Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist

[John Adams]

Posted: 4/7/20 at 9:20am

I LOVE this show!

But why post about a TV show on the Main Board, instead of the Off-Topic? Because this show is pretty much a serialized, jukebox musical.

There are some hurdles to overcome; i.e., it's obvious that many of the vocals are auto-tuned. Also, a lot of the choreography is created for non-dancers. Still, both are very effective and aren't really distractions, or detrimental. Both are effectively executed and enjoyable to experience. Plus, both are effectively moving the story forward - just like any other musical.

The cast also includes actors known for their Broadway roles. I won't mention their names only because I think it's always more fun to discover them on your own, when you watch. (That "Hey! - that's... !" kind of thing.)

This past weekend's episode, "Zoey's Extraordinary Silence" was especially good. My first reason for saying so is completely personal, so you may not agree -- but, I fell in love.

Have you experienced that transitional moment when you were attracted to someone, but it was just an attraction, but then they (out of nowhere) display a talent you didn't know they had, and then you swoon a bit, and then you think, "I am in LOVE with you"? That happened for me this week when actor Zac Orth sang for the first time on the show. I did not expect him to have such a sweet, pure tenor... SWOOOOOON (hear him duet w/Peter Gallagher here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Igb-H8SJfXg)

The second impressive moment in this week's episode was a performance of Rachel Plattens Fight Song. Sure, I have seen ASL utilized before, but I've never seen a musical number presented quite like this. I think it would be a spoiler to explain further, but if you don't mind spoilers, read this article about the episode. The author does a better job than I RE: why this episode stands out so effectively. (https://hiddenremote.com/2020/04/06/zoeys-extraordinary-playlist-s1e9-review/)

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PS: Due to that horrible Flash Player thing that's been mentioned in another post, I was unable to get the site to work properly (unable to include links, or incorporate video in this post). If you want to experience the links posted above, just copy/paste them into a new Tab.
Alternatively (depending on your Browser), Highlight the site address >> Right click >> Select "Open Link in New Tab" Updated On: 4/7/20 at 09:20 AM

[uncageg]

Posted: 4/7/20 at 9:38am

I just watched the first episode On Demand last week and enjoyed it. Will probably continue watching.

[John Adams]

Posted: 4/7/20 at 10:14am

uncageg said: "I just watched the first episode On Demand last week and enjoyed it. Will probably continue watching."

I hope you do!

The initial premise as shown in the first episode is a wee bit OtT, but once it's established, and more characters and plot points are introduced, it's been my experience that the show is one I look forward to viewing every Sunday.

For anyone looking for binge-worthy TV under "Stay At Home" orders, this is a show I recommend. :)

[uncageg]

Posted: 4/7/20 at 10:24am

That is what I was hoping. The pilot episode was a bit all over the place in the beginning and started to take shape. I really found the singing neighbor annoying in the first half. I am assuming her character will play more into the story. I must say, I was in total tears during the boat scene near the end of the pilot episode. I also gasped when that song came on in the scene with Simon alone in his office. I was obsessed with that song when it came out.

[John Adams]

Posted: 4/7/20 at 10:31am

uncageg said: "I really found the singing neighbor annoying in the first half. I am assuming her character will play more into the story. I must say, I was in total tears during the boat scene near the end of the pilot episode. I also gasped when that song came on in the scene with Simon alone in his office. I was obsessed with that song when it came out."

Yup... You "get" it

Did you recognize the singing neighbor from the recent revival of "Once on This Island"?

[MollyJeanneMusic]

Posted: 4/7/20 at 10:39am

John Adams said: "The second impressive moment in this week's episode was a performance of Rachel Plattens Fight Song. Sure, I have seen ASL utilized before, but I've never seen a musical number presented quite like this."

Fun fact - the actress performing Fight Song is Sandra Mae Frank, aka Wendla from Deaf West's Spring Awakening revival a few years back!  I've been meaning to watch this for a while now but haven't had time - I guess we all have time now.

 

[John Adams]

Posted: 4/7/20 at 10:49am

MollyJeanneMusic said: "Fun fact - the actress performing Fight Song is Sandra Mae Frank, aka Wendla from Deaf West's Spring Awakening revival a few years back! I've been meaning to watch this for a while now but haven't had time - I guess we all have time now. "

"The cast also includes actors known for their Broadway roles. I won't mention their names only because I think it's always more fun to discover them on your own, when you watch. (That "Hey! - that's... !" kind of thing.) "

 

[uncageg]

Posted: 4/7/20 at 11:09am

John Adams said: "uncageg said: "I really found the singing neighbor annoying in the first half. I am assuming her character will play more into the story. I must say, I was in total tears during the boat scene near the end of the pilot episode. I also gasped when that song came on in the scene with Simon alone in his office. I was obsessed with that song when it came out."

Yup... You "get" it

Did you recognize the singing neighbor from the recent revival of "Once on This Island"?"

 

No, I never got to see the show.

 

[JP2]

Posted: 4/7/20 at 12:29pm

I'm actually loving this. My mother has been begging me to watch and I finally gave in 2 days ago (I'm now all caught up).

