Five Movie Musicals You Need To Watch Over the Holidays.

We’ve officially entered the holidays, and this week on the Simon Morris Blog I wanted to help you celebrate your favourite time of the year by revealing five movie musicals you need to watch over the holidays.

Simon Morris’ Favourite Time of the Year

Ever since a young Simon Morris first decorated his first tree, I’ve been a huge fan of Christmas. There’s just something about this time of the year – the dazzling fairy lights, finding garlands of tinsel everywhere you look, munching on mince pies with the family round the tree – that just gets me right there.

In my opinion, there’s no better way to cap off the holiday season than to gather with the family around a roaring fire, and engage in a movie musical marathon. By the time the final credits role, you’ll all be singing from the rooftops, ready to welcome Santa down your chimney on Christmas Eve.

Include These Five Movie Musicals on Your Christmas Wish List

Yet with so many classic movie musicals out there, which ones should you take the time to watch over the holidays? In my opinion, the following five just have to be on the list…

1)      Annie: Don’t mistake me, I’m not talking about the new version with Cameron Diaz, although I can’t wait for that either. No, this Christmas you have to stick on the original. A classic down-on-her-luck orphan makes good story with bundles of heart, it’s sure to help you sail away from your own ‘hard knock life’ this holiday season.

2)     Chitty Chitty Bang Bang: At this point I hear you groaning, but it really is the perfect movie musical to flick on over the holiday period. Basically, it’s so wonderfully wacky that it’ll have you in stitches in minutes, and who doesn’t want to give themselves the gift of laughter this Christmas?!

3)    The Wizard of Oz: The film that launched the career of movie musical icon Judy Garland, the Wizard of Oz is perfect for any time of the year. However it’s effortless charm, dazzling shades of technicolour, fantastically whimsical characters and solid moral centre make it a movie musical you just need to watch over the holiday season!

4)      An American in Paris: If you’re looking for something to share with your lover and make memories this holiday, I’d absolutely recommend you give An American in Paris a go. The story of an American ex-GI whose paintings come to the attention of a rich American heiress makes this classic production one for the ages!

5)      White Christmas: I had to end this list with an actual Christmas themed movie musical, and what better production could I have chosen than White Christmas? The Bing Crosby classic about a successful song-and-dance team who become romantically entangled with a sister act is just so full of heart you have to watch it over the holiday season.

Don’t Stop There

I may have given you five, but you really don’t have to stop there. If you’re like me, and the best gift you can give yourself this Christmas is the gift of a movie musical marathon, sit the family down and prepare for the ride of your life this holiday season!

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The Rise of the Next Movie Musical Superstar

With 2015 set to be American actress Anna Kendrick’s year, this week on the Simon Morris blog I want to explore the rise of the woman who I believe is the next movie musical superstar.

A Kid with a TONY Award Nomination

Believe it or not, a young musical theatre enthusiast by the name of Simon Morris first became familiar with the work of an even younger Anna Kendrick way back in 1998.

That was the year she received her first credit on Broadway performing in 90’s musical High Society. Her performance was such a hit that not only did she bag a Theatre World Award, she clinched a nomination for a TONY Award.

The Year Kendrick Becomes a Bonafide Movie Musical Star

Since her turn on Broadway, her career has shot into the stratosphere. She caught the attention of global audiences when she starred in the Twilight Saga, and has developed a career in movie musicals with productions such as Pitch Perfect. She even scored a US chart hit with ‘Cups (When I’m Gone)’ – a track from the musical comedy flick.

Now it appears as if 2015 is the year that she’s going to become a bonafide movie musical star. By the time the year reaches its end, Anna Kendrick will have starred in three movie musicals.

Three Movie Musicals in One Year

Anyone who’s anyone knows that Kendrick is set to feature as Cinderella in Into the Woods. A favourite among Sondheim fans everywhere, the film – which is due to be released this Christmas – is sure to prove a hit with audiences across the world.

