Johnny Simmons: Lea Michele

Showing posts with label Lea Michele. Show all posts

Monday, 10 January 2011

Music Break [...with Chris Colfer, Judy Garland, Patti LuPone, Audra McDonald, Lea Michele & Barbra Streisand]

0 comments Posted by 2011 at 06:35

I’m feeling fairly out of it today, so what’s a better antidepressant than good music?

First up, Lea Michele and Chris Colfer in the best duet in the episode "Duets". I still wouldn't call myself a fan of Kurt, but this is lovely.

Then there's the absolutely resplendent Audra McDonald teaming up with Patti Lupone. I don't care for Patti, but Audra is amazing and they song brilliant together.

And of course, the iconic original - Barbra and Judy.

Okay, as you were (Good morning).

Monday, 6 September 2010

Glee Meme, Day 15: A Couple to ‘Ship for

0 comments Posted by 2011 at 11:34

or perhaps not…

This is a pipe dream and it comes about because Mark and Lea are my favourite on the show. Truly, BEFORE “Mash-Up” there was no way I’d imagine them talking to each other, let alone carrying on a relationship – even if it was for all of three days. And yet, it worked brilliantly – it really did make sense. Puck is such an emotional recluse and Rachel is such an officious psycho (in a good way) that they complement each other. I liked their reunion, of sorts, in “Bad Reputation” because it even touched on that. They both have serious issues they need to work, and they’re both regarded (in the Glee world, and the real world) by their faults. Really, I know this is never happening and it doesn’t make me lament or anything, Glee’s highpoint for me is not romanticism. Still, something Glee suffers with at times is continuity and other than when they are together it’s like they REALLY don’t know each other. They have their one episode hook up, touch on it in a semi-reunion eight episodes later and other than that they have no commuincation. I remember one time where they actually spoke other than those episodes and it was one weird line in “Funk”. I’d like to see them go somewhere, perhaps not a romantic ‘ship but friends. I don’t want Puck soiling the reputation of ANOTHER one of Finn’s women. That’s just too pedestrian. Still, I’d like to see them have a friendship of sorts – imagine the duets they could sing (Barbra and Neil Diamond? Jewish Power!) - come on, they're amazing!

More on the Glee MEME here. Puck and Rachel? Or No?

Sunday, 29 August 2010

Glee Meme, Day 6: Favourite Rachel/Finn Moment

0 comments Posted by 2011 at 09:15

More as the Glee Meme continues.

For a considerable amount of time I didn’t like Rachel with Finn…rather I didn’t like Finn, period. I’ve warmed up to him as a character, considerably, I know Finn is hated. I don’t have any significant feeling towards him either way; he’s boorish at times and hilariously enjoyable at others. It wasn’t until the back 9 that I started feeling any legitimacy in the would-be relationship of the two, though. “Hell-O” was the turning point, in fact “Hell-O” was the turning point for Finn. I’m not invested in Glee for the romance, but I don’t know if was hearing him sing “Hello, I Love You” or maybe Santana was right: by dating a “hot pretty girl” like her he’d move from dumpy to cool. Either way, even though the two spend the episode arguing their moments are great. Rachel’s tearful words to him are a strongpoint for Lea and Finn’s realisation of why he should be with Rachel works because despite his faults Corey Monteith is able to make that spaced out mind of Finn’s seem logical – in Glee world, at least. Corey Monteith sleepwalked through the first thirteen – or maybe that was Finn – but he stepped up in the final nine, beginning with “Hell-O”. I guess Mr. Schuester was right; he needed a new “Hell-O”. I still don’t really care for them as a couple, but then I’m not interested in Glee for that stuff, really.

(I went way off tangent here with Finn, but I might as well write about him now. I probably won’t be again.)

Saturday, 28 August 2010

Glee Meme, Day 5: Favourite Duet

0 comments Posted by 2011 at 03:48

The Glee MEME continues…I’m choosing more than one. I can’t commit.

