One of my all time favorite musicals is "Little Shop of Horrors" and said musical has what I count as my all time favorite song from a musical, "Suddenly Seymour". There have been various takes on this classic song and I've decided to look at them all. Not to choose, which one I like best (it's the film version BTW) but because there have been so many takes on this song that I thought it'd be fun to look at the different versions.
We start with the original Off-Broadway Cast and I must say that being used to Rick Moranis' Seymour, this Seymour doesn't have have the same sound and the Audrey singing there is Ellen Greene, who would reprise the role in the film. Again, she sounds different but still really good. It is neat to go back and hear the original take on one of my all time favorite songs.
Oh, I can't say anything bad about this version. I love this song. If I were to ever do a countdown of my favorite Musical Numbers, this would be # 1. This song is what pushed "Little Shop" from being a good musical to one of the greats in my opinion. This rendition is just so heartbreaking and when I hear Ellen Greene's Audrey in this version, my eyes to start to water up for her because I can actually feel that she is finally putting the pain of the past behind her and embracing her new happy life. (That is if you don't watch the horrid Director's Cut).
I gotta say that behind the movie version, this is probably my second favorite version of this song. This Seymour has a real sweetness to his voice that just makes him so endearing and that you are truly rooting for him. I've heard some people compare this Audrey to Ellen Greene and while, she doesn't have the same voice. Audrey is not an easy character to get right and this actress does a fine job here.
Anyone that knows me knows that I LOVE Carrie Underwood. I have the biggest crush on Carrie but... I gotta be honest. Something about this version feels off about this. I mean I love Carrie, I really do and it's cool that she covered one of my favorite songs but her voice doesn't seem like the right fit for this song and that is also true of Patrick Wilson. It's cool to hear Carrie sing this as a fan of hers but I'm sorry , I can't help but picture Rick Moranis and Ellen Greene, when hearing this and they don't stack up.
I had no idea that this version existed until looking up versions for this song and all I gotta say is WOW. This is good. Mandy Moore should have seriously gotten the chance to play Audrey, if she is this good and Adam Pascal from RENT (one of my favorite musicals) does a really good job of putting a new spin on Seymour's part of the song while remaining faithful. All I can say is that I really want to hear Mandy Moore cover "Somewhere That's Green" after this.
Suddenly Seymour (Glee)
Yes, I'm a Gleek and I make no apologies for that. I've been fan since season 1, episode 1. I know the internet likes to rag on the show and I get it but I've loved this show through all of it's ups & downs such as losing fan favorite, Cory Montetith to a drug overdose. In the final season's first episode, Rachel Berry (played the girlfriend of the late Cory, Lea Michele) and Blaine Anderson (played by Darren Criss) are singing this song as a means to cheer Rachel up after she loses everything that she had worked for. If you know the show, it's her fault. Now, when I first heard this version, I was somewhat confused because A. Rachel & Blaine are most certainly not a couple as the latter is gay. So, I was trying to figure out the context for this song and then when I heard it, my second thought was that I wished that they had done it before Cory died because I would have loved to heard Cory & Rachel sing it to each other as the two truly loved each other and yeah, it was a rocky road but I'm just yearning for what could've been and I think a Rachel & Finn version of this song would have been fantastic. Alas, I'll never know but still from what I've heard I'm excited to see it in tomorrow's season opener. Sure, Rachel singing "Let It Go" is getting all the buzz right because it's "Let It Go" but I'm more excited about this.
These are my thoughts on this song. What's your favorite take here. Let me know in the comments. Peace!
Idina Menzel is someone that I've been a fan of since I became aware of Broadway. She is one of my favorite actresses and she deserves all the accolades that Frozen has brought her as she is a National Treasure. It's funny but she pops up in a lot of things, I like. For instance, she was in the Original Broadway Cast of two musicals, I greatly enjoy, RENT and Wicked. And she also had a recurring role on Glee, one of my favorite shows that isn't as good as it once was and they missed a golden opportunity by not having her on the 100th episode as Krisitn Chenoweth is also recurring character on Glee and they've never been on an episode together and they even sang "Defying Gravity". Come on, and then of course, she was made into a huge star with her turn as Elsa in Frozen. I came up with the idea for this list, after watching The Tony's and realizing, I love this woman's voice, I swear she could sing the phone book and make it sound pretty and that's why today, I'm counting down my Top 10 Idina Menzel Songs. With that out of the way, let's begin.
Coming in at # 10, we have Over The Moon from RENT, now even though she was also in the movie and reprises her character of Maureen, I decided to go with the Original Performance and I'll be honest and say that is one of my less liked songs from RENT but in the context of the musical, it makes sense as a protest song against having this area tore down and just goes to show what kind of character, Maureen is and that's nuts. She's a performance artist that is dedicated to her cause but has wild and out and there ideas that really only make sense to her and this song perfectly captures the character of Maureen as being someone that is well-meaning, if a little flaky and off-kilter.
Okay, this is just proof that Idina is great in duets and as for the context of this number, this comes after a rehearsal for the wedding between Maureen and her fiancee, Joanne. And as you can hear the two are polar opposites and I just the song fighting between Maureen and Joanne as they are just so raw and hard on each other.