Yet there are two more movie musical projects starring Kendrick that are slated for a 2015 release. The first is a film adaption of 2002 Broadway production The Last Five Years. This critically acclaimed two person show is a hard mountain to conquer, and the fact that Kendrick has been tapped to climb it indicates that those whose opinions matter consider her a talented musical theatre performer.

Meanwhile, the sequel to Pitch Perfect is also scheduled for a 2015 release. Considering the popularity of the film – how it opened up the genre to people who would normally loath everything musical theatre – I have no doubt it’ll be everywhere in 2015.

Anna Kendrick Will be Everywhere

Just like Pitch Perfect 2, Anna Kendrick’s movie musical performances will be everywhere in 2015. If that doesn’t sound like the next movie musical heavyweight to you, I think you might need to ask your nearest and dearest to buy you a new dictionary this Christmas!

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Beloved Movie Musical Destined for Broadway

This week, Simon Morris learned that beloved movie musical Gigi is destined for Broadway, with High School Musical alum Vanessa Hudgens slated to star in the title role.

Simon Morris Should Have Lived in Another Decade

When I was a child, I was one of those precocious kids who would have sworn down, had someone asked him, that I belonged in another era. Specifically, the era when the classic Hollywood movie musical reigned supreme.

Many a clock hand turned from 12 to 12, whilst a young Simon Morris whiled away the hours entranced by the sounds of classic Hollywood show tunes filtering through the room. Among my many favourites was the iconic MGM movie musical Gigi.

The Story of a Young Courtesan in Turn-of-the-Century Paris

Adapted from a novella written in 1944 and a stage musical from 1951, Gigi was a 1958 film directed by the legendary Vincente Minnelli. It chronicles the story of Gigi, a young girl raised by two courtesans in turn-of-the-century Paris to take on the role of lover to a wealthy patron, Gaston. Their plans go awry when Gaston falls for the young Gigi and plans to marry her.

The film was a cinematic triumph, bagging nine academy awards along with the hearts and minds of a generation. Now it’ll have the chance to do the same with a new generation, as a fresh stage version of the musical has entered production, ready to open on Broadway in early 2015.

She Came When Vanessa Hudgens Least Expected It

Actress Vanessa Hudgens is slated to star in the title role. She’s no stranger to the genre, having rose to fame as part of the High School Musical franchise, and starred as Mimi in a production of RENT at the Hollywood Bowl.

She recently spoke about landing the role – her first on Broadway – to People Magazine. Hudgens suggested that "I've been waiting for the right role to come along, and she appeared to me when I was least expecting it," before adding that "it's been a lot of fun prepping for Gigi … allowing myself to be as free as possible. I love this character, the music and play so much." 

Bringing Gigi to a Whole New Audience

Hopefully, that love will translate into a stellar performance when a revamped Gigi makes its first appearance on the Great White Way next year. Such a performance would show a whole new generation of musical theatre lovers why so many people fell in love with the story of a young Parisian mistress way back in 1958.

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Ronan Keating Label’s Once Debut “Liberating.”

If you’re a follower of Once, Simon Morris readers, you’ll have wondered how Ronan Keating did in his first night in the role of Guy; something he labelled “liberating.”

The Story of a Down-On-His-Luck Dublin Busker

As an adult, I’ve developed a passion for carefully crafted, thought provoking musical theatre which tells a captivating story, and accompanies it with a mind blowing score. There are few musical theatre productions that have piqued the interest of an adult Simon Morris the way Once has.

For those of you who haven’t heard yet, the story of Once chronicles the life of a down-on-his-luck Dublin busker named Guy. A man in need of inspiration, when he meets a woman who sparks his creative juices he stumbles on inspiration in spades, only to find out that she’s married.

Could Ronan Keating Hack it in the Role of Guy?

A modern day smash, Once has proved a hit with audiences around the world. UK musical theatre enthusiasts have proved no exception, as the West-End’s Phoenix Theatre production of Once turned out to be a runaway success.