I like Idina from listening to her on “Rent”, “The Wild Party” and “Wicked” soundtracks – but she has a penchant for vocal overexertion – an apparent inability to tone down. I don’t know if it’s her age, or the character but she’s flawless on Glee (rewatching the back 9 last week I feel like a fool for leaving her off my guest list. She’d easily make the top 5. Ugh.) I’m still mostly apathetic to Lady Gaga but the rendition of “Poker Face” between Idina and Lea is all sorts of brilliant. In some ways it’s a master class in singing. And the moment is just bloody brilliant. Ironically, perhaps, another duet that always gets me smiling is Lea’s pairing with the other “Wicked” cast member – Kristin Chenoweth. “Maybe This Time” works surprisingly well as a duet and though my allegiance is with Kristin (naturally) it’s never one-sided. April is so much of a cautionary tale for Lea and having them pair up for that number is not incidental. They don’t get to sing to each other like her and Idina, but it’s still lovely.

Matthew Morisson continues to be woefully underrated, he’s good…but he’s even better when he gets a talented performer to duet with. “Dream On” and “Fire” could go down in history. On the former the pairing with NPH is brilliant to watch (even if I wish they’d song “The Confrontation” from Les Miserables. And talking about “Fire” Kristin Chenoweth brings out the best in Morrison on the whole (those two have wicked chemistry) – even in the non-singing parts. They work great together.

I’d like to make mention of Morrison’s final song of the season – “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” with Puck is great. I’ll always have allegiance to the original arrangement, but this one works just as well.

Friday, 27 August 2010

Glee Meme, Day 4: Favourite Solo

0 comments Posted by 2011 at 08:30

I probably love Glee so much because I’m a major music buff (inherited from my father who’s an actual musician). The MEME continues.

I don’t like Neil Diamond, I appreciate his music but he tends to annoy me – it’s probably years of seeing his Christmas Special more than thrice a year every year for most of my life. Still, Noah Salling singing “Sweet Caroline” was a nice surprise. I don’t even have any significant affection for the song, but it worked in more ways than one – and it’s nice to hear him sing alone, that’s rare. It’s never happened since (go figure).

Speaking of Jewish greatness, Lea Michele’s “Don’t Rain On My Parade” is pure brilliance. She’s not Barbra, but she’s not supposed to be. The reason the covers on Glee manage to work is because they’re never attempting to copy the original. It’s her “moment” and it works because Lea completely delivers. She sings and she acts at the same time…that’s rare with young performers

[On a side note on the topic of Barbra and Funny Girl though, I’d call Idina’s rendition of Funny Girl better than Barbra (insert offended gasp). I’ve never really felt the song fit the musical – it was written specifically for the film. But Idina sort of rocked it with her “Theatricality” even if it doesn’t make my top 3.]

In the end I turn to another guest for my favourite solo though. There’s something moving about the lyrics for “Home” from The Wiz and though the choir provides back up – it’s a solo and one that impresses on all counts. It’s a moving moment, for April and because Glee loves to get moralistic on us it’s a given that they’re sending us a message. But I really don’t care Living here in this brand new world might be a fantasy….but it’s taught me too love, so it’s real to me.” Damn, those lyrics are incredibly saccharine and NOT badass, but damn if they aren’t still awesome. It works…it really really does.

Tuesday, 24 August 2010

Glee Meme, Day 1: Favourite Female Character

0 comments Posted by 2011 at 11:03

And so another MEME begins. I can’t say I’m sorry.

Glee may have its problems, but I don’t think its characters (or characterisation) is one of them.

I’m glad the first day on the meme is so simple. Lea Michele’s loquacious, high maintenance and overachieving Rachel Berry is easily my favourite female of the ensemble. It’s difficult to divide favourite character from favourite performance and it’s no different here because I think Lea is arguably the strongest woman on the show, too. Still, despite being the de facto lead of the show, Rachel is always regarded with distaste. Really, she’s no more petty or conniving than her fellow Glee clubbers. The writers have searing moments of perspective (wish they were more consistent with that) and Rachel herself notes the issues with herself. When she tells Finn in “Hello-O” that he’ll only ever see her as the obnoxious girl who made a fool of herself in their first Glee Club rehearsal I think that she’s on to something – it’s the way most people seem to see her, in Glee world and in the real world. Rachel’s dedication to the club is infuriating at times but it’s laudable in its own ridiculousness.

