working the entire week. Will watch Company whenever I can ( it's addictive stuff! ), maybe visit the zoo ( my favourite local attraction ), meet an old pal for dinner ( our friendship's 10-year anniversary ), do a bit of Chinese New Year shopping, and clear the stack of magazines and books stewing on my shelves.
There's also the U.S. Presidential Inauguration on Tuesday, which I'll be watching.
DVD-wise, am really disappointed with Hellboy II: The Golden Army. I dozed off during the movie - DOZED OFF! The first Hellboy film was tonnes better in terms of plot and direction. The sequel reminds me of The Mummy Returns - lots of noise and little else. At least the guy who plays Prince Nuada is fun to watch, especially when he launches into wushu mode. :)
Am still contemplating which movie to catch before the end of the month, when my vouchers expire. $20 worth of free tickets is no small matter, man. At this rate, looks like Doubt's my best bet. Unless I'm game for some super-mindless entertainment, like Inkheart.
Recently rewatched Kevin Spacey's Beyond The Sea, and again, I'm surprised by the new perspective I've gained. The last time I saw this film was probably in 2005, around the time I first met Peter Cincotti. I liked the movie then, and greatly admired Spacey's musical talent, but wasn't profoundly blown away by it.
A couple of nights ago, it was a completely different story. Perhaps it's because I played the DVD on my laptop, in the privacy of my bedroom, with all the lights switched off and headphones plugged in ( previously watched it in the living room with my parents nearby ).
The effect was INCREDIBLE.
I can't really explain it, but I was mesmerized from beginning to end. Spacey's fantastic performance came across much more clearly this time, and I couldn't help wondering why Bobby Darin's biopic hasn't hit Broadway as a musical yet. If Jersey Boys can revive interest in Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, then Darin's huge arsenal of jazz hits would be a shoo-in. Maybe Spacey can even star in the lead role during the initial run before handing over to another actor?
Wishful thinking, I know. But that's what I'm good at. :)
I can't access the YouTube clips from work, so check out the next best thing - the movie trailer on movies.com.
Peter Cincotti has a prominent role as Dick Behrke. A big reason I'm thrilled to have chatted with him twice - shaking his hand is almost like shaking Spacey's!
The closing 10 minutes is a big band number with a whopping dance sequence, absolutely awesome!
I shall end this post with a link to some good reading material - countless rave reviews of Raul Esparza's various Broadway performances. Those about Company are right on the money.
Time is flying past a little too quickly to my liking, but with one advantage: my annual leave has finally begun. :D
Another 3 hours to go before I finish up the night shift, then I'll have a whole week off. Granted, it's going to be spent cleaning house, running errands and catching up with administrative work, but at least I won't be at the hospital seeing patients.
Sure, I enjoy emergency medicine, but burnouts are occurring at 3-monthly intervals these days, so I welcome the much-needed break.
Of course, I won't be working the entire week. Will watch Company whenever I can ( it's addictive stuff! ), maybe visit the zoo ( my favourite local attraction ), meet an old pal for dinner ( our friendship's 10-year anniversary ), do a bit of Chinese New Year shopping, and clear the stack of magazines and books stewing on my shelves.
There's also the U.S. Presidential Inauguration on Tuesday, which I'll be watching.
DVD-wise, am really disappointed with Hellboy II: The Golden Army. I dozed off during the movie - DOZED OFF! The first Hellboy film was tonnes better in terms of plot and direction. The sequel reminds me of The Mummy Returns - lots of noise and little else. At least the guy who plays Prince Nuada is fun to watch, especially when he launches into wushu mode. :)
Am still contemplating which movie to catch before the end of the month, when my vouchers expire. $20 worth of free tickets is no small matter, man. At this rate, looks like Doubt's my best bet. Unless I'm game for some super-mindless entertainment, like Inkheart.
Recently rewatched Kevin Spacey's Beyond The Sea, and again, I'm surprised by the new perspective I've gained. The last time I saw this film was probably in 2005, around the time I first met Peter Cincotti. I liked the movie then, and greatly admired Spacey's musical talent, but wasn't profoundly blown away by it.
A couple of nights ago, it was a completely different story. Perhaps it's because I played the DVD on my laptop, in the privacy of my bedroom, with all the lights switched off and headphones plugged in ( previously watched it in the living room with my parents nearby ).
The effect was INCREDIBLE.