That’s why I was a little apprehensive when I learned that former Boyzone frontman Ronan Keating was taking over the role of Guy. I honestly doubted he had the vocal prowess and onstage charisma to pull it off.

“The Most Liberating Experience.”

Yet if Keating himself is to be believed, his first night in the role of Guy left him feeling like a new man. According to the BBC, Keating labelled his performance "the most liberating experience."

Speaking in the wake of his debut, Keating admitted that at first, his performance was "all over the place,” but by the time the curtain fell he was left “feeling great.” He also said that "the stress and fear when I walked out was overwhelming," but once he got into it, “it was wonderful."

“An Extremely Creditable Account of Himself.”

And it seems the critics think he gave a decent performance as well. The Independent’s David Lister labelled it “surprisingly good,” whilst Fiona Mountford at the Evening Standard said that Keating gave “an extremely creditable account of himself” in the role of Guy.

In other words, he did pretty well for himself considering the fact that he’s a new comer to the West End stage. Maybe his liberating experience powered his performance and made him shine in the role of a down-on-his-luck Dublin busker!

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What Did the Critics Think of Made in Dagenham?

Now the musical has officially debuted on the West End stage, this week on the Simon Morris blog I ask what the critics thought of Made in Dagenham.

The Real Story of the Ford Sewing Machinists’ Strike of 1968

I’ve been waiting with baited breath for the release of Made in Dagenham. As I pointed out in a recent blog post, I held high hopes for it. The story is compelling and the score looked promising. In other words, it looked like a West End smash just waiting in the wings.

The musical, an adaption of a 2010 film of the same name, chronicles the real story of the Ford sewing machinists’ strike of 1968, when workers protested in hopes of securing equal pay. It stars accomplished actress Gemma Arterton in the lead role of Rita O’Grady; an ordinary woman turned into a leader by extraordinary events.

A Deeply, Unapologetically, British Musical

Made in Dagenham debuted at the Adelphi Theatre in London’s West End on the 5^th November. The reviews are in, and as ever there seems to be somewhat of a mix.

There was plenty to like about the show. Paul Taylor at the Independent labelled it "a big-budget, even more crowd-pleasing, British musical," whilst the Evening Standard’s Henry Hitchings called it “a deeply, unapologetically British musical with a quirky, big-hearted charm." It was generally praised for its mischievous lyrics, amiable production, gag-infested book and feel-good vibe.

Sanitised in the West End

Yet these positives left some critics feeling as though the production lacked the substance that a musical about the struggle for women’s rights in the 60’s needs to make it resonate.

The Guardian’s Michael Billington suggested that despite the show boasting some positive elements, it "suffers from its caricatures, relentless jokiness and a functional score." In other words, he’s saying that it makes a good stab at representing feminism, but lacks passion and ultimately, substance. This is something echoed by the Morning Star, which said the show was “sanitised” in the West End.

A Thrilling Night’s Entertainment in the West End.

Ultimately, it seems as though the critics are saying that Made in Dagenham is hardly going to make Germaine Greer’s must see list anytime soon. Nevertheless, it’s a fun, big-budget affair that should provide a thrilling night’s entertainment in the West End.

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Five Best Musical Theatre Dance Numbers

I celebrate the sheer spectacle actors are capable of putting on in a production this week on the Simon Morris blog, by sharing what I believe are the five best musical theatre dance numbers of all time.

Dance, the Physical Expression of Emotion

For the true musical theatre enthusiast, there is no one element that defines the love they share for the medium. The successful show is able to combine consummate acting, thought provoking dialogue, rousing musical tunes and jaw-dropping dance numbers to create a masterpiece.

Dance – the physical expression of emotion – works in musical theatre, because it accentuates and underscores the songs leaving the characters lips, providing us with more clarity into who said characters really are. As such, the medium has become known for the plethora of inspiring dance numbers it has spawned over the years.