Not that I’ll shy away from her obvious discredits. Of course her obnoxiousness is an obvious reaction to people’s opinions of her. It’s a bit like the egg and chicken dilemma…which came first? Even when she’s being painfully bizarre there’s lucidity to her thoughts that’s startling. It seems, though, that no matter how many good deeds she does Rachel will always be the crazy chick from Glee. Perhaps I’m in the minority, but Rachel Berry’s my favourite on Glee for the girls.

It’s a shame so few seem to give her credit.

What are your thoughts on Ms. Rachel Berry (and Lea)?

Friday, 13 August 2010

TV Season, 2009/2010: Top Ten Leading Actresss, Comedy and Drama

0 comments Posted by 2011 at 09:48

I anticipate some angry readers…okay, perhaps not. But you know I’m not particularly normal in my tastes…; that doesn’t mean that my choices are poor. I feel strongly for them all, particularly the top 5.

Runners Up (Alpha): Tina Fey in 30 Rock, Sally Field in Brothers & Sisters, Calista Flockhart in Brothers & Sisters, January Jones in Mad Men, Leighton Meester in Gossip Girl, Elizabeth Moss in Mad Men, Mary Louise Parker in Weeds, Kate Walsh in Private Practice

#10: Ellen Pompeo in Grey’s Anatomy

as Meredith Grey

I’ll continue to tout Ellen, because she continues to deliver. Say what you want about Grey’s the show Ellen keeps on delivering as Grey the person. She’s had a middling season, she was on quasi-maternity leave for the first half…but she was particularly moving as the season drew to a close. The somewhat clichéd storyline in the finale managed to come off because she was so on point.

#9: Marcia Cross in Desperate Housewives

as Bree Hodge

She’s one and a half of the reasons I’m actually planning on watching the next season of Desperate Housewives (the half being Vanessa Williams). It’s not that the show is horrible, but Cherry seems to have forgotten how to make the four women part of one story and not turn the show into four unrelated plots. Her arc last season was maddening at times, but it’s why I’m continually impressed with Marcia. She doesn’t sweat it, and attacks each episode with sincerity. She deserves more.

#8: Courteney Cox in Cougar Town

as Jules Cobb

Though Cox was never my favourite of the Friends, I’d wager that she was the most underrated. More than her lack of Emmy love, people rarely realised the difficulty in making Monica Geller work just right. And Jules is a completely different creation. Just the right amount of candid, funny and odd. It’s nice seeing her front and centre and she more than holds her own among the cast members.

#7: Jeanne Tripplehorn in Big Love

as Barb Henrickson

At the best of times my allegiance will often remain with Sevigny’s middle wife, but Jeanne’s natural cadence is irresistible. It’s anyone’s guess why she hasn’t managed to get a bigger career (for the life of me, the first film I can think of with her is Mickey Blue Eyes, which doesn’t say much). In the season argument pitting her against Paxton she easily comes out on top (no disservice to Paxton).

#6: Christina Applegate in Samantha Who?

as Samantha

Cancelled years before it’s due, it’s a pity that Christina Applegate is remembered for being the talented comedienne she is. In some ways Samantha’s brand of kookiness is just too good to be true, but in that way she’s the perfect headliner for an underrated show. Christina works excellently with her entire cast, moreover unlike many leading comediennes she’s never upstaged by her supporters. Is the writing slanted towards her? Not so much…she’s just always on the ball.

#5: Lea Michele in Glee

as Rachel Berry

I think that her episode submission (Sectionals) was excellent, but I’m not sure she’s a Lead. It depends on the episode really. I don’t have a problem with her overassertive character, but sometimes I think that that character is what prevents people from realising how much she’s doing. She’s no Barbra, but she sings and acts at the same time…that’s rare to be honest, and it’s really not as easy as it looks.

#4: Patricia Arquette in Medium

as Alison Dubois

I was nervous about the move to CBS, but it managed to work. She’s still able to pull of the comedic bits in a fairly straight drama and a particular Halloween episode was only one of the few aces this past season. It seems like the awards’ bodies have all but forgotten her, which is unfortunate because she still continues to turn in good work.

#3: Glenn Close in Damages

as Patty Hewes

She tentatively called it the best role she’s been given last year at the Emmy’s. It’s not, of course, but she’s delivering brilliant performances on it and if we can’t get on her the big screen why not the small? Patty is still too gargantuan at times, and no one seems to be able to have the upper hand with her. Still, Glenn makes it work. Her chances of a third Emmy are nonexistent…what with Julianne Marguiles and all, but at least cable is saving the show for a fourth season.