I can't really explain it, but I was mesmerized from beginning to end. Spacey's fantastic performance came across much more clearly this time, and I couldn't help wondering why Bobby Darin's biopic hasn't hit Broadway as a musical yet. If Jersey Boys can revive interest in Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, then Darin's huge arsenal of jazz hits would be a shoo-in. Maybe Spacey can even star in the lead role during the initial run before handing over to another actor?
Wishful thinking, I know. But that's what I'm good at. :)
I can't access the YouTube clips from work, so check out the next best thing - the movie trailer on movies.com.
Peter Cincotti has a prominent role as Dick Behrke. A big reason I'm thrilled to have chatted with him twice - shaking his hand is almost like shaking Spacey's!
The closing 10 minutes is a big band number with a whopping dance sequence, absolutely awesome!
I shall end this post with a link to some good reading material - countless rave reviews of Raul Esparza's various Broadway performances. Those about Company are right on the money.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
A Bad Case Of Insomnia
Triggered by Company, argh!
Not that it's anyone's fault but my own, but here I sit in my bed, at 2am, watching YouTube clips of Kevin Spacey and Raul Esparza doing jazz and Broadway tunes.
Catching 2 shows while I was in NYC was great, but my appetite is far from satisfied, and I just feel so stifled in Singapore, where the musical climate is pretty much the polar opposite.
I've always maintained that I was born in the wrong country. I mean, I used to watch musicals on TV and video over and over and over again even as a child. Everything from The Sound Of Music to West Side Story to The Student Prince, The King And I, Seven Brides For Seven Brothers, South Pacific, and many many more.
Being in a Broadway theatre for the very first time in October 2007 was the culmination of all those years of endless dreaming. And I'm telling you, NOTHING IN THE WORLD CAN BEAT THE BROADWAY EXPERIENCE. All that magic and wonder and infinite talent, housed in small, old buildings ( with rich histories, of course ), showcasing the very best in the business.
I want to go back! Next year, maybe? :)
A few notable videos if you're interested ( I should log off, but I'm also watching the Company DVD at the moment, haha ):
Kevin Spacey singing Bobby Darin's Beyond The Sea - very suave and pitch perfect.
A performance of Mind Games at a John Lennon tribute concert from a few years back.
He just leaves me speechless! :)
Here's Raul Esparza in one of my favourite scenes from Company ( this is a clip direct from the DVD ), with the songs Have I Got A Girl For You followed by Someone Is Waiting.
Just listen to that gorgeous voice! I'm spellbound. :)
Plus, the hypnotic segment where Bobby seduces April. Esparza's dialogue starts in the 3rd minute, if you want to skip April's section.
Enjoy, while I try to wind down and go to sleep.
Triggered by Company, argh!
Not that it's anyone's fault but my own, but here I sit in my bed, at 2am, watching YouTube clips of Kevin Spacey and Raul Esparza doing jazz and Broadway tunes.
Catching 2 shows while I was in NYC was great, but my appetite is far from satisfied, and I just feel so stifled in Singapore, where the musical climate is pretty much the polar opposite.
I've always maintained that I was born in the wrong country. I mean, I used to watch musicals on TV and video over and over and over again even as a child. Everything from The Sound Of Music to West Side Story to The Student Prince, The King And I, Seven Brides For Seven Brothers, South Pacific, and many many more.
Being in a Broadway theatre for the very first time in October 2007 was the culmination of all those years of endless dreaming. And I'm telling you, NOTHING IN THE WORLD CAN BEAT THE BROADWAY EXPERIENCE. All that magic and wonder and infinite talent, housed in small, old buildings ( with rich histories, of course ), showcasing the very best in the business.
I want to go back! Next year, maybe? :)
A few notable videos if you're interested ( I should log off, but I'm also watching the Company DVD at the moment, haha ):
Kevin Spacey singing Bobby Darin's Beyond The Sea - very suave and pitch perfect.
A performance of Mind Games at a John Lennon tribute concert from a few years back.
He just leaves me speechless! :)
Here's Raul Esparza in one of my favourite scenes from Company ( this is a clip direct from the DVD ), with the songs Have I Got A Girl For You followed by Someone Is Waiting.
Just listen to that gorgeous voice! I'm spellbound. :)
Plus, the hypnotic segment where Bobby seduces April. Esparza's dialogue starts in the 3rd minute, if you want to skip April's section.
Enjoy, while I try to wind down and go to sleep.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Entertainment Update
A number of nice surprises at the Golden Globes today - 'live' telecast still in progress as I type this.
