3/07/2007

Paper Faces On Parade

When I booked tickets to The Phantom of the Opera so I could take my nieces, I hadn’t figured the cost would be so high. I’m talking of course about the trauma of missing a live episode of American Idol. The Phantom touring company ended up sounding a little pitchy in spots though, so it was a bit like being at home in front of the television.

Christine – You’re not the strongest voice in the competition but you know what? You weren’t stagey with your voice and you’ve got a natural warmth thing going on so big points on that. Just watch that whole tripping up the staircase thing in the big Masquerade number and you should be fine.

Phantom – You’ve gotta bring your 'A' game every night at this level. That’s your name up there on the marquee you know? Watch that singing out of your mask side when you hit your lower register okay?

Raoul – If my stomach can grumble in tune, how hard can it be for you to listen to the music and sing along in key? It’s your job.

So overall, it was just alright for me tonight you know?

The Phantom of the Opera played in Toronto for about 10 years and so, I’d already seen this show a few times more than necessary. When the bus tours from Buffalo dried up and the music died, I thought we were in the clear. Nobody told me touring companies would show up now and then to taunt me.

The best part about the whole evening was getting to watch my nieces enjoy it. I’m not so jaded that I don’t remember how electric and emotional a live performance can be. I was really glad they seemed to love it. The touring company did a decent job of bringing the original production back to life although I don’t think I ever need to see it again. Unless of course, I’m in it.

When I got home, I watched the playback of American Idol and saw a lot of forgettable performances from the guys. When I eventually put head to pillow, a smile found my lips as I realized about both shows ...it’s over now, the music of the night.

25 comments:

Tanya Espanya said...

That's really nice that you took the girls to see the show; what did they say about you singing along to every song?

BeckEye said...

I read the title of this post as "Paper Feces on Parade," so you can imagine my disappointment.

Jenny Jenny Flannery said...

Way to keep it real, Dawg.

And you look so nice...and when other people write like this, you know, they just don't...Touchdown!

It was a bit cabaret, but you'll definately be back next week.

Dread Pirate Jessica said...

Paul Stanley! Ahahahaha! Oh, that's wonderful. That's as good as Michael Bolton singing 'Nessun dorma,' except much better.

Moderator said...

There should totally be a Canadian Idol instead.

Allison said...

I remember seeing the Phantom when I was nine, and although I really didn't take to it (I think I was traumatized when the chandelier fell) I was glad my parents took me. When I was eight I saw Macbeth in Stratford and I still remember it, nothing tops a live performance.

Chancelucky said...

You sound like a nice uncle Dale.
You know, I'd love to see an American Idol where they all sing songs from a single musical.
I wouldn't want any of last night's guys singing in it though. That was pretty horrifying. I thought Sundance Head looked like a singing Klingon. Now wouldn't a Star Trek Musical be cool?
the other possibility was a Saturday morning cartoon show with Sundance and Sanjaya as buddies who go on adventures with their more uh normal sidekicks.

Dale said...

They didn't mind the singing but I was doing all the songs from Les Miserables which really kept them on their toes.

Paper feces. I smell a new post coming Beckeye!

Haha, I always keep it semi-real Flannery, it leaves room for the cabaret and the Cabernet.

It was near the end of the run M La Spliffe (how can you tell?). For a nice laugh, have a look at the poster from then. And the last time I heard Nessun dorma, Pavarotti's eyebrows were strangling the hell out of it at the Winter Olympics.

You mean other than me Grant? I guess you could go here.

Even when it turns out bad, there's good to be had in the live stuff Allison. Macbeth probably put you to sleep at 8 no?

Excellent idea for a frightening Saturday morning SuperIdols show Chancelucky! Klingons would have made a better song choice and they've got the execution thing down pat don't they?

Barbara Bruederlin said...

Maybe next time you can take your nieces to Cats or My Fair Lady. I understand Meatloaf is planning to be in both of those - lead role.

Coaster Punchman said...

No matter how "pitchy" any of the performances, got, I would still rather listen to Jimmy Durante play the Phantom rather than Gerard Butler in that damn movie version.

Anonymous said...

Way to double your pleasure there, Dale, enjoying the kids' innocent enjoyment of the show while simultaneously thinking of all the fun you'd have mocking the performance on your blog.

Andi said...

Hmm, well if the Phantom cast didn't sound "like a high school musical" I guess you came out a winner.

The guys, however, did not. Poor bastards. Hearing how badly they suck EVERY WEEK. (But it's true.)

Old Lady said...

Okay, I like Cats, clever adaptation of a great poets poems, but cannot take a shine to the broadway or movie Phantom of the Opera. Hate, hate, hate it. I want my old fashioned black & white movie.

Writeprocrastinator said...

Man, that's what's cool about the NYC, you don't get whatever leftovers that a touring company scrounges up.

I took the Missus to see "Miss Saigon" and one of the leads wasn't having a "bad" day, he never had a good one.

Bre said...

Man I miss being able to go out to see a show! One of the (many) things that are less than favorable about these here mountains is the lack of "cultural" events!

Allison said...

Nay, who falls asleep at Macbeth. King Lear, yes. I was an odd child.

Anonymous said...

Did you just have a birthday? Just wondering Uncle Dale.

Dale said...

Is he playing FatCat and Eliza FatLoaf then Barbara? Ugh.

Or Soupy Sales or Mrs. Kravitz or anyone else, I agree Coaster Punchman. A colossal casting error.

It's fun to sit back and only half pay attention to the actual show, more time to people watch and think Pink Fluffy Slippers.

You're in love with those guys Andi, admit it. Rename your blog to Sanjaya's Place, just do it!

I never saw Cats because I was just too worried one of them would hack up a furball on me Old Lady. I do love the black and white movies though. Gaslight anyone?

Another one I didn't see WP but I hear the helicopter was quite good.

But Bre, isn't there gold in them thar hills? That oughta count for sumpin.

And now Allison?

I did a few weeks back Bluez.

X. Dell said...

I'm sorry, but I try to avoid thinking about American Idol. Can't you leave us with a more pleasant thought? Like gangrenous sores, or something?

mellowlee said...

Uncle Dale is the coolest! :O)
I never got to do cool stuff like that!!

Dale said...

Gangrenous sores X. Dell? That's why I mentioned the Phantom silly.

Then you have to go back and slap your uncle in the head Mel and say hey! what gives?

Writeprocrastinator said...

"Another one I didn't see WP but I hear the helicopter was quite good."

Not just the helicopter, the whole staging was amazing. The score and lyrics were pretty good, though disposable (no offense to "Miss Saigon" fans).

There were no songs that so good that I was humming them on the way home.

Dale said...

But could you make the helicopter sound? Huh? Huh?

BeckEye said...

By the way, if you haven't seen this you MUST see it this instant. I would totally shell out the big bucks for a Phantom like this.

Dale said...

That was hysterical Beckeye. He's such a loveable tard isn't he? I always wish his movies were better. I haven't seen his last few though I'm sure I will.