#2: Amy Poehler in Parks & Recreation

as Leslie Knope

Poehler’s Leslie is a difficult one to play. She’s ferociously devoted to her job, despite her craziness. Even more, she’s brilliant at it, even it’s just a government job in the Parks & Rec department. Poehler makes such a ridiculous devotion real and we never doubt Leslie’s honesty even as we watch her being continuously ridiculous and making some decidedly poor choices. It’s like at the end of the season when she has that goodbye with Schneider – in her way, she’s dedicated to making the world a better place. One bit park at a time.

#1: Kyra Sedgwick in The Closer

as Brenda Leigh Johnson

Against all logic Kyra Sedgwick manages to get better with each season of The Closer. She is The Closer (really, that’s her job) and from Brenda’s idiosyncrasies and insecurities to her bravery and dedication she nails it all. I don’t even notice the accent anymore, I can’t say if it’s on-point but it certainly is convincing. More than that, though, Kyra’s tenacity is formidable and her talent is difficult to ignore.

Who were the leading women who had your attention this past season? Kyra, Lea, Amy, Glenn? Who have I missed?

Previously:
Fifteen Supporting Actors
Fifteen Guest Actors / Actresses

Monday, 2 August 2010

Music Break [...with Lea Michele and Jonathan Groff]

0 comments Posted by 2011 at 11:26

Aren't they just great together?

Thursday, 3 June 2010

TV Meme, Day 3: Best New Show Last Season

0 comments Posted by 2011 at 10:21

I have not been dedicating as much time to the small screen over the past year, I’ve been keeping up sporadically only with some of my favourites and I haven’t seen as much of many. It wasn’t quite the banner year for new shows like years past but there were a number of auspicious new additions. It’s a bit clichéd to single this particular one out, but I’d feel a little overly stoic if I conduct a 30 day TV meme without focusing on the little show that could – Glee. Anyone could tell you that Glee has its issues – that I’ll admit too. Others might tell you that Glee is unrealistic – that I think is missing the point. in the same way that Grease is an unrelenting parody (albeit, a little ineffective at times) of teenage stereotypes Glee – complete with its missteps on occasion – aims at the stereotypes of high school. I don't particularly care for the word best, I'll go with favourite.

A show like Glee is a bit of an anomaly on the small screen and I’m quite surprised at the cultural phenomenon it’s turned into. I’m a bit worried it’s heading to the ultimate letdown, for with all the hype and all the success it’s attained there seems no way to go but down. But it is what it is. Matthew Morisson’s attempts to revive the Glee Club at his high school while facing opposition from the dastardly Sue Sylvester present the crux (seemingly at least) of the show. But like so many school dramas, the importance of Glee rests on the shoulders of the student. I’ve had an affection for Lea Michele since hearing her on the cast recording for Spring Awakening and her bit part on Ragtime in the late nineties. Thus, perhaps I’m a little bit overly fond of her – even her role is more of a double edged sword than is obvious. It’s particularly difficult for anyone to make the ludicrousness of Rachel’s craziness works, and though Lea has her moments of doubt – she still stands out as my favourite of the cast. Not that she works alone though, the aforementioned Lynch and Morisson are important to the show, even if Morisson’s bland charm is hard to appreciate at times. But each cast member has their role and each fulfils it Amber Riley brings the sass with just the right amount of heart, Chris Colfer does a good job as the pocket gay, Mark Salling, Naya Rivera and Kevin McHale are just a fraction of Glee regulars contributing to the diversity of the show.

And then of course, there are the guests. No primetime show can match Will & Grace when it comes to excellent use of guests but Glee does a good job of using stars that are often forgotten – particularly those from the stage. It’s a part of its charm, and though it has its issues it’s nice to see the actors we probably wouldn’t be seeing on the big screen any time soon. Glee doesn’t exactly give us a fresh perspective on life or high school but week after week it (attempts to least) gives a little bit of joy. It’s not perfect, and I’m unsure on what will happen at the Emmy’s…but if I remember anything from the last television season it will be Glee.