Kevin Spacey didn't win Best Actor for a TV Movie / Mini-Series, but if you can get your hands on Recount - DVD perhaps? - I highly recommend you watch it.
He wasn't at the ceremony, most probably because he's directing Complicit at The Old Vic Theatre.
Danny Boyle picked up Best Director for Slumdog Millionaire, and it also won for Best Motion Picture. That film is really garnering major buzz. Wonder if it's as good as everyone says it is? ( I was disappointed by multiple Oscar winner No Country For Old Men, even though I'm a huge fan of the Coen brothers' work. )
Colin Farrell just won Best Actor ( Motion Picture, Musical / Comedy ) for In Bruges, and Mickey Rourke got Best Actor for The Wrestler. Wow, that was unexpected!
Anyway, I'm blogging for one main reason, and that's to post some thoughts about Company, a musical that won the Tony Award for Best Revival in 2007.
L lent me the DVD recording - and was in the audience that very night, lucky you! - and I have added the wonderful Raul Esparza to my list of musical favourites.
Company is a musical comedy featuring Stephen Sondheim songs.
For the uninitiated, Sondheim also wrote Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, which was adapted for the big screen by Tim Burton and stars Johnny Depp and Alan Rickman.
I've never been a fan of Sondheim's, since I'm part of the mainstream crowd that prefers easy-to-hum-along tunes, many of which came from Rodgers and Hammerstein. I can appreciate Leonard Bernstein ( West Side Story ) and Cole Porter, but Sondheim's style always seemed a little too eccentric for my untrained ears.
In the past couple of years, however, my tastes have evolved significantly ( especially since setting foot in Manhattan ). I mean, if Spring Awakening can get my blood pumping, I'm definitely undergoing some transformation! I really enjoyed Sweeney Todd ( the movie, that is ), so I was eager to see what Company has to offer.
In short - so much it's overwhelming.
I've only seen it once so far, but intend to give it a few more spins before returning it. And I'd like to buy a copy for myself if it's available online.
Yes, I love it that much.
Other than the fact that the cast is superb ( they play their own instruments for various segments, which I found amazing ), the script, direction and delivery flawless, and the stage decor tasteful and sophisticated, the main draw is Raul Esparza, who plays the central character, Bobby, a swinging bachelor who has to fend off his married friends' attempts to get him hitched.
This is the very first time I'm watching this man, and I'm completely blown away. He isn't conventionally handsome, but possesses a quiet confidence and loads of charisma, even when he sits still or flashes a flirtatious smile. He also has a beautiful speaking voice - my mom says he sounds like John Cusack. Er, maybe just a tad.
But when he sings! Someone Is Waiting, a lovely piece filled with longing and hope, comes in at the 40th minute and left me breathless.
The lyrics aren't exactly swoon-worthy, but he belts them with such conviction and tenderness, the result is heart-breaking.
The closing number, Being Alive, is a tour de force, with Esparza pounding on the piano before launching into a powerhouse performance with his massive tenor voice. It's unbelievable!
The best scene: the one where Bobby romances a vapid flight stewardess, April. It's a pretty long bit, with him inviting her to his apartment, where they chat about a couple of life experiences before consummating the relationship. There's a part with Bobby describing a previous fling with a woman in Miami, involving champagne and baby oil. As he recalls the event, he locks the actress with an intense gaze and runs his finger up and down a tuba perched on a stool nearby, as the rest of the cast and the entire audience sits in hushed silence.
It's positively electrifying. :)
The most remarkable thing about this? The fact that Esparza has publicly acknowledged his homosexual preferences ( although he used to be married ). I'm not passing any judgment on his personal choices, but having seen the show before knowing any of this, I couldn't tell just by watching him flirt with his female co-stars, especially the woman who plays hapless April.
The songs may be rather unwieldy - don't try to sing them in the shower - but feature lyrics that are insightful and at times laugh-out-loud hilarious.
Take this example from Have I Got A Girl For You, where Bobby's married male friends try to talk him out of getting tied down ( when the wives aren't around, of course ):
"Boy! To be in your shoes what I wouldn't give!
I mean the freedom to go out and live!
And as for settling down and all that,
Marriage may be where it's been, but it's not where it's at.
Whaddya like? You like coming home to a kiss?
Somebody with a smile at the door?
Whaddya like? You like indescribable bliss?
Then whaddya wanna get married for?