I first discovered this take on "No Today But Today" thanks to Pandora. Yes, I have an Idina Menzel station on my Pandora and this is really pretty and she does a great job of bringing out the emotions of this song and pain. It's funny but normally in RENT, this song is usually sung as a group number but I first heard her solo version again on Pandora as a part of a concert, she was doing and surprisingly worked. I wasn't sure that it would but it really does.
Idina Menzel singing one of the best songs from Les Miserables. Uhm , sold! And it totally works in the context of the show, Menzel played a woman that had given her child up for adoption to a gay couple and Rachel, her daughter had always wanted to meet her biological mother and this is the first step because she is given a tape that has her mother singing and even though, you see the mother and daughter pair onstage singing together, that is actually a dream sequence as they had not met each other yet but they do meet in time and this song is a great duet between the two of them.
I first heard this song on this year's Tony's and OH MY GOD, this is why I LOVE HER!!!!!!!!! Sorry, but this song not only reflects the character of Elizabeth that she plays in If/Then, in which she plays a 40 something single woman who moves back to New York to try to find her way, this song also reflects an older and mature Idina Menzel returning to Broadway and claiming the stage again and showing that she still has it and she's my Queen of Broadway. (She's awesome) This type of song is a "Who Am I?" song and from what I've read of the plot of If/Then, that is what the musical about as Idina's character is trying to figure who she is and this song is asking the question, do I have always have to be someone new and not just have people accept me for who I am and perhaps I'm misreading the song but the way reading this song, presents this character as Idina's most vulnerable character that she has ever played.
I found this one while looking up Idina Menzel songs for this list and this from third studio album and you know what, it's really good and continues a message that seems to be persistent throughout a lot of her songs that she is strong and well, Brave and can take whatever life throws at her. And she can take whatever life throws at her and isn't scared of the challenges that may face her.
Yeah, the rest of this list is pretty much going to be Wicked heavy but it's her best work and her greatest role and I know people often cite this and my number 1 as the two best songs from Wicked and while "For Good" is fantastic and breaks my heart every time I listen to it as you hear these two friends that meant so much to each other saying goodbye as their paths in life has forced them away from each other but they will never forget the lessons, they taught one another and they were made better people for having known each other. I'm sorry, but I need a Kleenex. Just a great song with a great message of friendship and how strong, it can be.
This song is the turning point in Elphaba's life as she has given up on life and decides that she will no longer doing any good deeds and embraces the wickedness that Oz has thrust upon her, especially in part because she can't save the one she loves the most and it is in this moment that she goes from being Elphaba to becoming The Wicked Witch, she is basically telling Oz, if that's who you want me to be, if you'll get it. And again, just the raw emotion in her voice as she sings this number is chilling as you can hear the fear and anger that has been bottled up inside Elphaba as she lets it all out. That is one of the key factors of this song, it has to be able to sell the anger aspect because she's angry at the world , she lives in for mistreating her and gives up and gives into what, they think she is.
Yeah, I'm sure you were all waiting for this one and I'll understand if some are you, are upset that this is only # 2, again as I pointed out, my # 1 is from Wicked and this song has a lot in common with that song as they are both about owning who you are and not caring what others think of you. And honestly, I don't know what else, I can say on this song after doing an entire Frozen Week on A Look at Disney. Everybody and their well in the case of this film, sister has had their say on this fantastic song that sends a great message of own you are but my # 1 song did that first and my # 1 song is...
Whatever I say, cannot do this song justice. This is a song that you need to listen to truly appreciate it's greatness. Now as I said when talking about how "Let It Go" and "Defying Gravity" share a lot in common but this song was the original "Let It Go" because just like Elsa, Elphaba isn't going to let others say or the rules that they have set for her, bring her down and she will instead chart her own path and make her own rules. As she is going to accept who she is while trying to fight The Wizard and reveal his sinister plans. Honestly, it's not hard to see why, this is often regarded as the signature song of Wicked because it's just that good and the message behind it is extremely powerful and moving. She owns who she is and isn't scared to show all of Oz, who that is.
There you have it, my Top 10 Indina Menzel songs. Gosh, I love her. She is such a great talent and it was a treat getting to do this special Top 10 for you guys. Peace!
Hello and welcome to the finale of Monstrous Musicals. Today, on this last entry in the first ever Monstrous Musicals with our first ever Ranking The Villains. Now, it just so happened that all of the musicals other then The Addams Family had villains in them. Which honestly, the only villainous act there was casting Nathan Lane as Gomez Addams. Well, no there was more issues then that but we aren't here to talk about that. No, instead, I'm here today to go over the villains from the musicals that I've reviewed and determine, which is the best of the lot. Now, I'll be including my favorite number by them and going over what in my opinion makes them a good villain.
6. Miss Strict - Zombie Prom
Now Miss Strict is perhaps the least interesting villain on this list. She's not a bad villain but her motive isn't as grand as some of the other characters on the list. After Jonny comes back as a reanimated corpse, her biggest goal is to keep him off school premises as she does not want zombies on her school. Really, how Delilah Strict is trying to do is keep order in her high school and you can't blame anyone for that but it's just her over the top way of going about doing it, that makes her so entertaining. Her character is perhaps best explored in the song, Rules, Regulation, and Respect.
