This weekend, we were lucky enough to get the chance to see one of the currently playing Broadway shows; Legally Blonde: The Musical… and we didn’t even have to go to New York to see it! MTV aired the entire show on Saturday, and I have to say, it was awesome.
Not only was the musical totally cheesy, campy, silly, and fun, but it was awesome to have the opportunity to see a show that one might not otherwise be able to see (i.e., lack of access to NYC, lack of funds to pay for expensive tickets, etc). I am a big fan of musicals (of the ones that I have seen, that is), and having seen a couple on Broadway, trust me, I get the importance of the quality and presence of the show. However, I always leave the show wishing that it were a movie, or wishing that there was a recording of the show (not just the cast recording), because, of the ones I’ve seen, I enjoyed them so much that I would like to be able to see them again. I have never understood how a show that has such a high budget for production, and rakes in so much money ($100 a seat per night for most new shows), wouldn’t want to to capitalize even more, and bring the show to the masses… especially considering that some Broadway shows barely make back the upfront costs of production!
Sure, they do tours, and have touring casts for certain shows, but those just aren’t the same (trust me, I saw Wicked on Broadway, and I saw it again when it came to Atlanta… TOTALLY different show). Also, you have to be in one of those select cities to get to see the show, which again, plays into that whole concept of access. I just wish that some of the great shows could be recorded like Legally Blonde was this weekend; I can bet that it would make the show way more popular in the long run. I am, however, really glad that a lot of musicals have been adapted into feature length films recently; and super happy that the trend doesn’t seem to be slowing. There have been some EXCELLENT films come out over the past few years, and I hope upon hope that some of my favorites (ahem, Wicked), will follow the same path.
Overall, I loved the concept that MTV had, and I really enjoyed the show. James and I are talking about going to NYC over Christmas (James has family in NJ), and I know that I would REALLY like to see Legally Blonde now that I know what to expect. I personally hope that MTV decides to put the show that they aired on DVD, because I would totally be in line to buy my copy (hint hint, MTV!!).
Other than watching the show with friends, the weekend was pretty relaxing and nice. As I mentioned yesterday, James and I celebrated four years and one month last night, by ordering in some pizza, and just enjoying each other’s company. I am not big on flashy plans and expensive restaurants, personally… I am all about the simple things. (Like musicals on DVD!) I hope that everyone is at least adjusting to the start of a new week… I am personally avoiding the fact that I have an anatomy test this week… grrrr.
I happened to catch it too, and also thought it was great!
I remember seeing that MTV was going to do that, but totally forgot about it, darnit! Oh, well. Too bad MTV never replays anything… *grin* Hopefully they had so many viewers they’ll play it again soon so I can catch it!
If you like musicals, may I recommend what ITP and I are totally singing the praises of now? The Water Coolers (as I’m sure you’ve read in his blog!) down at the Horizon. A great date night too: just grab dinner somewhere in Little Five before!
Speaking of which, congrats on the 4 years!
Stacy, I’ll have to check that out!
I got to see Legally Blonde on Broadway and it was awesome! And this past month we just went up to see Xanadu and it was awesome as well. Our next show is in Feb. when we go see Curtains. It is so much fun to see a Broadway show!! You can go on Playbill.com and sign up for a free account and you can get lots of discounts on the shows.. that is usually how I get my tickets. Then Chris and I take the bus up for a day but that won’t be possible for you in Atlanta. I do hope you get up there. I hope they release the show on DVD!
Really?…. you really liked this show THAT much? I found it slightly endearing… overly hokey… and very forced… but it was well sung, well performed and understandably popular. I AM however really glad to see a show get some recognition both by being broadcast on television, as well as on such a youth oriented channel like MTV. We need more of these specials!