Top Videos of 2008

It is the day after Christmas and we are still recovering from the stupor of yesterday’s excitement. Realizing that there are only a handful of days left in the year, I felt the need to seize a few moments to throw another "best of" list up on the ol’ blog.

Today’s feature? The best videos of 2008…

TOP 10 VIDEOS (OTHERS)
The following videos are those that kept me entertained throughout the year but were not shot by me. There were so many great moments on YouTube that it was impossible to narrow it down to five, so you what have here a Top 10 list. In the case of video series, I will imbed the link to the first of the series. Videos that could not be imbedded are linked in the title.

President-Elect Barack Obama on Election Night
One of the most historical nights in American history and I am happy to say in unfolded in my lifetime. That’s hope, my friend. Hope.



9PFT
This tribute to one of my favorite shows of 2008 is totally [tos]some. I loved seeing all the familiar faces and incredible support for this inspiring show. And, of course, you have to check out the [title of show] Show, which was instrumental in Hunter, Jeff, Heidi and Susan’s transfer to Broadway.



Legally Brown: The Search for the Next Piragua Guy
The star-studded series Legally Brown: The Search for the Next Piragua Guy from Lin-Manuel Miranda and Co. is so entertaining. I love how Broadway is embracing the YouTube phenomena and the folks at In The Heights do it some serious justice.



Merry Christmas, Nicholas
The heart and soul of In The Heights is that the cast and crew of the show have heart and soul. This video highlights the classiest move on Broadway this year, hands down.



The Battery’s Down
The trials and tribulations of the multi-talented Jake Wilson come to life in The Battery's Down. This theatre-centric online series comes cram-packed with Broadway guest stars and appeals to the drama geek in all of us. A man after my own heart, Wilson directs, writes, choreographs and stars in this online TV series which highlights some of the brightest composers on the horizon. Now if he could just land himself a big fancy Broadway job. But perhaps that will come in Season 2.



Prop 8: The Musical
The highs and extreme lows of the hate-fueled anti-marriage vote in California are given a musical twist by another star-studded cast. The musical theatre lover in me loves shit like this.

Cubby Bernstein
The vigorous 2007-2008 Tony race for Best Musical spawned the video campaign that unveiled Broadway wunderkind Cubby Bernstein. At the heart of the campaign was underdog Xanadu, the charming little musical that took residence at the Helen Hayes for a spell.



Frozen Grand Central
This video of an improv group Improv Everywhere unleashed on Grand Central Station. Simply amazing.



Old Mr. Drew
At Iconis’ Secret Show at the Beechman a couple months back, Joe sang a couple of tunes and several up-and-coming composers bearing his stamp of approval also performed. Molly Hager performed Michael R. Jackson’s “Old Mr. Drew” which just left me speechless. This video is from Michael’s show Dirty Laundry and is just mindblowing.



Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog
What happens when a couple of Hollywood writers on strike are looking to kill some down time? Brilliance, that’s what.

TOP 5 VIDEOS (MINE)
The following videos are the fruits of my budding camera work and editing skills.

OSP Montage Video
In January 2008, the band formerly known as Old Springs Pike booked five shows at Joe’s Pub. I went to two of them and assembled this video from the January 4th footage. Days later, John Gallagher, Jr. and the band parted ways. OSP sans Gallagher is now known as The Spring Standards and Gallagher performs solo. While both musical acts are doing well in their own right and enjoying their own successes, I can’t say this montage doesn’t make me a little nostalgic.



Jason "SweetTooth" Williams et al - The Goodbye Song
I’ve been to several Iconis shows this year, an addiction that began with this song. A couple of my videos feature John Gallagher, Jr. performing the E.T.-inspired closer to Iconis shows. However, it is this simple version performed at The Secret Show that is is my favorite. Right before they performed this song, Joe invited anyone who knew the song to join him onstage. Believe me, I was tempted.



Isabelle’s Voting Results
South Street School had a mock election on the twins’ birthday. Isabelle first explains what she would like for her special birthday meal and then tells me who she voted for in the election.



Peter Pan Video
My summer was spent in Neverland with my family. I assembled this video for the cast and crew. It reminds me of how magical theatre can be sometimes.



The Bar Song
Another Iconis tune. For some reason, this song breaks my heart a little.

Whoopi Joins Xanadu for Month of August

Just announced on The View...

For the month of August, Whoopi Goldberg will be covering the role of Calliope/Aphrodite in the award-winning cult musical Xanadu. Mary Testa, who plays the role of Melpomene/Medusa, appeared on the talk show and announced that Whoopi will be playing her conniving counterpart next month.

I love Whoopi! And I'm hoping that her stint at the Helen Hayes will bring more people to see this charming musical comedy that makes virtually all who see it an unexpected fan of the show.

My husband has mentioned several times that he would like to see (1) Xanadu and (2) her on stage (I saw her in Forum). Perhaps we can work it into our already crammed schedule. But even if we can't... you should!

===================================================================
Whoopi Goldberg will be featured in Xanadu from July 29th thru September 7th, 2008.
Tickets: http://www.telecharge.com/behindTheCurtain.aspx

Official Website: http://xanaduonbroadway.com/

Kerry Butler's Replacement?

You know, you can be having a perfectly crappy week and then "BAM!" something happens that just makes you smile. It is the "theory of convergence" in action. I recently had such a moment that I think will bring a chuckle to film and musical theatre enthusiasts alike.

Not too long ago my three daughters discovered how to use the iMovie feature on our Mac. On occasion, I like to review these clips to see just what exactly they are digitally capturing for all eternity. Since yesterday was a snow day, the four of us were huddled around the computer reviewing their recent entries and I happened upon this clip.

It begins with "Come here, sisters, everybody gather around!" Since my eldest is your typical Type A personality, this is not an uncommon thing to hear. As my tutu-clad youngest chimes in I realized that what I was watching was the opening scene from Xanadu on Broadway. About a month ago, I took my oldest to see it and she has since become a fan. Of course, I had no idea how much of the show she had actually retained until now.

For those of you in need of a quick Xanadu refresher before watching, I'll help you out. In the film's opening scene, a chalk mural of Greek muses comes to life to the disco beat of ELO's "I'm Alive". In the theatrical adaptation, a Venice artist, Sonny (Cheyenne Jackson), is working on a chalk mural on the stage. Clio/Kira (Kerry Butler) and her sisters come to life from the stage to the same tune. That's about all you need to know... For you diehard Xanadu fans, it will all make sense straight away.

I have to say that both the film and theatre enthusiast in me is very proud of this little effort from our budding filmmaker/performer. I must be proud because I'm willingly sharing our messy media corner with the world... Enjoy!

A Recipe for Good Times

In times when the television is plagued with coverage of tragic breaking news, political hijinx and a troubled economy, I am so very thankful for diversions that bring you to a happier place. The question, then, is which of these diversions provides the greater promise of Nirvana?

1

The new Xanadu commercial (click image below to view)

2

The Old Springs Pike/Elizabeth & The Catapult concert in Boston

3
Joe Iconis announcing a new ROCK N ROLL JAMBOREE gig at Joe's Pub
(click image for details and to order tickets)

My recommendation? Combine all three, shake vigorously and serve straight-up! And we'll call it a Nirvana Cocktail!