This number here shows how she is a no nonsense, no holds-barred woman, who doesn't take any gruff and quite honestly, she fits the bill of how young people sometimes view adults that are in position of authority above them.
5. Frank N. Furter - The Rocky Horror Picture Show
Frank is only at # 4 because again, he compared to some of the other villains are well small minded. He's petty and has a "Me" attitude and honestly, there is nothing wrong with that as his goal is to satisfy his own self-interests and stop anyone that gets in his way or more importantly takes the spotlight away from him such as his mercy killing of Eddie. And I may have given Best Song to Planet Schmanet Janet on Monday but quite honestly, the song that best sums him up is Sweet Transvestite.
This song perfectly sums up who Frankie is and how he owns it and takes great pride in it. Plus Frank just revels in the spotlight and loves having the attention on him.
4. Dr. Horrible - Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog
Now, I went back and forth over whether or not I should place Dr. Horrible or Captain Hammer on this list but in the end, I went with Dr. Horrible because there is more to him then Hammer and his motive was to change the status quo. In a way, he is the most successful villain and most tragic one on this list as he achieved what he wanted but the cost of the person that loved him, the most. And you could see even though that he won, that he wasn't happy in the end. Now for the best song that sums up Horrible, there are three that come to mind, Brand New Day, the birth of Dr. Horrible, Slipping, the rise of Dr. Horrible, and Everything You Ever, the death of Billy, Dr. Horrible's alter ego. and Dr. Horrible becoming the true personality. So with that, I have to go with Everything You Ever.
3. Audrey II - Little Shop of Horrors
I have to be honest and say that I'm surprised that Audrey II didn't place higher. Well, if I was going by Oz's Director Cut, he probably would've been # 1 but I'm not, I'm just going with the theatrical release. Why does Audrey II work so well? Audrey II is able to use Seymour to meet his end goal as he can't do it himself being stuck in Mushnik's and no Seymour, it's not because he's inanimate . Sorry but that line has always bugged me. Audrey II is able to convince a innocent and good hearted guy who basically become a monster and commit heinous acts that Seymour would otherwise not do. Also, he has to be the creepiest looking villain on this list and he is really able to get into Seymour's head as I mentioned and this is perhaps best explored in Feed Me (Git It)
This number wonderfully demonstrates what I saying about Audrey II is able to easily convince Seymour to do something that he would most likely not do otherwise.
2. Madame Morrible - Wicked
Our top two villains make life a living Hell for their stories' respective main characters. Starting with Madame Morrible, she is the one responsible for people viewing Elphaba as a Wicked Witch. Because she is the one that started that rumor, when poor Elphie botched a spell in front of The Wizard and the sad part is the Ozians chose to believe Morrible and decided to view Elphaba, not as who she truly was but who they were she was. Morrible's propaganda led to all of Oz seeing something that wasn't real. And do I even need to mention that she's the one that kill Nessarose, Elphaba's sister. Now unlike every other villain on this list, Morrible does not have a song but there still is a song that her reach and grab of Oz and the Ozians buying into her lie and hating the Witch.
Everything in this song could've been avoided, if Elphie had been treated decently and Morrible never started her propaganda but because she did, this is how people chose to view someone without getting to know her.
1. Swan - Phantom of The Paradise
Swan is just cruel, he only keeps Winslow alive to betray and because keeping him alive is a Hell worse then death. At first glance, Swan might seem like an evil record producer... and you are right but there is so much more to him. You can't kill him physically because of the deal he made with the devil to stay young. The only way for him to die is for footage that he has to watch of himself everyday to be burnt. Which does happen. Now with Swan, he is the perfect example of big business screwing over the little guy because he steals Winslow's song outright and has Winslow arrested but Winslow escapes and becomes The Phantom, Swan knows that it's him and makes a deal with him, finish the work, he started and he'll let Phoenix, the girl that our Phantom is crushing on sing it but he turns on that as he finds her to be too perfect and doesn't like that. Because he doesn't want someone better then him, so that's when he hires the horrid Beef. And honestly, that's not even the worst thing he does. No, when he hooks up a voice box to Winslow to speak and sing, Winslow's singing voice is that of Swan. A constant reminder to Winslow of the pain, he is in and that death is the better option but the only way for Winslow to die is for Swan to be killed. Swan is just cruel in how he messes with poor Winslow and screws him over. Which I believe that this best examined in his version of Winslow's song, Faust
Now that is Winlsow, who plays it in the film but as I mentioned, it is Swan's singing voice. A constant reminder to Winslow that he lost his own singing voice and he now has to live with the one of the man, that made his life Hell from the get go. Now Swan eventually does get his comeuppance at the hands of Winslow, when all of the tape is burnt but up until that point, he is just a monster.
And thus this concludes Monstrous Musicals. I've had a blast doing this. So much so, that it'll be returning next year. Thanks for taking the time to read these articles. Peace!