Whaddya like? You like an excursion to Rome?
Suddenly taking off to explore?
Whaddya like? You like having meals cooked at home?
Then whaddya wanna get married for?"
Then there's the insane Getting Married Today, where character Amy gets cold feet on the day of her wedding and launches into a rambling monologue like Speedy Gonzales on speed. She has to cram all these words into a mere few seconds, but the diction is so precise you can actually hear every syllable:
"Pardon me, is everybody here? Because if everybody's here, I want to thank you all for coming to the wedding, I'd appreciate your going even more, I mean you must have lots of better things to do, and not a word of this to Paul, remember Paul, you know, the man I'm gonna marry, but I'm not, because I wouldn't ruin anyone as wonderful as he is --
Listen, everybody, look, I don't know what you're waiting for, a wedding, what's a wedding, it's a prehistoric ritual where everybody promises fidelity forever, which is maybe the most horrifying word I ever heard of, which is followed by a honeymoon, where suddenly he'll realize he's saddled with a nut, and wanna kill me, which he should --Thanks a bunch,But I'm not getting married --"
Another favourite is Little Things You Do Together, sung by Joanne, the cynical older woman who gets some of the best lines:
"It's the little things you do together,
Do together,
Do together,
That make perfect relationships.
The hobbies you pursue together,
Savings you accrue together,
Looks you misconstrue together,
That make marriage a joy.
It's the little things you share together,
Swear together,
Wear together,
That make perfect relationships.
The concerts you enjoy together,
Neighbors you annoy together,
Children you destroy together,
That keep marriage intact.
It's the people that you hate together,
Bait together,
Date together,
That make marriage a joy.
It's things like using force together,
Shouting till you're hoarse together,
Getting a divorce together,
That make perfect relationships."
What I like about Company is the different perspectives it offers -- ranging from Pollyanna optimism to suicidal realism -- conveyed by an eclectic group of individuals who are both larger than life yet also similar to people we may know ourselves.
I identify most with Joanne's bitter observations. No surprise there. :)
Still, the show ends on a happier note, as Bobby discovers he doesn't need -- or want -- to be alone.
Kinda like the 5 stages of grief, he transitions through pessimism:
"Someone to hold you too close,
Someone to hurt you too deep,
Someone to sit in your chair,
To ruin your sleep...
Someone to need you too much,
Someone to know you too well,
Someone to pull you up short
And put you through hell..."
... before arriving at the realization that he's ready to commit:
"Someone to crowd you with love,
Someone to force you to care,
Someone to make you come through,
Who'll always be there,
As frightened as you
Of being alive...
Somebody, hold me too close,
Somebody, hurt me too deep,
Somebody, sit in my chair
And ruin my sleep
And make me aware
Of being alive.
Somebody, need me too much,
Somebody, know me too well,
Somebody, pull me up short
And put me through hell
And give me support
For being alive,
Make me alive.
Make me confused,
Mock me with praise,
Let me be used,
Vary my days.
But alone is alone, not alive.
Somebody, crowd me with love,
Somebody, force me to care,
Somebody, make me come through,
I'll always be there,
As frightened as you,
To help us survive
Being alive,
Being alive,
Being alive!"
Like I told L -- it's marvelous!
Bonus material includes an interview with Esparza, which I found extremely interesting. He analyses Sondheim's music in such intricate detail but explains it so clearly, I ended up appreciating its finer points even more.
He's also remarkably well-spoken. I believe he used the word 'filigree' at one point, imagine that!
Esparza recently made headlines by blasting Jeremy Piven ( Entourage ) for prematurely leaving the Broadway play, Speed The Plow, due to supposed mercury poisoning. I don't have the exact quote, but he said something along the lines of enjoying himself for the first time AFTER Piven's departure.
Ouch! But hey, I agree Piven deserved it.
Early in the show, I was struck by Bobby's age - just turning 35. Perhaps this is why I enjoy Company so much -- I turn 34 in a few months, am still happily single, and repeatedly turn down friends' invitations to double / blind dates. My opinions about relationships took a steep nosedive 9 years ago ( being cheated on will do that to you ), and it's never recovered since. It's funny how, at 25, you're ready to walk down the aisle and bear children, then suddenly, you prefer activities that minimize contact with the opposite sex ( trips overseas excluded :)).
Will I ever experience Bobby's radical turnaround? Maybe... maybe not. I haven't met anyone who's managed to change my outlook just yet, but I have a feeling I will someday, and that it'll be for keeps.