These Five Dance Heavy Numbers Stood Head and Shoulders Above the Rest

Some of these numbers stand head and shoulders above their competitors, as true examples of what a production can really do, when it takes full advantage of its ability to incorporate the art of dance. The following five mastered the craft…

1)      Cellblock Tango: The people who created Chicago picked the perfect name for this number. A tango is a daring dance which takes you to the edge, which is where these merry murderesses are, as they chronicle their stories of how they came to the cellblock. As such, the song’s infamous tango routines are not only spellbinding to watch, but fit seamlessly into the narrative.

2)      Buenos Aires:  When you’re a young girl moving to the Big City, you’re full of life and energy; something conveyed by the high-energy, frenetic dance routines of Evita’s ‘Buenos Aires.’ As Eva glides across the floor with a number of men, the dance underscores the words, to help the audience really understand just what this girl has planned for her time in the Big Apple.

3)      Electricity: A show that centred on one boy’s dream of becoming a professional dancer, it makes sense that a number from Billy Elliot would make this list. The number I have chosen is ‘Electricity,’ and I have chosen it, because that’s exactly what it is. When Billy lets go and shows us what he do, with a number of intricate, awe inspiring dance moves, it really is electric.

4)      Time Warp: The Rocky Horror Picture Show is a musical dedicated to exploring the weirder side of life, and nothing quite expresses this like the infamously wacky dance routine in the show’s signature hit, ‘Time Warp.’ Honestly, it’s infectious, and often has people standing up in their seats to match the actions of the actors on stage, as they bust out the ‘Time Warp!’

5)      One: This number typifies the genre. From the show A Chorus Line, a musical about the public and private lives of dancers, ‘One’ is the ultimate stage dance number. With a group of dancers, all identically dressed in gold costumes, performing the same steps in sync with pin point precision (including a never ending stream of hard-to-execute shoulder high chorus line kicks) ‘One’ is a masterpiece.

So Many to Choose From

The great thing about this is, that I honestly had to narrow down the list from a lot, to five. I had to neglect other dance numbers I love, such as ‘Anything Goes,’ ‘Hard Knock Life’ and ‘Santa Fe.’ There’s just so many to choose from, showing just what the musical theatre genre is capable of, when it chooses to incorporate the art of dance!

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A Bend it Like Beckham Musical is Happening!

Fans of the cult female football film will be amazed to hear on the Simon Morris blog this week, that a Bend it Like a Beckham musical is finally happening!

Bend it Like Beckham, a Cult Classic

As a young Simon Morris, musical theatre wasn’t my only interest. I was also a big film buff, and no film charmed me quite like Bend it Like Beckham; no wonder it’s a cult classic.

For those who haven’t seen it, here’s the run down. It’s about a girl living in a traditional Sikh family who yearns to play football professionally, like her idol, David Beckham. After she joins an amateur women’s team, she battles to make her dream a reality, whilst simultaneously falling in love.

What Do We Know About the Bend it Like Beckham Musical?

Yes, it may be cheesy, but it’s addictive, which is why I’m not really that surprised to hear that Bend it Like Beckham will be adapted to the West End stage. Even better, it’ll be written and directed by the same woman made the original 2002 film; Gurinder Chadha.

That’s one of the few things we know about the project at the moment; details are somewhat thin on the ground. We do also know, however, that with previews starting on 15^th May 2015, it will open properly on the 24^th June 2015 at the Phoenix Theatre.

A Totally New Kind of Musical

Chadha took the time to comment on the project. She said that "developing Bend It Like Beckham for the stage has been the most enjoyable creative process of my career so far."

She went on to say that "it was always my intention to build on the film and to present its themes and storylines to live audiences in an exciting new dynamic way. I believe we are presenting a totally new kind of musical - part West End, part London Punjabi, but whole-heartedly British."

A Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience

So we may not know much, but what we’ve heard from Chadha makes me really excited for a Bend it Like Beckham musical in the West End. It’s sure to be a one-in-a-lifetime experience!

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