Well folks, we've reached the final review of Monstrous Musicals. Today, we are taking a look at one of my all time favorite musicals and after some thought, I've decided to touch upon both cuts because I wanted the last review to end on a happy note. Join me as I look at film that was adapted from a stage play based on a Roger Corman film from the 1960's and try to show why, the musical film adaption of Little Shop of Horrors is one of my favorite films.
Trailer
Okay, first off trailer, Steve Martin's role is NOT a special guest appearance. Yes, that is true of John Candy (why is he on the DVD cover) and Bill Murray. Martin is our secondary antagonist in the film. He has a big role as Audrey's abusive lover. So, don't go calling Martin, a guest appearance, when for goodness' sake, he has his own villain song.
The Plot
We open the film on Skid Row as we see our two leads, Seymour and Audrey lamenting the fact that they cannot escape from the slums as we see them at Mushnik's Flower Shop and the shop is losing money. Audrey suggests that they should display an odd plant that Seymour owns. This is after Mushnik says that the store will have to close. He at first thinks that the strange plant will not attract any customers but then, we get our first customer and our first of a few cameos as a customer (Christopher Guest) comes in and says that he noticed the strange and mysterious plant and he makes a purchase.
Seymour soon explains that he bought the plant from a Chinese flower shop, when last week there was a total eclipse of the sun. The plant soon brings business to Mushnik's and it also brings fame to Seymour and makes him a local celebrity. Such as appearing on the radio show hosted by Weird Wade Wilknson (played by the late but hilarious John Candy).
The plant as we know it, Audrey II continues to grow after Seymour discovers that Audrey II feeds off blood. Later on, Seymour attempts to ask out his crush, Audrey but he is turned down as Audrey is dating the sadistic dentist, Orin Scrivello. However, Audrey wishes to escape her abusive relationship with the dentist and marry Seymour and leave Skid Row behind to go to greener pastures. After we see Audrey leave with the abusive dentist, we see Audrey II beg for more blood, at first Seymour refuses but after seeing Orin slap Audrey, he agrees to do it. He then goes to make an appointment with Orion taking a revolver with him to kill the sadistic dentist but there is no need as Orion does himself in with a type of gas. But this is after a great cameo by Bill Murray as a patient that loves pain and being tortured. And you can just see that this infuriates Orion.
Honestly, when Bill is on screen, he steals the scene and makes this scene a little less painful. Seymour later discovers that the police investigating Orin's disappearance and we get a great moment between Seymour and Audrey, when we learn that Audrey secretly hoped for something bad to happen to Orion because of his abusive nature. Seymour takes Orin's body back to Audrey II (who has been getting bigger and bigger) as we see him chop Orion's body in one of the darkest moments of the film. He is spotted by Mushnik, unbeknownst to Seymour. Seymour is later confronted by Mushink, and offers him an escape, if Seymour teaches him how to care for the plant but this is all for not, as Mushnik is backed up by Seymour and eaten by Audrey II. Seymour has gained widespread success but he does not want it Seymour plans to elope to Audrey and escape from Skid Row, leaving Audrey II to starve to death but as we shall soon see, things won't be that easy for Seymour. Later on, Seymour leaves to take care of some business and the plant tricks Audrey II by calling her and tries to eat Audrey. Seymour returns and saves her from being eaten after we learn that that Audrey II is actually an alien. Audrey II collapses on the store and Seymour electrocutes the plant killing it as our two leads are safely reunited and we see them at the end moving into their house, as we see little Audrey II's in their front yard. Meaning that isn't all over.
That's the theatrical ending and my preferred ending of the film. After some thought, I don't hate the Director's Cut as much but maybe I'm a sucker for happy endings. I'm just going to cop and paste the description of the Director's Cut here.
In the original ending, after Audrey is attacked by Audrey II (reprise of "Suppertime"), Seymour rescues Audrey, who is seriously injured. Confessing to Audrey he fed Mushnik and Orin to Audrey II, Audrey requests Seymour feed her to the plant and earn the success he deserves, before she dies in his arms (reprise of "Somewhere That's Green"). Seymour does so, but soon attempts to commit suicide, only to be stopped by a salesman, who offers to reproduce and sell Audrey II. Realizing Audrey II's intentions of world domination, Seymour is warned that his consent isn't necessary as plants are considered public domain, meaning Audrey II has to be destroyed. Returning to the shop, Seymour confronts and tries to kill the plant ("Mean Green Mother from Outer Space"), who tears down the shop, plucks Seymour out of the rubble, and eats him alive.
The three chorus girls appear in front of the American flag and tell how the Audrey II buds became a nationwide consumer craze, but soon, grew into an army of monstrous plants who take over the country ("Don't Feed the Plants").Giant Audrey II plants are shown destroying American cities, toppling buildings and eating people. The U.S. Army attempt to fight the Audrey II buds as the final shot shows the plants ascending the Statue of Liberty.
I think the issue I have with the ending is not Seymour dying because you could make the argument that he warrants a punishment for the crimes he committed but my two biggest issues with this ending are Audrey dying. Now, this is going to be tough to explain. If you recall last week, when I reviewed Dr. Horrible, I had no issue with Penny's death because I felt that one actually had more weight behind it and was more tragic then Audrey's death but perhaps my biggest issue is when the film shifts focus onto Audrey II attacking these people do NOT know. That's my big issue, all of the characters that we cared about are dead and now here are these innocent bystanders, we know nothing about dying and we have no reason to mourn their loss. The film with this ending goes from being a rather tragic film to your standard monster movie. And that does not work. This reminds me of something once said by Don Bluth.
