Forwards

I'm trying to get my writing up, and I have this outlet.

I can tell based on daily views that people are seeing this blog, but not commenting.

So, silent viewership. What constructive criticism would you offer me? What can I do to make this blog more enticing to you all?

Leave comments below or message me through G+. I'd really like to hear your thoughts.

Scott Summers: boyscout or badass?

Why so many people feel the need to crap on Scott Summers is not beyond me, but it is frustrating. I'll admit that he has been discarded and mishandled by one too many a writer since the early days (let's be serious, since the Dark Phoenix Saga, almost). But today I'm going to point out some of the reasons you might be in the wrong for hating him. 

Comic Corner: All-New, Uncanny perspectives: you should start reading X-Men again.

I've been mulling this over for awhile trying to figure out what I want to say on the topic.

Comic Book Corner: "New Adjective'd Spider-Man"

Alright, it's safe to say that you shouldn't even bother reading this unless you're willing to read spoilers, or you've already read Amazing Spider-Man #698-700.

Last call, half-nerds. SPOILERS from here on down.

Prometheus: Burning questions, burning desire.

I suppose this is as good as any a film to reel me back into using this blog...

MASSIVE SPOILERS AND DISCUSSION AHEAD

Dear reader, be you fictional or fickle,  I must start by saying that you should feel free to comment at the bottom. In fact, I encourage it! if you think I'm dead wrong, don't just make faces at your screen. whip out your fastest typing fingers and tell me what you think. I really want to know. I've been sitting on this for three weeks, avoiding ALL spoilers (deceptively challenging) and now 'tis time to catch up.

Where to begin.

+2 creative drama. Protection against sarcasm +1

When I first got the invite for tickets to "She Kills Monsters", I wasn't entirely sure what I was in for. Because seriously....how does one attempt to stage a play that tackles the topic of D&D?

Well I found my answer this evening at the Flea theatre, down in tribeca. I wouldn't say it was a "critical hit" but it certainly dealt a formidable blow.

The basic premise is that adult Angie never truly got to know her kid sister-and when Angie's entire family is killed in a crash, she is forced to acknowledge that she won't be able to ever again. But upon cleaning out the family's home, she comes across her younger sister's Dungeons & Dragons notebook- a collection of the adventures young Tilly was immersed in up until her death.

This then is our gateway to a surreal fantasy storytelling, full of adventure, profanity, genetalia jokes and surprisingly beneath it all a really great core message---that sometimes a kid needs an escape outlet like their imagination and there's nothing wrong in admitting who you are deep down; But first let's hit the humor.

Lore, Everlasting

The first musical Revival of the new season has arrived---and confidently put its foot down as a strong, vibrant contender for the Awards season.

Let’s jump to the scrutiny-
“it’s a revival! GODSPELL is classic. Why bother going if I've seen it before?” Well, imaginary reader o’mine, Stephen Schwartz has completely re-tooled the score and book. Updating it and giving it new life and new sounds.

And. It. Is. Wonderful.

A balance of ballad and blasting rock, to everything in between, we see a new look at an old favorite, achieving what American Idiot and Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson fell short of truly encapsulating, in their attempts to make Broadway rock, while keeping its core concerns. The band is scattered around the audience seating, and the pianist planted center stage has as much fun (and occasionally sneaks in his own laughs) as the cast. This piece is very fluid in its humor and its music, and it is very clear that this cast has grown to work as-one, a small circle that brings 100+% every time they take the stage.

From the get-go, this In-the-round production of GODSPELL launches into a prologue entirely vocal-driven; from philosophy to cell phones, we are given a full spread of colors, in costumes that harken back to the original production without copying--- In fact, the choice to ‘clothe’ Jesus in not typical robes, Superstar garb, or even Original Godspell superman tee-shirt but instead opt for a baby-blue baseball jersey, we are firmly informed that this is a Messiah who’s ushering in his storytelling right here in the New Millenium. The age-appropriate cast, which I would mark no older than twenty-six years of age at most, brings an enthusiasm that would seem forced if a larger-name-filled or more-expected-broadway-aged cast were to have been in its place. The youths bring enough gravity to act Two and enough vibrancy to act One that you have a wonderful combination of story and spectacle.

The first act enables a truly terrific ensemble to showcase voice, humor, and parable while pummeling the audience with a rapid-fire string of Pop Culture references, all tasteful if silly at times. While you’re growing to enjoy this cast, the traditional lessons brought by Jesus (played with utter sincerity and engaging, wholehearted eagerness by Hunter Parrish in his powerful return to Broadway) are modernized just enough that the younger audiences can learn via metaphor while those more versed in the text can appreciate a wink and a nudge to the necessity of these nuggets of wisdom in our current society.

After starting act two with a roundhouse of fun (this reviewer was treated to an amazing rarer performance by amazing swing Julia Mattison stealing the first beltings and having a blast as you’re guided back in after intermission), we return to the meat and bones of the Passion of the Christ, uniquely portrayed and while simple, very raw and pointed in its execution. I am not one to enforce a religion on anyone, and I don’t aim to here; but , whether Christian in faith or not, this stage spectacle is a wonderful treat- and if you’re a fan of the original, and a music lover, then do yourself a favor and see what Stephen is refreshing- this graffiti’d god is a new coat of paint on a sure thing.

I won't divulge the pop culture bits as I'd rather you see the show for yourself and appreciate the surprises this cast offers. Suffice to say that the creative use of set, and reimagined musical interpretation paired alongside a recognizable show should sway new theatregoers to a positive future of broadway (if any other famous minds are willing to re-approach material like Schwartz has, here) while regulars will not be disappointed in the least by a far-from-droll revival that bounds onstage, gets your toe tapping, and lets your mind appreciate the intricacy.

One thing's for sure- this production of Godspell is here to play.

five out of five Proverbs.