 

The pilot tried to stuff a LOT in so it was a bit all over the place, but by episode 2 I was all in. It can be cheesy at times but that's ok. I kinda need that right now with everything going on. Many Moore's choreography is beautiful and it's great to see fully realized musical numbers.

[Hairspray0901]

Posted: 4/7/20 at 12:45pm

I binge watched the first few episodes and am now finally caught up. I love the show overall. The musical numbers are great - Mandy Moore is so talented; loved her choreography on Dancing with the Stars. I agree with the songs sounding auto-tuned though; the talent is certainly there (as we know, from seeing many of these performers sing live on Broadway) so it's a shame they keep editing their voices.

The story with Peter Gallagher's character is so sad...it's almost like they didn't know if they wanted this to be a musical-comedy or a drama so they chose both. Ah, well.

[John Adams]

Posted: 4/24/20 at 11:35am

Bernadette Peters on this Sunday's (4/26) episode...

https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/VIDEO-Get-a-First-Look-at-Bernadette-Peters-Singing-Feeling-Good-on-ZOEYS-EXTRAORDINARY-PLAYLIST-20200424

[uncageg]

Posted: 4/24/20 at 12:50pm

I am all caught up and loving this show! I didn't recognize Goldsberry at first! Loved "The boy is mine". Really looking forward to Bernadette this week!

I think they just need to give Lauren Graham the Emmy and be done with it. She is killing it in this show.

[binau]

Posted: 4/24/20 at 12:56pm

Bernadette sounds great! Can we expect a full record of "Feeling Good" to be on Apple Music after the show airs?

 

[John Adams]

Posted: 4/24/20 at 2:01pm

qolbinau said: "Can we expect a full record of "Feeling Good" to be on Apple Music after the show airs?"

"Luckily, these performances are available to play long after every episode has aired. Each week, the show will release an EP in conjunction with the new episode, featuring the original cast recordings of songs performed in the show." - https://www.udiscovermusic.com/news/lzoeys-extraordinary-playlist-soundtrack/

** Where to find for purchase

** Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist Songs (YouTube Channel)

[uncageg]

Posted: 4/27/20 at 12:13am

I have YouTube Music. Will definitely be listening.

It looks like they have only added the music up to tonight's episode. I guess they will add the rest after the last episodes air. (Or is there just one more this season?)

Updated On: 4/27/20 at 12:13 AM

[InTheBathroom1]

Posted: 6/12/20 at 10:12am

So happy this just got renewed for Season 2!

[dramamama611]

Posted: 6/12/20 at 10:23am

I rather rolled my eyes after the first episode, feeling it would get repetitive. Then I gave it a second chance and fell in love. Very happy its coming back!

[uncageg]

Posted: 6/12/20 at 10:37am

I actually yelled out thank God when I saw the announcement yesterday. So glad they got renewed.

I was wondering when sows start filming for the season and if shows will be able to start filming on schedule.

[BrodyFosse123]

Posted: 6/12/20 at 10:54am

uncageg said: "I actually yelled out thank God when I saw the announcement yesterday. So glad they got renewed.

I was wondering when sows start filming for the season and if shows will be able to start filming on schedule."

Yup.  Production on films and television started up this week so nothing has been affected.  Television series begin production on their new seasons starting late July/early August.  Casts have already received the tentative production schedules for the new season.  Yes, certain guidelines are in effect, but a regular filming routine will be possible.  

[uncageg]

Posted: 6/12/20 at 10:58am

BrodyFosse123 said: "uncageg said: "I actually yelled out thank God when I saw the announcement yesterday. So glad they got renewed.

I was wondering when sows start filming for the season and if shows will be able to start filming on schedule."

Yup. Production on films and television started up this week so nothing has been affected. Television series beginproduction on their new seasons starting late July/early August. Casts have already received the tentative production schedules for the new season. Yes, certain guidelines are in effect, but a regular filming routine will be possible."

I thought I heard that but wasn't sure. Thanks for the info.

 

[Sutton Ross]

Posted: 6/12/20 at 2:11pm

If they intend to start it in January again, filming would probably start in September, I think it will be on time. I enjoyed this series, very fun and creative. 

Updated On: 2/2/21 at 02:11 PM

[uncageg]

Posted: 2/2/21 at 9:46pm

Can't believe they had Chip Zien on and didn't have him do a song.

[dramamama611]

Posted: 2/3/21 at 4:06am

I'm still watching, but don't find this season nearly as moving or interesting.

[Sutton Ross]

Posted: 2/3/21 at 6:50pm

This show has a giant Peter Gallagher sized hole in it this season. It has definitely lost some of its magic and charm.   

[uncageg]

Posted: 2/3/21 at 9:22pm

dramamama611 said: "I'm still watching, but don't find this season nearly as moving or interesting."

Same. It feels like it isn't quite sure it knows where to go. The whole office dynamic is off with Joan gone. And her absence leaves a big void. Not really liking how they made the guys in the office more aggressive, for lack of a better term, childish and annoying. And Mo is a bit annoying this season. I hope it all settles in and focuses.

 

Updated On: 2/3/21 at 09:22 PM