We can scare our kids, so long as we attach a happy ending
Now clearly, this is not a children's film but the message I'm trying to relay is that you can still have your scares and end on a happy note. And yes, this film does get rather dark. Just go back and watch Suppertime but I truly feel that even though, there is not a shadow of a doubt that Seymour got away with murder, he and Audrey deserved a happy ending And honestly, Orin deserved to die. He brought nothing but cruelty to the world. And weeding out people like him is okay. Now this is just one person's take on it. Does this ending take away from the film? No, but it does lessen in my opinion because as I said it just goes to standard monster movie fare without any of the magic that made this film, so great.
Characters Greek Chorus
Crystal, Ronette, & Chiffon played by Tichina Arnold, Michelle Weeks, and Tisha Campbell-Martin
I honestly have to say that I cannot picture the film without these three. They serve commenting on the stuff that is going on around them and they really only ever interact with the main cast twice, first during the beginning o Skid Row with Mr. Mushnik, where we learn that they are dropouts and then at the beginning of Somewhere That's Green with Audrey. For the most part, they never overtake the story and blend in well to what's happening such as during as the "Dentist" number.
They are at best, background singers for our main cast.
Characters
This'll be broken down into Main, Supporting, and Villains. With that out of the way, let's begin.
Main Characters
Seymour played by Rick Moranis
Now, if you recall my favorite characters list, he came in at # 14. Seymour as I said in that article and up top is a murderer or at the very least, he attempted murder but the more, I think about it, Orin's death was his own fault and as for Mushnik. Well, there is some debate there. He is also someone that we are rooting for as he is sympathetic and was pressured into doing these heinous deeds by Audrey II. So, in that regard, it is easy to root for him. He didn't really want this, he was pressured into it. He is a bumbling buffoon, who just wants to be happy and get the girl. Something that Audrey II offers him as we see during the awesome, "Feed Me" number. Perhaps the best thing about Seymour is that as the film progresses, you can see the wear and tear that the events are taking on him.
Audrey played by Ellen Greene
Audrey is my second favorite character in the film. She is a sweet girl, that is hoping for a better life. She knows, she's in a bad place and she knows it. This is best explored during "Somewhere That's Green". She may be in a bad place but that doesn't make her a bad person. Far from it, she is a very sweet girl.
Supporting Character
Mr. Mushnik played by Vincent Gardenia
Mushnik is perhaps my least favorite character in the film as he really doesn't have much of a personality other then being the greedy, grouchy store owner. That's about it, really. Vincent Gardenia plays him well enough but there is very little there to make him memorable.
What a great way to start the film. The narration and the wall text are great and we get our first taste of the Greek Chorus singing and they sell it well. This number is just so much fun and lets us know, exactly what kind of film, we are in for.
Skid Row (Downtown)
This is a great introduction to Skid Row as we see, that it's basically a hopeless dump. People dream of making it out of there but that is a hard dream to achieve. And oh, my God, Audrey's voice is just so fantastic. And Seymour as we hear has had a tragic life being an orphan and things never seeming to go his way. The big thing to take away from this number is that people want to get out of here.
Da-Doo
I have to agree with Paw from his review that it's funny that this song is just called Da-Doo. I always want to call it, Total Eclipse of The Sun for some unexplained reason. It's really not much of a song as it's more of Seymour just speaking his lyrics and not singing them.
Grow For Me
This is a cute little ditty, where we can easily see that Seymour is trying really to get Audrey II to grow and right now, nothing seems to be working but as we all know, Seymour is about to soon discover what this little plant needs to grow and I also have to say that I just really love how unassuming and not very menacing Audrey II looks, knowing what is coming.
Somewhere That's Green
I like this song as we get to delve into the wants of Audrey and what she pictures her escape from Skid Row to look like. In many way, this is a very good companion piece to Skid Row as this shows the optimistic dream that Audrey holds for her future in hopes that there is a better tomorrow. Are her dreams simple? Perhaps but that doesn't make them any less admirable.
Some Fun Now
Originally, I was going to list this song as my least favorite but honestly, this song has grown on me over time. Yeah, it's repetitive and not as deep as some of the other songs but darn it, this song is super catchy.
Dentist
I love this number, as it just goes to show how cruel Orin is as a dentist and it plays on the fear, people have of going to the dentist. As we picture them as people like Orin, when in reality that usually isn't the case. This song is just so much fun, so long as you don't have it come while at the dentist. I had that up to me, once and it made for the most uncomfortable experience.
Feed Me (Git It)
Now, this is a great number as we are introduced to Audrey II and see that that the plant is more then it seems. Audrey II is a tricky little being that is making offers that are too good for Seymour to resist. Seymour as you hear has reservations and this is where the idea to kill Orin is planted in Seymour's head. These two seriously work well off of each other in this number.