This entry is part of my ongoing meme on TV Moments

Wednesday, 6 May 2009

FROM THE STAGE TO THE SCREEN

0 comments Posted by 2011 at 10:32

So I was looking at the legend Barbra Streisand in Funny Girl the other day and it occurred to me that she got her start acting on Broadway, and although she is regarded more as a singer than an actress, she has been successful in making the transition from stage to screen quite well along with another legend of her time the luminous Julie Andrews. So I compiled a list of 13 Broadway gems I would like to see make it big on the screen. I had to put some restrictions on the list because you’d have probably seen Bernadette Peters or maybe Chita Viera make the list. I mean, why hasn’t Bernadette Peters had a successful movie career? I’ll assume she doesn’t want one… not that that’s any consolation, but I digress. These women are too old (I know I lack tact) to break it into the business now. Anyhow, here’s the list continuing with my trend of Nines…

Sutton Foster (Thoroughly Modern Millie, Little Women, The Drowsy Chaperone)

She’s talented and she has unique features. That sounds like Ms. Streisand actually. And she has a weird name – it seems like that is a status quo for actresses these days.

Casted Roles She Could Have Done: Poppy in Happy Go Lucky
Don’t ask why. I just feel she would have been really good, granted she is not British – but nonetheless. I feel this would have been right up her alley.

Un-casted Roles She Could Do: Although I hate having Broadway stars come to big screen for only musical roles I will say I would love to see her do Clara from Stephen Sondheim’s Tony winning Passion. She has the chops, it’s a siren role and she goes nude. If that doesn’t get her an Oscar… I'd choose her for the Lead - Fosca, but I think she's too young.

Anika Noni Rose (Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Caroline, Or Change)

She was introduced to mainstream audiences in Dreamgirls, and to be honest – if they really wanted to give someone in that talented ensemble an Oscar – why not give it to her? She was head and shoulders above Eddie Murphy and Jennifer Hudson. She’s in her mid thirties – which she doesn’t look like – and she has a sweet personality. Where are the offers?

Casted Roles She Could Have Done: Queenie in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Granted Taraji owned this role, but I think she would (like Taraji) have had that innate comic timing necessary for this role. Oh, God, I can see it now!

Un-casted Roles She Could Do: Carmen Jones in Carmen Jones
Not sure if she has the right look for the movie, but damn can she sing. That’s why I want her to do a musical. The problem with her (and Beyonce to an extent) in Dreamgirls was that they had to undersing themselves, so we never saw the power she had. She can knock it out of the ballpark and I really want to see her do a movie musical.

Sheri Rene Scott (Aida, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels)

Casted Roles She Could Have Done: Ulla in The Producers
Uma Thurman was not the problem with this movie – it just wasn’t the type of film meant to be made into a movie. Sheri’s strong point is her sweet voice and it would have been perfect for this role.

Un-casted Roles She Could Do: Adelaide in Guys & Dolls
She’d be good at this. Enough said.

Lea Michele (Spring Awakening, Les Miserables)

Doesn’t she look like Idina Menzel? She has a sweet voice, but I think she needs to vere away from musical roles until she is older. I don’t want her to end up type-casted.

Casted Roles She Could Have Done: Johanna in Sweeney Todd
A musical yes, but this could have been good.

Un-casted Roles She Could Do: Fanny in Mansfield Park
This may be a bit too generic. I’m not sure what role she could do. I do not love this Jane Austen novel – but it could make a good film adaptation in the vein of Joe Wright’s Pride & Prejudice. Can she manage an English accent? Or maybe Jane Eyre.

Laura Benanti (Into the Woods, Gypsy)

Casted Roles She Could Have Done: Cristine in The Phantom of the Opera
Why exactly was the film version of this long running musical such a flop? Even though it had Miranda Richardson in it? I don’t know. I mean the bulk of the problem was not Emmy Rossum, but she wasn’t that much help either. And Laura Benanti has the voice of an angel.

Un-casted Roles She Could Do: Laura in The Glass Menagerie
These are two vastly dissimilar roles and I suppose she may be too old, but I always felt that she had the look for Laura. And considering that this is a Tennessee Williams play – there is so much that lends itself to a cinematic adaptation. Of course you’d have to have a good supporting cast – Susan Sarandon perhaps as her mother. I don’t know who’d play Tom… but it could work.