Thanks, L, for introducing me to this marvelous musical and its phenomenal star. Time to order a CD from Amazon to load into my iPod. :)
Something else that's marvelous - I've bought my tickets for the Jason Mraz concert! Couldn't get the front rows, but that's life. I'm near enough to the stage, so I'm content. :)
Last I checked, only single floor seats at the extreme left and right are available. Tickets just went on sale today - this is crazy!
A number of nice surprises at the Golden Globes today - 'live' telecast still in progress as I type this.
Kevin Spacey didn't win Best Actor for a TV Movie / Mini-Series, but if you can get your hands on Recount - DVD perhaps? - I highly recommend you watch it.
He wasn't at the ceremony, most probably because he's directing Complicit at The Old Vic Theatre.
Danny Boyle picked up Best Director for Slumdog Millionaire, and it also won for Best Motion Picture. That film is really garnering major buzz. Wonder if it's as good as everyone says it is? ( I was disappointed by multiple Oscar winner No Country For Old Men, even though I'm a huge fan of the Coen brothers' work. )
Colin Farrell just won Best Actor ( Motion Picture, Musical / Comedy ) for In Bruges, and Mickey Rourke got Best Actor for The Wrestler. Wow, that was unexpected!
Anyway, I'm blogging for one main reason, and that's to post some thoughts about Company, a musical that won the Tony Award for Best Revival in 2007.
L lent me the DVD recording - and was in the audience that very night, lucky you! - and I have added the wonderful Raul Esparza to my list of musical favourites.
Company is a musical comedy featuring Stephen Sondheim songs.
For the uninitiated, Sondheim also wrote Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, which was adapted for the big screen by Tim Burton and stars Johnny Depp and Alan Rickman.
I've never been a fan of Sondheim's, since I'm part of the mainstream crowd that prefers easy-to-hum-along tunes, many of which came from Rodgers and Hammerstein. I can appreciate Leonard Bernstein ( West Side Story ) and Cole Porter, but Sondheim's style always seemed a little too eccentric for my untrained ears.
In the past couple of years, however, my tastes have evolved significantly ( especially since setting foot in Manhattan ). I mean, if Spring Awakening can get my blood pumping, I'm definitely undergoing some transformation! I really enjoyed Sweeney Todd ( the movie, that is ), so I was eager to see what Company has to offer.
In short - so much it's overwhelming.
I've only seen it once so far, but intend to give it a few more spins before returning it. And I'd like to buy a copy for myself if it's available online.
Yes, I love it that much.
Other than the fact that the cast is superb ( they play their own instruments for various segments, which I found amazing ), the script, direction and delivery flawless, and the stage decor tasteful and sophisticated, the main draw is Raul Esparza, who plays the central character, Bobby, a swinging bachelor who has to fend off his married friends' attempts to get him hitched.
This is the very first time I'm watching this man, and I'm completely blown away. He isn't conventionally handsome, but possesses a quiet confidence and loads of charisma, even when he sits still or flashes a flirtatious smile. He also has a beautiful speaking voice - my mom says he sounds like John Cusack. Er, maybe just a tad.
But when he sings! Someone Is Waiting, a lovely piece filled with longing and hope, comes in at the 40th minute and left me breathless.
The lyrics aren't exactly swoon-worthy, but he belts them with such conviction and tenderness, the result is heart-breaking.
The closing number, Being Alive, is a tour de force, with Esparza pounding on the piano before launching into a powerhouse performance with his massive tenor voice. It's unbelievable!
The best scene: the one where Bobby romances a vapid flight stewardess, April. It's a pretty long bit, with him inviting her to his apartment, where they chat about a couple of life experiences before consummating the relationship. There's a part with Bobby describing a previous fling with a woman in Miami, involving champagne and baby oil. As he recalls the event, he locks the actress with an intense gaze and runs his finger up and down a tuba perched on a stool nearby, as the rest of the cast and the entire audience sits in hushed silence.
It's positively electrifying. :)
The most remarkable thing about this? The fact that Esparza has publicly acknowledged his homosexual preferences ( although he used to be married ). I'm not passing any judgment on his personal choices, but having seen the show before knowing any of this, I couldn't tell just by watching him flirt with his female co-stars, especially the woman who plays hapless April.
The songs may be rather unwieldy - don't try to sing them in the shower - but feature lyrics that are insightful and at times laugh-out-loud hilarious.