Suddenly Seymour
There's no two ways around it, this is my favorite number from the film. It is just such a sweet song as we finally get to see them come together and have their much deserved happiness. Showing that there is a ray of sunshine always shining. And this song further cements why these are one of my favorite on screen couples, they are just so cute together and they bring much needed happiness and understanding to each other's lives. I think that is why Audrey's death in the director's cut bugs me so much.
Suppertime
This is seriously one of the darkest numbers in the film. The mood and atmosphere just work in setting up the creepy mood and tone of what is going on. Here, I think it works having the Greek Chorus singing in the background as Mushnik confronts Seymour. Because we know that something bad is about to go down.
Here we have the reprise of Suppertime and is it just me or does Audrey II creepier, knowing that he can work the phone because he is going to try and eat Audrey.
Mean Green Mother From Outer Space
Now, this is how you do a villain song. It is just so much fun and so great. What can I say, I love villains that taunt and act superior then our heroes and Audrey II does that all throughout the film and how Audrey II is able to turn the gun so easily on Seymour is so great. This is seriously, one of the best villain songs ever.
Villains
Orin Scrivello, DDS played by Steve Martin
Orin isn't a good person as he is just cruel and takes pleasure in torturing his clients and he is very cruel to Audrey. He doesn't believe that women are equals but rather should be shown their place. And honestly, that makes his death all the more pleasurable because he is someone, you want to see die.
Audrey II performed by Levi Stubbs
What I find interesting is that this was Levi Stubbs' only film role. Stubbs was better known for being the lead vocalist of the Four Tops and Stubbs' voice adds to the creepiness factor as he just sounds so menacing. And his growth throughout the film as he gets bigger and suddenly takes up the store makes him an even bigger presence and bigger threat as well. But it is quite honestly the voice that truly sells him on being creepy.
Favorite/Least Favorite
Now, I already made my favorite very clear, it's Suddenly Seymour. Suddenly Seymour isn't just one of my favorite songs from this film, it's one of all time favorite songs period because of the emotion behind it and the happiness and understanding that these two bring to each other. I can honestly listen to that song on endless loop and have the biggest grin on my face. As for Least Favorite, I don't have one. Honestly, I like all of the songs in this film so much that I cannot pick one as a least favorite.
My Final Thoughts
I LOVE this film. Little Shop is one of my all time favorite musicals and I just love everything about it from the characters to the music. There is very little I don't like about this film. This is a musical, that if you haven't seen, you must. I command it. There are a few reasons I love this film and out of everything I've reviewed for Monstrous Musicals, I have the most personal connection with Little Shop. I mean, sure it doesn't hurt that the music was written by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman. Who would go to work on the music for Disney greats such as Beauty and The Beast before Ashman's untimely death in '91. But also because this film takes me back to my sophomore year of high school, when I was in Drama II and one of our assignments was to read and direct a scene from a play. I had the lucky fortune of getting to read Little Shop of Horrors and directing the Feed Me (Git It) scene. That is a memory that still sticks with me to this very day and whenever I think of Little Shop, I think of the one time I got to direct something. So, while I may love every I reviewed (save The Addams Family), this one is special to me because it goes beyond just being a musical and becomes a memory. Well, now all of the reviews for the first Monstrous Musicals are completed but we still have one article left to go. Join me on Halloween as I close this event out.
Hello & welcome back to Monstrous Musicals. Well folks, we are two away from being done with the reviews. And today, we are taking a look at a musical that is often cited as the quintessential Halloween musical. Dammit, Janet, this is The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Trailer
Uh yeah, what does one say to that thing? But seriously, that is the reaction I had, the first time I watched this film.
The Plot
We open the film on the criminologist, who'll serve as our narrator telling the story of Brad and Janet and the one fateful night that they came across Dr. Frank N. Furter. We start the film proper at the wedding of one of their close friends, after which Brad proposes to Janet. Later on, we see them driving and it appears that they have gotten a flat and they are lost on a dark and rainy night, they have decided to go a castle that they drove past in hopes to use their phone and here they come across the transvlyaians holding their annual Transylvania convention and the most memorable number in the film happens. Y'know, which one I'm talking about. After which, we are introduced to our antagonist of the film, the fabulous and fantastic Fran N. Furter. And they are also introduced to the rest of the cast, Riff Raff, Magenta and Columbia. After Frankie's big entrance, they head up to his lab to see what's on the slab. Our dear scientist it appears has found the secret to life as he's made himself one hell of a man. Although, he has created his perfect man, we see that he isn't a very good lover. More on that later but now it's time to celebrate the birth of Rocky and the celebration is going great until it's crashed by Eddie, an ex-delivery boy and partial brain donor to Rocky. Eddie steals the spotlight away from Frank N. Furter and out of jealously, Frank kills him in what is undoubtedly the most intense moment as Frank N. Furter takes an ice axe to Eddie. Seriously, forget how frightening Tim Curry can be in this film. Later on, we see Frank take