January 9, 2007
In case you haven't figured it out by now, I'm a gal of the '80s. Graduated smack dab in the middle of the
decade, so I have many fond memories from both high school and college.
I know I'm not the only one who gets a little nostalgic at the mention of Adam Ant, or Naked Eye, or Van Halen (before they were Van Hagar)…or Family Ties, Footloose, or Back to the Future…and obviously, Broadway producers know this too.
I can think of at least three musicals based on '80s nostalgia that have recently hit the stage theaters–Movin' Out (the one with all the Billy Joel songs), Footloose, and The Wedding Singer.
Of course, I've seen the original Footloose with Kevin Bacon. (Side note: the theme song for my senior prom was the love theme from this movie. Anyone remember it?) And I've seen The Wedding Singer movie. (I thought Drew and Adam Sandler were adorable together.)
But I'm wondering–are these '80s-themed shows any good? Or are they just a culled-together attempt to grab a piece of the first wave of Generation X and its *gasp* middle-aged pocketbooks?
Have you seen any of the musical theater productions, and if so, which ones? Were they good?
For some great tongue-in-cheek '80s humor, I think The Wedding Singer takes the cake, and I hear the show does even moreso than the film…true? Anyone? Anyone? Bueller?
January 9th, 2007 at 2:00 am
I think I must have watched Footloose five thousand times. God, I love that scene in the warehouse. And the soundtrack? Wore it out.
I haven’t seen The Wedding Singer.
January 9th, 2007 at 3:58 am
I can’t classify Movin’ Out as a Musical Theatre show anymore now that I’ve seen it. It’s all dance. The show is brilliant, and I think it works well. The band for that show works so hard, and the lead singer is FIERCE.
Footloose is apparently ok.
Wedding Singer I’ve heard amazing things about. I’ve got a few songs from it and it’s pretty funny.
January 9th, 2007 at 7:51 am
Colleen - how about a post devoted to Adam Ant.
After the success of That 70’s Show, Fox did one on the 80s, but it didn’t work out. I suspect our kids will have 80s Day at school, leg warmers, headbands. “Totally Tubular!” At least I wouldn’t have to sew a poodle skirt.
January 9th, 2007 at 8:30 am
Hi. Just popping over from Marianne’s to congratulate you on your debut novel. I’m excited about reading it. It sounds like it’s a perfect blend of two areas I enjoy. Have a happy day.
January 9th, 2007 at 8:41 am
Hey Meljean…The Wedding Singer is definitely worth seeing. It’s really cute, a little sappy, but there are a lot of great ’80s references. You’ll get a kick out of it…plus Adam Sandler is adorable in it. (Have you seen Fifty First Dates? That’s another great flick with him and Drew.)
Cosmic, I knew I could count on you to know what was up. I wanted to see Movin’ Out too, but now that I know what to expect I won’t be disappointed. Hey, does your mom have my book release party marked down for the 23rd? And I’ll be at Borders on Thursday.
Jill….An ’80s Day at school! What a great idea! I think I’ll suggest that to my daughter. What a laugh that will be. Flashdance clothes, all the Madonna jewelry–and remember those little pins with rock bands on them? We used to wear them on our uniform vests every day (yes, I have already disclosed publicly that I went to Catholic high school).
A post on Adam Ant is a good idea…maybe next Tuesday!
Judy…thanks for coming by! I hope you enjoy the book!
January 9th, 2007 at 10:20 am
I saw Footloose on broadway a few years back. I enjoyed it. I want to see Spamalot.
January 9th, 2007 at 10:23 am
katkat, I loved Spamalot–we saw it just before the holidays.
(I was singing “The Tale of Sir Robin” for days after.)
January 9th, 2007 at 11:20 am
I have not seen any musicals recently, but I did read that the horror film Evil Dead is now an off broadway production.
January 9th, 2007 at 4:13 pm
You have Gardella legacy themed spam blockers? Too cool!
All I can say is that after the experience we had last summer, Colleen, I am very very wary of any Broadway adaptations of movies. Very. Very.
I still shudder when I think about that duet where the guy was singing the high part.
January 9th, 2007 at 4:33 pm
Diana, yeah, my designer rocks, doesn’t she?
And, double yeah on the wariness. I wish we’d gone to see Spamalot or Wicked instead.
January 9th, 2007 at 5:11 pm
Colleen-I gave my mom the book release party date. We’re going to go. I just have to remind her to make sure she remembers!
I’m in wisconsin for a theatre confrence for a while, but I’m going to come say hello when you’re in Ann Arbor. I’ve been telling my friends too, but most are in rehearsals that night. I’ll see you there!