Thursday, January 29, 2009

Do I Appreciate It?

Sometimes in life, there are certain things that we all have to appreciate. It may not seem much to you or it doesn't appear to matter to an individual, but it's something to appreciate more than we realize. Take school for instance, it may not be a favorite for most students. But school is something we need to prepare for the real world. It's a place where we all receive the education we require from mathematics to history to biology and even English class.

But, honestly, do you think every student knows nothing about passion or appreciation? Honestly, do you truly believe that everyone you meet doesn't have ambititions or dreams of their own? Not every student is who you think they are. Some students might appear to be just regular goofballs or laid-back kids. But 20 years from now, when you look back, these kids are going to run the nation.

Every student in your class has a goal in their mind. You'd be surprised how many students want to live their dream, even if it kills them, mentally and physically. Take me for instance, I am passionate about school. I understand what I have to do in order to graduate, why I should listen to my teachers, what courses to take, & when I have a right to speak out to say somehting important. School is going to have a major effect on my life because it brings me one step close to my future. When I look back, I will appreciate what I had to go through to fulfill my dreams.

Speaking of dreams, I am already taking the steps I need to make it happen. In this class, you will understand why I like literature. Everyday, after lunch, I could spend the time sitting in a desk in the library, reading whatever book I like, & skim chapter to chapter until it's time for my 4th hour class. Last year, I got a job working at the library over at Fort Lauderdale & I made more than $100 dollars by the end of the summer. What I love ab out working there is that I'm surrounded by literature & it's so quiet that it gives me time to think for myself. That's what I want in a job. Whatever makes me feel good is a good job for me.

Bottom line is that there is at least one person who is willing to go all the way. My ambition is to do what I can & take whatever course I must in order to graduate. It's my goal to work hard & participate in whatever subject you have in mind. I want something to look back to when I leave Cypress Bay. I want to remember how I had highly trained teachers always there to lend a hand, showing all my work & doing what I have to do, & if a teacher wants to hear my thoughts, then I'll let it out. It only takes one student Mrs. Stoklosa. Soon, you will understand that every student is passionate about something.

Look deep inside your student, look into their hearts, & you'll find the answer...

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Waner Bros. announces Hairspray 2

When John Waters created the comedy film, Hairspray, he never imagined just how popular his movie would soon become one of the best Broadway musicals in history. 14 years later, Hairspray made it's Broadway debut in 2002. The musical would later be readapted into the motion picture business 5 years after a successful running. Now the hippest musical in history became Hollywood's fourth higgest grossing musical film in US cinema history, behind the other award winning film adaptions including Grease, Chicago, and Mamma Mia!

The musical was set in 1962 in Baltimore, Maryland, during the time of John F. Kennedy's presidency. Much of the 60's cultural references are shown throughout the motion picture. The film followed a "pleasantly plump" teenager named Tracy Turnblad as she simultaneously pursues stardom as a dancer on a local TV show and rallies against racial segregation.

Opening to positive reviews, Hairspray met with financial success, it broke the record for biggest sales at opening weekend for a movie musical, which the film held until July 2008 when it was surpassed by Mamma Mia! and later High School Musical 3: Senior Year in October. USA Network has purchased the broadcast rights to Hairspray and will be scheduled to debut the film on cable television in February 2010.

But that's just the beginning ladies & gentleman. The big story is that Adam Shankman {director} & John Waters {original screenplay} are currently working on a sequel to the film. Now you're probably wondering, "How's that possible?" Due to Hairspray's financial success, New Line Cinema has asked John Waters to write a sequel to the film. Waters will reunite with director/choreographer Adam Shankman for the project, and songwriters Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman are set to compse the film's musical numbers.

As far as the story goes, this is what we know so far. The sequel will continue the story of Tracy Turnbladd, as she enters the late '60s era of music and the British Invasion. While no official casting has been announced, New Line states that they hope to "snag much of the original Hairspray cast." The sequel is tentatively set for a mid-July 2010 release by Warner Bros.