his guests to separate bedrooms, where he later seduces the both of them by pretending to be Brad and Janet. WTH? Just go with it, Janet did. Later on Janet heads on down to the lab and sees Rocky, who is whimpering like a little puppy from all of the suffering he had endured from Riff Raff. Janet tends to his wounds and they make out. Dammit Janet, you get around. Meanwhile Columbia and Magenta are watching on a monitor as Rocky and Janet get to know each other better. Does anyone else find this a little unsettling because technically Rocky isn't even a day old yet. Then again, it did seem as though both parties involved were okay with this but still, this seems a little squicky. Later on, Rocky goes missing and Frank heads to the lab with Brad and Riff Raff, where an intruder, Dr. Everett Scott, Brad and Janet's old high school science but Frankie suspects him of working for the government searching for UFO's. (I wonder, if he'd be effected by the shutdown as well. Probably!) Frank after learning of Brad and Janet's connection to Dr. Scott, think they might work for him. All of the commotion is broken up, when Magenta comes and lets everyone know that dinner is ready. When at the table, it is discovered the table is actually Eddie. (What a guy!) This causes Janet to run and scream through the Frankenstein Place being chased by a jealous Frank (Looks like, she needed to wise up). With the chase ending in Frank's lab with Dr. Scott and Brad joining up with them and Frank using the Medusa Transducer that'll seduce them to turn them into statues. Later on, we see them on a stage where Frank forces them to put on a live cabaret show (my kind of villain. I'd probably do that too). But the performance is cut short by Riff and Magenta. In the words of human Pinkie Pie: Oh bummer. But no time to dwell on that as it is revealed that our brother and sister pair along with Frank N. Furter are indeed aliens from the planet Transsexual in the galaxy of Transylvania. In the process, they kill Columbia, Frank and Rocky while letting Dr. Scott, Brad a Janet go. As they escape from the Frankenstein Place and Riff Raff and Magenta speak of returning home. This film is weird but it is also a lot of fun.
Characters
We've got a lot and I mean a lot of characters to go through. Let's begin.
Narration
The Criminologist played by Charles Gray
The Criminologist is important to the story as he is that tells the tale to us and I do appreciate the fact that he doesn't overstay his welcome. He serves his purpose but doesn't overtake the film.
Main Characters
Brad Majors (A Hero) played by Barry Bostwick
If I'm to be honest, I've always found Brad to be a bit boring. Bostwick does a fine job playing him as the uptight, straight-laced serious half of our main leads and he is for all intents and purposes, a dork. Which is why when Glee did their Rocky Horror episode, casting Finn in this role was a mistake because he is a jock and Brad Majors is not all that athletic. Getting back on topic, I just think it's a case of all of the the other characters that Brad interacts with is far more interesting.
Janet Weiss (A Heroine) played by Susan Sarandon
Whereas Brad was a character, I found boring. Janet was actually a bit interesting. Especially in regards that she clearly isn't as innocent, she comes across. She is just so much fun because you know there is something going on with her.
Supporting Characters
Riff Raff and Magenta played by Richard O'Brien & Patricia Quinn (A Handyman and a Domestic)
The more I think about it, these two turning on Frank isn't all that shocking. Because if you actually pay attention to their actions, they have no respect for Frank but they just tolerate him and just go back to the scene, where Riff Raff tortures and beats Rocky.
Columbia (A Groupie) played by Little Nell
Columbia is a hard character to place. She's not a bad character and in a way, she lives up to her label, the most especially her interaction with Eddie and even moreso, her infatuation with Eddie because as we see in her bedroom, Eddie's face is plastered is all over the place. I think the only thing that threw me off about Columbia at the end is when, she admitted that she loved Frank. I guess I should've seen that coming with her acting jealously towards Rocky.
Rocky (A Creation) played by Peter Hinwood
Rocky is one of the more interesting characters in the film because, this is just his first day alive and we are experiencing him experience his surroundings and taking all of the new things around him. It does make for a fascinating watch with this character.
Eddie (An Ex-Delivery Boy) played by Meat Loaf
Why wasn't Eddie in more of this film? He was the best character in the entire film. Meat Loaf was just so much fun and totally selling the character of Eddie. His number is one of the best, if not in the best in the film. It's just a shame that he was killed off so soon in the film.
Dr. Everett Scott (A Rival Scientist) played by Jonathan Adams
Dr. Scott was an all right character and I forgot to mention the fact that was Eddie's uncle and the main reason, he went to the Frankenstein Place was to look for his delinquent nephew but as we learn through song, he wasn't very close. I will say that there is one thing that disappoints me in the original stage production of The Rocky Horror Show, Dr. Scott was played by Meat Loaf in a dual role. Meat Loaf said that he wished he would've played the doctor in the film as well. I agree.
Music
Science Fiction/Double Feature
This is easily the perfect way to open Rocky Horror as it pays homage to the the types of film that are parodied within Rocky Horror such as King Kong of The Day The Earth Stood Still. Also, those lips belong to Patrica Quinn (Magenta) but the voice belongs to that of Richard O'Brien.
Dammit Janet
This is such a sweet song and you can clearly hear how much these two care about each other and love each other. Also, pay attention to some of the cast in the background as this film pulls a Wizard of Oz with their actors playing other roles at the church such as Richard O'Brien appearing I want to say as the keeper for the church.
