What I'm Listening To

via: Amazon

As I have mentioned before, I am a big fan of Broadway musicals. Michael Crawford was the original Phantom of the Opera. I am currently listening to his "Songs From the Stage and Screen" Cd which is a wonderful compilation of famous songs from musicals.
Funny Story....when I was a little girl I used to swing on my swing set in the back yard and sing show tunes to myself. I always assumed no one could hear me, until one day when I was walking around the block, and old lady who lived in the house behind us said something along the lines of "Oh you! I always hear you singing to yourself you poor lonely child." (ok I added the last part) I always sang a little softer after that. Come to think of it, I have always been really self-conscious of my voice and I wonder if that is where it all started! (I still LOVE to sing when I am alone.)
What are you self-conscious about?

Also... Another giveaway! This one is hosted by Elycia. Visit her post to enter. I also recommend visiting the shop featured... it is super cute!! Good luck! :)

Musicals

I have a crazy obsession with musical theater. I absolutely LOVE musicals of any kind! My favorites are:

The Phantom of the Opera - I love the romantic and tragic character that you can't help but feel sorry for- and can't we all relate to getting swept off our feet by that sexy bad boy phantom, who masks (no pun intended) his dangerous nature with intense passion?

Chicago - Not quite as romantic, but equally passionate and very fun! I love burlesque dance and jazz, so this is an excellent musical for me. Plus all the stars in the movie really make it happen. who knew Catherine Zeta Jones could move like that!? Who knew Renee Zellweger could sing!?!?

The Producers - It took me a few times to watch this before I really liked it, because the style is so unusual- it's like trying to be old-school but with a lot of modern humor. But once you get used to it, it is delightful! You must prepare to be offended, however!

Cats - Who would have thought to make a musical out of this? A book of poems by T.S. Eliot! Truly unique and creative, another great piece of work by Andrew Lloyd Weber. The performers are all so talented in this too, with the amazing costumes, singing, dancing, and cat-like behavior.

Guys and Dolls - Frank Sinatra, Marlon Brando, enough said! Plus the lyrics are just genius. My highschool did this musical, and luckily I hadn't heard of it before then or I would have been highly disappointed. Ya just can't top Frank and Marlon.

The Damn Yankees - No, not the band. My cousin played one of the lead roles in this musical in high school, and I've loved it ever since. Amazing music and dancing! Some of my favorite songs to sing in the shower. [Insert baseball metaphor for life here]

Evita - Another beautiful, tragic story with characters that are fascinating and extraordinary music. I am a little embarrassed to admit it, but I LOVE the movie with Madonna! She is just great in this role!

Rent has a special place in my heart, because it came out at a time in my life when I really needed to be reminded that there is No Day But Today. I made a treasury today in honor of that movie, and my love for bohemian style. Check it out here!

What are your favorite musicals?