Take this example from Have I Got A Girl For You, where Bobby's married male friends try to talk him out of getting tied down ( when the wives aren't around, of course ):
"Boy! To be in your shoes what I wouldn't give!
I mean the freedom to go out and live!
And as for settling down and all that,
Marriage may be where it's been, but it's not where it's at.
Whaddya like? You like coming home to a kiss?
Somebody with a smile at the door?
Whaddya like? You like indescribable bliss?
Then whaddya wanna get married for?
Whaddya like? You like an excursion to Rome?
Suddenly taking off to explore?
Whaddya like? You like having meals cooked at home?
Then whaddya wanna get married for?"
Then there's the insane Getting Married Today, where character Amy gets cold feet on the day of her wedding and launches into a rambling monologue like Speedy Gonzales on speed. She has to cram all these words into a mere few seconds, but the diction is so precise you can actually hear every syllable:
"Pardon me, is everybody here? Because if everybody's here, I want to thank you all for coming to the wedding, I'd appreciate your going even more, I mean you must have lots of better things to do, and not a word of this to Paul, remember Paul, you know, the man I'm gonna marry, but I'm not, because I wouldn't ruin anyone as wonderful as he is --
Listen, everybody, look, I don't know what you're waiting for, a wedding, what's a wedding, it's a prehistoric ritual where everybody promises fidelity forever, which is maybe the most horrifying word I ever heard of, which is followed by a honeymoon, where suddenly he'll realize he's saddled with a nut, and wanna kill me, which he should --Thanks a bunch,But I'm not getting married --"
Another favourite is Little Things You Do Together, sung by Joanne, the cynical older woman who gets some of the best lines:
"It's the little things you do together,
Do together,
Do together,
That make perfect relationships.
The hobbies you pursue together,
Savings you accrue together,
Looks you misconstrue together,
That make marriage a joy.
It's the little things you share together,
Swear together,
Wear together,
That make perfect relationships.
The concerts you enjoy together,
Neighbors you annoy together,
Children you destroy together,
That keep marriage intact.
It's the people that you hate together,
Bait together,
Date together,
That make marriage a joy.
It's things like using force together,
Shouting till you're hoarse together,
Getting a divorce together,
That make perfect relationships."
What I like about Company is the different perspectives it offers -- ranging from Pollyanna optimism to suicidal realism -- conveyed by an eclectic group of individuals who are both larger than life yet also similar to people we may know ourselves.
I identify most with Joanne's bitter observations. No surprise there. :)
Still, the show ends on a happier note, as Bobby discovers he doesn't need -- or want -- to be alone.
Kinda like the 5 stages of grief, he transitions through pessimism:
"Someone to hold you too close,
Someone to hurt you too deep,
Someone to sit in your chair,
To ruin your sleep...
Someone to need you too much,
Someone to know you too well,
Someone to pull you up short
And put you through hell..."
... before arriving at the realization that he's ready to commit:
"Someone to crowd you with love,
Someone to force you to care,
Someone to make you come through,
Who'll always be there,
As frightened as you
Of being alive...
Somebody, hold me too close,
Somebody, hurt me too deep,
Somebody, sit in my chair
And ruin my sleep
And make me aware
Of being alive.
Somebody, need me too much,
Somebody, know me too well,
Somebody, pull me up short
And put me through hell
And give me support
For being alive,
Make me alive.
Make me confused,
Mock me with praise,
Let me be used,
Vary my days.
But alone is alone, not alive.
Somebody, crowd me with love,
Somebody, force me to care,
Somebody, make me come through,
I'll always be there,
As frightened as you,
To help us survive
Being alive,
Being alive,
Being alive!"
Like I told L -- it's marvelous!
Bonus material includes an interview with Esparza, which I found extremely interesting. He analyses Sondheim's music in such intricate detail but explains it so clearly, I ended up appreciating its finer points even more.
He's also remarkably well-spoken. I believe he used the word 'filigree' at one point, imagine that!
Esparza recently made headlines by blasting Jeremy Piven ( Entourage ) for prematurely leaving the Broadway play, Speed The Plow, due to supposed mercury poisoning. I don't have the exact quote, but he said something along the lines of enjoying himself for the first time AFTER Piven's departure.
Ouch! But hey, I agree Piven deserved it.
