The Official Adam Pascal Love Thread, part eleven- Page 24

[sweetestsiren]

Posted: 9/10/06 at 9:09pm

Regarding the faithfulness issue, not to make a completely off-the-wall comparison, but I sort of liken it to the adaptation of the Harry Potter books to film. Obviously not a direct analogy, but another very fiercely dedicated, knowledgeable fanbase that had concerns about the movie adaptations. I think that the third movie was leaps and bounds ahead of the first two in terms of presenting a good, artistic version of the book's events that made for a great movie. It was the first of the films that had any life or magic for me (which in itself is a comment on Columbus's filmmaking style, I guess). On the other hand, it's a lot of (most?) people's least favorite of the films because it omits some fairly important plot points. I wish that they could've elaborated on some things, but the artistic vision made up for the lack of faithfulness. Anyway, I apologize for the long story, but I guess the point is that I agree that it's impossible to please everyone.

[Sillyism]

Posted: 9/10/06 at 9:09pm

Wow, thanks everyone!

Seeing how you all talk about Rent, makes me wish I really had seen it on Braodway.I have only seen the movie.
Im glad to hear you (Chloe) say that you liked Aida, despite its flaws. Im seeing a non-equity tour of it In March. I already have my tickets and am very excited to see the story play out.

Can I ask a question: What exactly is non-equity?

Posted: 9/10/06 at 9:12pm

I was doing work and eating, so I'm jumping in a bit late here, but I wanted to mention that I'm glad the alternate ending wasn't used, despite the fact that it's visually beautiful. I think it evokes memories of those stories that end with "so-and-so woke up; it was all just a dream after all." I realize that the alternate ending wasn't going for quite the same "dream" effect, but it still leaves the viewer with a confused feeling.

Other than that, I generally agree with what everyone said - don't really feel like reheashing it again. The more I watch the film, the less I like it, but if nothing else, I've accepted it.

Sillyism, I wasn't lucky enough to see Aida live, either, although I also enjoy the music. What are your favorite songs?

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 9/10/06 at 9:14pm

Equity is the actors' union for Broadway actors, etc. So the non-equity production has non-equity actors, but people who are on their way, pretty much -- you need a certain amount of points to get into the union.

I love Aida. :)

[broadwaystar2b]

Posted: 9/10/06 at 9:14pm

As long as I'm not cast in a show (which may be a possibility, we'll see) I should be able to make it to the one in VA

[To The Stage!]

Posted: 9/10/06 at 9:38pm

I just purchased tickets to Adam's show in Queens! (Oct. 14) Is anyone here going to that performance?

I'm making my dad take my friend and I. heh. I think he'll enjoy it. He has heard bits and pieces of Civilian and saw Rent and he liked his voice.

Updated On: 9/10/06 at 09:38 PM

[Sillyism]

Posted: 9/10/06 at 9:42pm

Siamese dream- Oh gosh... I pretty much love all the songs, except Another Pyramid, Like Father, Like Son, and I know the truth. i don't listen to those as much As the other ones. My favorite would have to be...The Gods Love Nubia, Not me, and Written in the Stars, I listen to those the most at least. Honestly, the entire CD is amazing though.

LuvtheEmcee- Thank you for the Non-equity explanation. I read that it was a non-equity tour, and found that I didn't know what the really meant. Im hoping it is as good as I hope it is. I love a good story about lovers that shouldn't be together. *Swoon*

[walkingthroughfire13]

Posted: 9/10/06 at 9:48pm

To the Stage, I'm not going to any performances, but I want to put in my two-cents on this...

I loved the film, gonna say that first. However, I was very upset that April's death wasn't shown at that Halloween and Goodbye Love were not used. April's death is such a huge point to Roger's character. As someone said above me, it's so chilling hearing Mark sing about Roger finding her in the bathroom. I really wish the film had been grittier. I'm 16, and I still would have been able to see it in theatres. Trust me, teenagers still get into R films, that's not the issue. I'm mad about Halloween and Goodbye Love because they're so huge pieces of Mark's character. Those two really address the fact that Mark is going to be alone and that he's scared of it. It also gives more reason to Roger running away, instead of him just looking like an @sshole. Anyway, that's my shpeel.