Jane Krakowski (Grand Hotel, Nine)

Do any of you look at 30 Rock? I don’t like it. At least that’s what I tell myself every Thursday while I look at it. Still, I think Jane Krakowski is the standout in the cast. She has perfect comedict timing and I am appalled at the Emmy Snubs she has received. They certainly need to apologise with a nomination and perhaps a win for her this season. Krakowski earned her Tony for her role in Yeston’s Nine.

Casted Roles She Could Have Done: Roxie Hart in Chicago
This is really a no brainer. As good as Renee Zellweger was Jane would have been superb. Of course having a Broadway star that was not bankable would have detracted from the entire point of Rob Marshall’s vision. I could also have seen her in the Naomi Watts role in King Kong – if only for the look. Still she would have killed as Roxie.

Un-casted Roles She Could Do: I’m actually stumped here… which probably means I have no imagination. I think more than Chenoweth Jane needs a project writer for her. But if I had to pick something I think Bernadette Peter’s Tony winning musical Song & Dance would be great for Jane. It’s not uber popular so it wouldn’t have tons of hype to live up to and what’s more it has Tell Me On A Sunday which (despite being a faithful Sondheim lover) is my second favourite Webber ballad (behind Memory of course).

Idina Menzel (Rent, Wicked!)

I like Idina Menzel. Her fans seem a bit rabid sometimes, but she is a great singer and wonderful actress and very sexy too, so there! She looks like a really gorgeous version of Nelly Furtado. She’s another surprising person that hasn’t done well in film. She was good in Enchanted.

Casted Roles She Could Have Done: Vivian in Pretty Women
This would be killer. I could just see her as the stripper – okay obviously she couldn’t have done it then, she would have been a child, but it could have / would have been great. Okay, maybe I cheated.

Un-casted Roles She Could Do: I don’t know if she can do Shakespeare (it’s not for everyone), but I would love to see her do Katharine in The Taming of the Shrew. I think that sort of shrewish character that needs to be tamed is her specialty – only now I have to think which male actor could tame her… I’m tempted to think Peter Sarasgard or maybe Billy Crudup… She’ll upstage whoever, it doesn’t matter.

Audra McDonald (110 in the Shade, Master Class, A Raisin in the Sun)

Oh how I love this woman – she has Four Tony Awards and an Emmy, so you know she has talent. Right now she’s starring in Private Practice which I hope will make her popular with audiences. She needs a big screen career… and fast.

Casted Roles She Could Have Done: Tatiana Rusesabagina in Hotel Rwanda
Nothing less for Audra than Sophie Okenodo’s Oscar nominated turn in this wonderful film. She has the dramatic chops to pull it off, although I do wonder what her accent would be like… She’d have good chemistry with Don Cheadle though.

Un-casted Roles She Could Do: Any of the leads in God of Carnage
This play is currently on Broadway with Hope Davis and the delightful Marcia Gay Harden. I’d like to see Audra take on either of these roles – although Marcia’s role seems more up her alley. I have not seen the original, but I have read snippets of the script. Of course if it comes to screen the original cast members are popular enough to get the roles. Still, I’d like to see Audra in this. A lot.

Kristin Chenoweth (Candide, You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown, Wicked!)

I love this woman. I still find it shocking to believe that she is forty years old, and I will forever resent ABC (otherwise my favourite network) for cancelling Pushing Daisies, thereby stopping my weekly dose of Cheno. I think the reason it’s hard for her to get roles is because of her height (she’s a few inches below 5 feet), and her nasally voice, but like any actress she can change her voice. Apparently Wicked! will be made into a film, but I suppose she will be too old, and then they’ll probably recast it with stars.

Casted Roles She Could Have Done: Giselle in Enchanted
I think this would have been an obvious choice – and not because of her at the Oscars – but it is so reminiscent of her Tony Nominated role in Wicked! She would have rocked this, but Amy Adams was good too.

Un-casted Roles She Could Do: The Muse in Pygmalion
Not as a musical – or adaptation of My Fair Lady, but an actual adaptation of the original play. I think Cheno would be great, and if they do it as a comedy they could write her height (or lack thereof) into the script. It could be genius – cast Robert Downey Jr. or Johnny Depp as the male lead and get Lasse Hallestrome to direct.

Which actress could have a big film career?