When the news was discussed, several students felt uneasy about a sequel to a high-grossed musical. On one hand, I understand their uneasy reaction. According to the list of high-grossed musical films, Grease once had a sequel based on the film. Set a year after the first movie, it followed the story of an exchange student who falls in love with a Pink Lady & makes enemies with the Greasers. Grease 2 received mostly negative reviews, especially from critics, because the show's horrible casting, terrible songs, and a confusing story. In fact, neither of the songs fit the 60s era & only a few members of the original cast were shown.

But on the other hand, Hairspray 2 may have a chance to do something Grease failed to accomplish. To create the best sequel to one of the best musicals in history. John Travolta , one of the actors rumored to return, if he comes back that he would dedicate his performance to his son, Jett Travolta, who passed away on January 2nd, 2009, while with his family on holiday in The Bahamas. John Waters guarantees, "That this sequel will be the best project he has made since his 1988 film debut."

So don't chang ethat channel folks because you'll be"shakin' and twistin'" to a rockin musical you'll want to watch again and again. The fun-family adaption to the musical hasn't failed before, so New Line Cinema hopes to carry on that successful tradition. But it's like the cast of Hairspray stated, "You can't stop the beat!"

Monday, January 26, 2009

Has Shrek Gone High School Musical?

Based on the 2001 DreamWorks film of the same name & the 1990 book, Shrek!, by William Steig, Shrek opened on Broadway in previews in November 2008, with a December 14, 2008 official opening {after a tryout in Seattle, Washington}. The musical debuted at Seattle's 5th Avenue Theatre on August 14, 2008 in previews, opening September 10-21, 2008. Jason Moore was director & Josh Prince was choreographer. The cast featured Brian d'Arcy James as Shrek, Chester Gregory 2nd, John Tartaglia as Pinocchio, Sutton Foster as Princess Fiona, Christopher Sieber as Lord Farquaad, & Kecia Lewis-Evans as the dragon. The tryout generally favorable reviews, being cited as one of the few of the movie-to-stage adaptions "with heart."
Yet, despite a budget of $24 million in attentadance, some members of the audience had a negative feeling toward the play. Several members of the audience claimed that DreamWorks is doing the same thing that Disney has done. The review also noted that "like High School Musical, Shrek leans heavily on winking satire." As a matter of fact, the popularity of High School Musical has led to ice shows, concerts, & several parodies. There has been several rumors that DreamWorks wanted to beat Disney's popularity by creating products, as well as this musical, to beat their rival.
Of course, even for High School Musical, there are several who enjoyed the show since its debut. The Associated Press said that "the folks at DreamWorks have done their darndest to make sure we are entertained at 'Shrek the Musical'", the company's lavish stage adaption of its hit movie. For much of the time, they succeed, thanks to talent and ingratiating appeal of the show's four principal performers. The show's massive sets and colorful costumes {both courtesy of Tim Hatley} are so visually eye-catching that they often distract from what's going on with the story and score.
That's just what they state anyway. When it all comes down to making decisions, I never take sides with anyone. I state the answer the way I see it. As a matter of fact, whether or not DreamWorks are rivals with Disney is not something to justify. The musical is a triumph of comic imagination for families to enjoy. There's a saying that, "If it's something you enjoy than the fans will enjoy it." Shrek has become a smash hit in the film industry, now it hopes to become a smash hit on Broadway. It's too early to say whether or not Shrek will succeed on the stage; however, I believe the show has a chance to make it to stardom. The show is known for its colorful casts, amazing sets, & extraordinary attire. If all goes as well as it's debut, then Shrek will definetly be remembered 20 years from now.

Friday, January 23, 2009

Welcome!

Welcome to AMT {Actors & Music Temple}, the #1 one recommend spot to talk about your favorite actors & the hit music of today. Here at AMT, we dedicate our site to talk about some of the hottest artists of today, the new-release Broadway shows, & as well as classic music that everyone loves.
As proud owner of this blog, I dedicate the site to my favorite Broadway musicals & music videos of some talented artists. If there's something that you enjoy or something you want to talk about, I always open my mind to the viewers. Your opinions on new musicals, your thoughts on the actors of today, that's what the site is all about. If there's an idea you would like to express or something you wish to speak, then open your mind & let your ideas soar.
So come on down to AMT. It's more than a class, it's a site of epic proportions.