Welcome, sillyism! Sorry I wasn't here today. I won't be here at all tomorrow or Tuesday, I'll be away on a lovely retreat. Fun, eh?

i LOVE AIDA. It was the first show I did at my school. And, it's Elton John. And Adam. And Sherie. And...I'll stop. Sillyism, how can you not love I Know The Truth? It's one of my favorites!

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 9/10/06 at 9:48pm

I agree with you on Another Pyramid and Like Father, Like Son (but they ARE catchy), but I love I Know the Truth. It was a flawed, but really beautiful show.

[walkingthroughfire13]

Posted: 9/10/06 at 9:57pm

Sorry that post was so long...*meep*

[Sillyism]

Posted: 9/10/06 at 9:59pm

walkingthroughfire13- Oh I know! Im terrible. Its not that i truely hate the song, I just don't listen to it as much as the other ones. A retreat you say? Sounds exhilerating.:)

luvtheEmcee- I know! Aren't they Catchy? I try to deny it, but I'll admit, they are catchy.When im too lazy to skip past them, I find myself procceding to do hideous dance moves to the tunes. *Cringes*

Would you mind telling me some of the flaws? It won't ruin it for me, I don't go that easily, But I just want opinions.

Goodness, Im so curious. I'm one of those people who look up spoilers on shows. Yeah, one of thooossee people.

[Chloe]

Posted: 9/10/06 at 9:59pm

Zoser's songs aren't much of anyone's favorites on the CD, but they work pretty well on stage. I hope the tour sets are as wonderful as the Broadway ones. The look of the show was just spectacular.

Alex, several of us will be at the Queens show. I'm glad you can make it too.

Posted: 9/10/06 at 9:59pm

The Gods Love Nubia is one of my favorites, too, along with Easy as Life. And yes, the Zoser songs are pretty bad. Poor John Hickok.

I Know the Truth is actually my very favorite song from the show. To me, it's an utterly haunting song on every level. It's also one of those few musical theatre songs to which I can relate - not necessarily within the context in which Amneris is singing it, but I think everyone has experienced the feeling of blindly believing in something for a long time while everyone else knows you're wrong. It's just so hopelessly pathetic, and the image of Amneris standing there in that ridiculous wedding gown gets me every time.

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 9/10/06 at 10:02pm

Well, historical inaccuracies, and overall general campiness, I think. The book had a lot of issues, but it wasn't by any measure really a dreadful show. Just not perfect. But I remember being totally taken with the score, and the way the music shook and energized the theater. And the Disney production was so visually stunning. Plus, I can't resist the love story. :)

Updated On: 9/10/06 at 10:02 PM

[walkingthroughfire13]

Posted: 9/10/06 at 10:07pm

Sillyism ~ My name's Dani, so you can just call me that. You don't have to type out my too long name. =D

Em ~ I love Zoser's songs! Maybe just cause I was in all of those, but Another Pyramid is one of my favorites. Along with I Know the Truth, Gods Love Nubia, and Every Story Is A Love Story. I'm also a big Enchantment Passing Through fan. Oh, and Radames' Letter...I need to stop.

siamese ~ Ahh, I love when she's in that wedding dress. I was one of her handmaidens in our show, and I had to help get that thing on...yeah. Once, in the middle of the song, one of the buttons (the crucial button, I might add!) popped off in my head. So, we're trying to zip her dress without the specific button needed to keep it all together without jostling her too much so she can keep singing. I think the same night our Amneris' mike went out and I had to follow her around trying to hand her her new mike, because as soon as I got it, she started moving, so I was trying to remain nonchalant, thinking "LAUREN! GET BACK HERE!" Ohh, I miss that show...

Posted: 9/10/06 at 10:09pm

Sillyism, I know you're not asking me specifically, but I think the main two flaws in Aida are the underwritten characters and the dialogue. Radames... well, there isn't much to work with there, and I think Adam has even admitted as much. Zoser is even worse; he comes on stage to do a few bizarre numbers, act like the token bad guy, and... that's pretty much it. You'd think that he'd have at least ONE redeeming characteristic to keep Radames under his control for so many years, especially since Radames is, based on his interactions with Aida, very easy to sway. The rate at which Aida and Radames fall in love also bothers me, but practically speaking, there probably wasn't a way to extend that without lengthening the musical quite a bit.