There's A Light (Over At The Frankenstein Place)
A simple song but it's all right leading our characters to the Frankenstein Place and it is a rather nice piece but it doesn't stay with me. It's not bad, none of the music is bad in this film but I just don't find his one to be memorable. Unlike the next number.
Time Warp
I'll admit I LOVE Time Warp. How can you not? It's just so infectious and this is a number, when you see it, you gotta do the Time Warp. You just gotta. Otherwise, you are doing ti wrong. While I do love this song, it's not my favorite from the film but oh, it is just so much fun.
Sweet Transvestite
Oh HELL YES, Tim Curry in all glory. This is such a great song and a great introduction for Frank. And hey, it's a great message, celebrate who you are because it doesn't matter. So long as you have pride, you should be comfortable with who you are. In a strange Frank N. Furter has sort of become inspiration for me and I just love the way, he says anticipation in this number.
Sword of Damocles
Um, this is a good song but I do have to admit that I find it weird that Rocky is able to perfectly sing a number, when he is brought to life but he cannot form full sentences as seen later on in the film. That just seems bizarre.
I Can Make You A Man
Again, I like this song a lot and you can really hear Frank's infatuation with his new creation and how he is just fawning over Rocky.
Hot Patootie/Bless My Soul
Oh yeah, this is easily in my top 3 and a very very strong contender for favorite. Although it does have one competitor. Meat Loaf just sells this song and I just find myself tapping along and just having a huge grin on my face during this number... until Frank kills Eddie. This number is just awesome.
I Can Make You A Man (Reprise)
Not too much to say here, this isn't a bad piece but it's not very memorable either and I think that it suffers from coming right behind Hot Patootie, one of the best numbers in the film.
Touch-A, Touch-A, Touch Me
Man, Susan Sarandon gives her all with this number and you can hear the innocence of Janet slowly fading away as she makes out with Rocky. Though the best part, has to be when she the heads of the different characters. It is just so funny.
Eddie
Man, another great song. I love the beat this has going for it. This number is just so much fun and Dr. Scott is giving it's all in this performance and I'm sorry but the image of Eddie's dead body is easily the creepiest thing in this film.
Planet Schmanet Janet
Okay, this song does NOT get enough credit as a great villain song. I know Frank's most well known number is Sweet Transvestite but this number feels more like a villain song and it actually shows what a true threat Frank N. Furter can be. This may be my favorite number in the entire show.
Rose Tint My World
I forgot about this song. Is it bad? No but not remembering it, is not a good sign. Honestly, there are truly no bad songs in this film but this one at best, just exists. And that's it.
Fanfare/ Don't Dream It, Be It
Now, this is more like it. Though of course, it's Frank and gets easily some of the best songs in the entire film and this is another great tune. And I love the mantra, Don't Dream It, Be It. Sure, it's coming from a mad scientist dressed in drag but have you seen Frank, he can make it work. Of course, this song is used in a twisted nature as in a way, Frank I think brainwashed the others. I don't know.
Wild and Untamed Thing
Man, this number is just so much fun and we finally see Riff Raff and Magenta turn on Frank with their coup and honestly, as I mentioned up top, you had see them getting sick of Frank sooner or later.
I'm Going Home
I want this song played at my funeral as it is just so touching, even if Frank is just using the song to gain pity for his actions after Riff and Magenta interrupt the floor show. But man, oh man is it great.
Science Fiction/Double Feature (Reprise)
Honestly, it makes so much sense to close with Science Fiction/Double Feature. It serves as a nice bookend to the film and here it is telling the tale of what happened in the film there is just something about the way, that it's sung that makes it all the more tragic.
Now, these were all the songs featured in the U.S. cut but just for fun, I'm going to take a look at a deleted song and a song that was only featured in the U.K. cut.
Once In A While
Ugh, I wish this would've been included in the film because it is a great song and I think this would made Brad a whole more interesting and seeing Janet watch this play out is just so heartbreaking. Man, this is just so disappointing. Because this is such a good song.
Superheroes
This number is fun and I've seen both the U.S. Cut and U.K. Cut, which features Superheroes. This is a nice song but if I'm to be honest, I don't find that it adds anything significant to the plot and really by this point, I'm ready for the film to be done.
Villain
Frank N. Furter (A Scientist) played by Tim Curry
Frank is just all kinds of awesome. He knows who he is and he owns it with bravado. He is very secure in who he is but as I said when talking about the plot, he loves himself maybe a little too much as we learn that Columbia loved him once but he just ignored her. Frank has a "Me" attitude, he just wants everything to be about him.
Favorite/Least Favorite
This one is tough as there truly are no bad songs and for Favorite, well, I'm going to countdown my Top 3. First.
3. Time Warp
2. Hot Patootie/Bless My Soul
1. Planet Schament Janet
Yep, my favorite is Planet Schmanet Janet because it is just a great villain song, with the way Frank taunts Janet and he really gets into her head. As for Least Favorite, I have to go with Rose Tint My World, mainly because I just find it so forgettable.
My Final Thoughts
This is such a great film that celebrates it's weirdness and you can't help but having a good time watching this film. Join me tomorrow for the final Monstrous Musical review as I take a look at...
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