Early in the show, I was struck by Bobby's age - just turning 35. Perhaps this is why I enjoy Company so much -- I turn 34 in a few months, am still happily single, and repeatedly turn down friends' invitations to double / blind dates. My opinions about relationships took a steep nosedive 9 years ago ( being cheated on will do that to you ), and it's never recovered since. It's funny how, at 25, you're ready to walk down the aisle and bear children, then suddenly, you prefer activities that minimize contact with the opposite sex ( trips overseas excluded :)).
Will I ever experience Bobby's radical turnaround? Maybe... maybe not. I haven't met anyone who's managed to change my outlook just yet, but I have a feeling I will someday, and that it'll be for keeps.
Thanks, L, for introducing me to this marvelous musical and its phenomenal star. Time to order a CD from Amazon to load into my iPod. :)
Something else that's marvelous - I've bought my tickets for the Jason Mraz concert! Couldn't get the front rows, but that's life. I'm near enough to the stage, so I'm content. :)
Last I checked, only single floor seats at the extreme left and right are available. Tickets just went on sale today - this is crazy!
Friday, January 09, 2009
Local Mr. A-Z Fans Alert
Check this out! ( thanks, aliendoc! )
Tickets aren't on sale yet, but look out for the newspaper ad.
What're the chances of my getting front row seats? :)
He kept his promise after all - mentioned in an interview last August about coming back to Asia for a solo tour in early 2009, including Singapore. This guy is nothing if not dependable!
On a side note, I've neglected to comment on a lot of news-making events for a while now, be it the economic crisis, President Obama's ongoing recruitment efforts, John Travolta's son's tragic death, or the chaos in the Middle East.
Maybe I'll write if something hits me. For now, the only comment I can make is that we've been cutting it pretty close on quite a few occasions by being in the general vicinity of terrorist attacks or natural disasters ( e.g. the London subway and Pakistan Marriott Hotel bombings, the 2004 tsunami ), or narrowly escaping them soon after we returned from overseas trips ( the California forest fires ).
These days, even a simple vacation feels like a game of Russian roulette. Just hope our next destination remains politically neutral ( though a recent shooting caused my mother a bit of anxiety upon reading the papers yesterday ).
Fingers crossed...
Planning a conference is proving to be a migraine-inducing task, but I'm grateful for the excellent committee working with me, and the large group of medical students who've enthusiastically volunteered their services. The economy has had a significant impact on sponsorship funds, but on the whole, we've been lucky in a few ways, though not so fortunate in others.
Still, the scientific programme is probably the best by far in the event's 10-year history. Am very proud of that. :)
Am going post-call soon, but have a meeting to oversee this afternoon, which means my sleep cycle will be severely disrupted. No fun at all.
Check this out! ( thanks, aliendoc! )
Tickets aren't on sale yet, but look out for the newspaper ad.
What're the chances of my getting front row seats? :)
He kept his promise after all - mentioned in an interview last August about coming back to Asia for a solo tour in early 2009, including Singapore. This guy is nothing if not dependable!
On a side note, I've neglected to comment on a lot of news-making events for a while now, be it the economic crisis, President Obama's ongoing recruitment efforts, John Travolta's son's tragic death, or the chaos in the Middle East.
Maybe I'll write if something hits me. For now, the only comment I can make is that we've been cutting it pretty close on quite a few occasions by being in the general vicinity of terrorist attacks or natural disasters ( e.g. the London subway and Pakistan Marriott Hotel bombings, the 2004 tsunami ), or narrowly escaping them soon after we returned from overseas trips ( the California forest fires ).
These days, even a simple vacation feels like a game of Russian roulette. Just hope our next destination remains politically neutral ( though a recent shooting caused my mother a bit of anxiety upon reading the papers yesterday ).
Fingers crossed...
Planning a conference is proving to be a migraine-inducing task, but I'm grateful for the excellent committee working with me, and the large group of medical students who've enthusiastically volunteered their services. The economy has had a significant impact on sponsorship funds, but on the whole, we've been lucky in a few ways, though not so fortunate in others.
Still, the scientific programme is probably the best by far in the event's 10-year history. Am very proud of that. :)
Am going post-call soon, but have a meeting to oversee this afternoon, which means my sleep cycle will be severely disrupted. No fun at all.
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
The Year So Far
... is exhausting.
I'm so tired, and I haven't been sleeping well ( not sure why ), and the shifts are bad - as usual.