The dialogue seems overly simplistic in a lot of cases, and in others, completely unrealistic. I can't recall it off the top of my head, but one of Radames's lines in that post-Elaborate Lives love scene makes me cringe every single time. I mean, if my hypothetical boyfriend ever said some weird line about how "man enters this world naked" post-sex, I'd roll my eyes, but maybe that's just me. To be fair, I know Chloe has mentioned that the seemingly bad dialogue wasn't so apparent live.

The historical inaccuracies actually don't bother me at all; I'm willing to accept those considering it's a musical. And despite all the flaws that I find in the piece, it's truly one of my favorite guilty pleasures. However, I still wonder what the critical reception would have been if just a few things were improved upon.

[Sillyism]

Posted: 9/10/06 at 10:09pm

luvtheEmcee- I see. Thanks for the input. I was lead costume desinger for the theater at my high school, so Im definately looking forward to the artistic aspects of the show.

siamese dream- I definately understand what You're saying. I tear up sometimes listening to the Stronger Suit reprise. I know, it sounds silly, but I feel so bad for her sometimes.

Chloe- Yeah, I see that alot, where the show helps the songs out, so Im excited to see those on stage.

[walkingthroughfire13]

Posted: 9/10/06 at 10:12pm

I'm glad you get to go see it, sillyism. Have fun!

I've gotta get up early and I've still got some stuff to do, so goodnight guys.

Posted: 9/10/06 at 10:19pm

Sillyism, have you read the libretto? I think you might enjoy it.

You can call me Lexi, by the way.
Libretto

[orangeskittles]

Posted: 9/10/06 at 10:19pm

Welcome Sillyism. I missed your grand entrance earlier.

I've never seen Aida live, but I love the music; I've been an Elton fan since birth (I must have been the only person among my friends to know Your Song before Moulin Rouge). There are some cheesy aspects and we've had lengthy discussions here about what might have been different had it NOT been a Disney show.

Lexi, I agree about not caring about historical accuracies in musicals. It's kind of the same thing about people complaining about the historical inaccuracies of cartoon Disney movies. There are *talking animals* for heaven's sake, who cares if Pocahontas was actually 10 years old when John Smith landed in Virginia?! Considering the Egyptians weren't known for their song and dance numbers in the first place, I don't see how other complaints are really valid. I can understand if you're already very familiar with the subject matter and it kind of bugs you. I've been listening to Joseph more than is healthy this weekend and they leave out a few subplots in the story, but I know not *everyone* knows the story that closely and would even notice that it was missing, let alone consider it an integral part of the story.

Updated On: 9/10/06 at 10:19 PM

[Chloe]

Posted: 9/10/06 at 10:19pm

As I've mentioned before, I think the flaws stand out a bit more when not seeing the live show, uh... live. I went to it with no preconceived ideas other than that I was an Elton John fan and knew it hadn't been all that well received critically (which is why I didn't run out to see it when it first opened.) I was prepared for it to be so-so, but got completely swept up in the emotions and beauty of the show. Everyone I overheard talking about it was positive too. It just works on stage. Reviews I've seen of both the Broadway show and tours often say that it's the performers who make the show worthwhile, but I can't help but feel that some critics are unwilling to admit how much about the show itself is good.

Posted: 9/10/06 at 10:25pm

I'm not sure if you saw it, but I mentioned that, Chloe. Sillyism was asking for perceived flaws, though, and even if they aren't as apparent when seeing the show live, I still consider certain things about Aida flaws in the show. I don't mean to imply that flaws necessarily make a show bad by any means, though. In fact, what is probably my favorite musical is absolutely plagued with flaws.

And... hehe, Joseph, skittles.

[orangeskittles]

Posted: 9/10/06 at 10:31pm

I've listened to Jacob & Sons/Joseph's Coat so many times that it's made its way onto my Top 25 Most Played list.

Updated On: 9/10/06 at 10:31 PM

[Chloe]

Posted: 9/10/06 at 10:32pm

Oh yeah, I saw it, Lexi - just wanted to reinforce it a bit. Whenever I *watch* a show I've never seen live, I try to remind myself that it can be quite a different experience.

Skittles, I'd forgotten that you're an Elton fan too. Have you ever heard the very uneven but extraordinary Blue Moves album?
Updated On: 9/10/06 at 10:32 PM

[orangeskittles]

Posted: 9/10/06 at 10:38pm

No Chloe. I listened to the Elton records my parents had, which was Goodbye Yellow Brick Road and two greatest hits volumes.