Had to tell off another MO the other day - from another department - who gave some lousy excuse about not inking up discharge documents and expecting us to do it for him. He answered back in a challenging tone, but my 3 seconds of complete silence made him realize he'd pushed the wrong button, after which he stammered on about how busy he was, etc. I stood my ground, however. I was in no mood for any of this nonsense, especially since other MOs from his department have never given us this kind of crap before.
Anyway, on to more light-hearted topics.
The Twilight series - I've finally completed it, and am rather miffed by the anti-climactic ending for Breaking Dawn, especially after such a good build-up. I don't think I'll read any more Stephenie Meyer novels in the future, but I have no objections to watching the film adaptations. Too much backlog of books in my cupboards - have moved on to Atul Gawande's Better: A Surgeon's Notes on Performance. It's terrific - and my thanks to a friend who helped get the author's autograph for me!
Holes - Bought this Shia LaBeouf DVD from Amazon, and really enjoyed it. It's based on a famous children's novel, with quite a number of warped plotlines, but the cast is top-notch ( Jon Voight and Sigourney Weaver among them ), and LaBeouf is, as always, flawless.
I also have another one of his flicks, A Guide To Recognizing Your Saints, in addition to a whole stack of rare John Cusack films ( War Inc, Max, Bullets Over Broadway, to name a few ), but will go through those slowly over the next few months.
I'll get to your movies first, L. :)
Russell Watson's latest album, People Get Ready is another great collection of covers, this time exploring the soul and blues genre, with a couple of uplifting gospel numbers ( People Get Ready and Heaven Help Us All ). Like his previous jazz CD, That's Life, this follow-up needs a number of listens before you're able to appreciate it fully. My favourite is his rendition of House Of The Rising Sun - very moody and powerful, a perfect closing track.
Am just wondering how to redeem a pair of movie vouchers before they expire at the end of the month. Had to pass on The Duchess 'cos it was screening in some tiny theatre at odd times. Hmm, maybe The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button or Slumdog Millionnaire?
A silver lining in my current gloomy situation - nocturnal workouts with my cat who, according to my mom, goes completely berserk whenever I come home at night. He literally bounces off the walls and can't get enough of playing tag with me. Maybe that's why I have insomnia, heh.
... is exhausting.
I'm so tired, and I haven't been sleeping well ( not sure why ), and the shifts are bad - as usual.
Had to tell off another MO the other day - from another department - who gave some lousy excuse about not inking up discharge documents and expecting us to do it for him. He answered back in a challenging tone, but my 3 seconds of complete silence made him realize he'd pushed the wrong button, after which he stammered on about how busy he was, etc. I stood my ground, however. I was in no mood for any of this nonsense, especially since other MOs from his department have never given us this kind of crap before.
Anyway, on to more light-hearted topics.
The Twilight series - I've finally completed it, and am rather miffed by the anti-climactic ending for Breaking Dawn, especially after such a good build-up. I don't think I'll read any more Stephenie Meyer novels in the future, but I have no objections to watching the film adaptations. Too much backlog of books in my cupboards - have moved on to Atul Gawande's Better: A Surgeon's Notes on Performance. It's terrific - and my thanks to a friend who helped get the author's autograph for me!
Holes - Bought this Shia LaBeouf DVD from Amazon, and really enjoyed it. It's based on a famous children's novel, with quite a number of warped plotlines, but the cast is top-notch ( Jon Voight and Sigourney Weaver among them ), and LaBeouf is, as always, flawless.
I also have another one of his flicks, A Guide To Recognizing Your Saints, in addition to a whole stack of rare John Cusack films ( War Inc, Max, Bullets Over Broadway, to name a few ), but will go through those slowly over the next few months.
I'll get to your movies first, L. :)
Russell Watson's latest album, People Get Ready is another great collection of covers, this time exploring the soul and blues genre, with a couple of uplifting gospel numbers ( People Get Ready and Heaven Help Us All ). Like his previous jazz CD, That's Life, this follow-up needs a number of listens before you're able to appreciate it fully. My favourite is his rendition of House Of The Rising Sun - very moody and powerful, a perfect closing track.
Am just wondering how to redeem a pair of movie vouchers before they expire at the end of the month. Had to pass on The Duchess 'cos it was screening in some tiny theatre at odd times. Hmm, maybe The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button or Slumdog Millionnaire?
A silver lining in my current gloomy situation - nocturnal workouts with my cat who, according to my mom, goes completely berserk whenever I come home at night. He literally bounces off the walls and can't get enough of playing tag with me. Maybe that's why I have insomnia, heh.
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