The Sharp Knife of a Short Life: Thoughts on tick, tick...Boom!

Courtesy of TV Insider

Back in 2003, I saw tick, tick...Boom! on stage. I had wanted to see it because I knew it was written by Jonathan Larson and I was (and still am) a huge Rent fan. I didn't really know much about the story or songs, but I  fell in love with it right away. At the time, Christian Campbell (Trick), Wilson Cruz (My So-Called Life), and Nikki Snelson (Legally Blonde: The Musical) were in it. After the show, my sister, friend, and I got to meet the actors and they were so nice! I also bought the soundtrack right away and couldn't stop listening to it! So yeah, I've been into TTB for a long time. I was thrilled to find out that it was being made into a movie and I counted down the days until it finally was released on Netflix. So seeing it this past weekend was a total treat in more ways than one. It was well worth the 18 1/2 year wait (since I last saw it, at least). I don't remember the dialogue from the stage production, but the music was definitely fresh in my head, so it was interesting to see what they would do with it on film. I was more than pleasantly surprised. 

With Christian Campbell, who played Jonathan (2003)

With Wilson Cruz, who played Michael (2003)

With Robin de Jesús, who played Michael in the movie (2009)

The story is set up with Jonathan (played perfectly by Andrew Garfield) doing a one-man show for an audience, with some singing help from Roger (Joshua Henry) and Karessa (Vanessa Hudgens). During this time, he's telling his story and interjecting songs throughout. It is similar to this actual performance by Jonathan Larson. In case you weren't aware yet, TTB is about Jonathan Larson trying to get a musical produced (not Rent though) and all the obstacles he runs into along the way, such as time, money, demands from his girlfriend (Susan, played by Alexandra Shipp) and best friend (Michael, played by Robin de Jesús, shown above), needing to write one more song, etc. The story takes place right before he turns 30, in early 1990 and he is feeling like he's not meeting any milestones. To go with this time period, there's a cordless phone with an antenna, an old computer with really old word processing software, etc. The fashion is early 90s and New York City doesn't have all the bright lights everywhere you go. This is also during the height of the AIDS crisis. I don't want to say too much about what happens, as to not spoil it. To alleviate confusion, the scenes where Jonathan is playing piano take place shortly after the scenes where he is interacting with people in the city, at the diner, or at his apartment. I will be sharing spoilers below the trailer, for anyone who has seen it and wants to share in my love for this movie.

While Jonathan Larson wrote the story and it was about his life, Lin-Manuel Miranda directed the movie. This is such a great marriage of two incredibly talented minds. I wrote about my love for both artists a while back, so it's fitting that they came together in this way. There are a LOT of Broadway and other celebrity appearances in this show and so many Rent Easter eggs throughout. So be on the lookout when you watch it.

Even though I loved the movie version of In the Heights, I enjoyed this movie version of a musical even more. My older son agrees with me on that. There was something about this movie that spoke to me and I can't stop thinking about it. It felt so raw and honest the entire time and it is relatable no matter what age you are. I was younger than 30 when I first saw it, and 30 is now far back in my rearview mirror.

Andrew Garfield was excellent and captured Jonathan's essence and kindness, bringing him back to life in so many ways. I also love how NYC served as the backdrop and just added so much more to the story. It didn't need to be all flashy to do that job.

If this is the first you're hearing about tick, tick...Boom!, check out the trailer and then make a date to watch it soon! Just don't read past the trailer to avoid spoilers! And have a box of tissues nearby...

 

My thoughts with spoilers:

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* While they added in some new songs (well, songs that Jonathan wrote that weren't in the original stage production), they also took out or shortened some others. "Green Green Dress" was used as background music during a seduction scene. It was a cool cover of the song and I was told that the song is played in full during the end credits, but I didn't get that far. "Sugar" was reduced to one line in order to prove a point. "Real Life" was one line repeated a bunch of times. 

* "Sunday" was the best, with all the Broadway cameos. I recognized Bebe Neuwirth, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Renee Elise Goldsberry, Phillipa Soo, Andre De Shields, Bernadette Peters, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Adam Pascal, Daphne Rubin Vega, and Wilson Jermaine Heredia, Phylicia Rashad, and Chita Rivera. There were some others I didn't recognize or missed altogether until it was pointed out to me later. I really need to watch that scene again. I love how it added so much essence to the song. And the chaos right before it started reminded me of restaurant jobs I've had in the past. 

* At the focus group, it was easy to recognize Laura Benanti and Utkarsh Ambudkar (who is in every single TV show and movie), but you may not know that Danielle Ferland played the woman with the short blond hair. She was the original Red Riding Hood in Into the Woods!

* There was an abstract feel to the show that reminded me of Chicago soemtimes, especially during 

* I loved some other celebrity appearances, as well. Judith Light was great as Jonathan's agent, Rosa. Bradley Whitford was so convincing as Stephen Sondheim. It was fun to see Richard Kind, even though I always think of him as Bing Bong. It was also a pleasant surprise to see Christopher Jackson! I found out later that I missed appearances from Chris Sullivan, Luis Miranda, and Roger Bart. Another reason (among many) to watch again. 

* I think knowing Jonathan's ultimate fate made the story feel much heavier, like time really was ticking for him and he had no idea six years prior to his death. It packed in an extra punch to an already emotionally impactful story. My subject line is from The Band Perry's "If I Die Young" and it's fitting for Jonathan. 

* I liked that they included "Boho Days" into the movie. It's a hidden track on the stage cast recording, so I feel like it's incredibly underrated. 

* One of the Rent Easter eggs I caught was when Jonathan was mentioning friends who died from AIDS and all the names were those from the support group in Rent. (Steve, Ali, Pam, etc.) There was also a Rent vibe in general whenever Jonathan was talking and describing things. He reminded me so much of Mark during those times.

* The song "Why" is the one where Jonathan is singing about Michael, but the title is confusing since he asks "why?" a lot in "Louder than Words."

* Robin sounded different to me. I saw him twice in In the Heights and I feel like his voice changed since 2017 (when I last saw him perform live). "No More" was fun to watch on screen though. Watching them dancing in the different places added to the humor. 

* It would be cool to see Superbia as an actual musical. Maybe Lin-Manuel could work his magic and bring it to life even more.

* "Swimming" was new and different. It reminded me of "Contact" from Rent in some ways. It's one of those songs that grows on you after a few listens. (I just wondered how he had time to swim if he didn't have time to talk with Susan and Michael.) I like how it inspired him to write "Come to Your Senses." Speaking of which, I loved how great Alexandra and Vanessa sounded in that song. I sometimes had trouble telling their voices apart, but then they harmonized really well.

* I wasn't really sure how "Play Game" fit in, but I love how the rapper auditioned for Cats at the end. 

* In the stage production, all three actors sang "Johnny Can't Decide", which I think worked better since they were all talking about themselves in third person. 

If you've seen tick, tick... Boom!, I'd love to hear your thoughts!

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Why you should watch Only Murders in the Building

Courtesy of IMDb

I will admit that this was another show I was hesitant to see. I don't listen to true crime podcasts or read true crime books. However, some of my friends who have similar tastes were highly recommending it, so I decided to finally give it a try. I'm really glad I did. Five hours of entertainment went by in a flash, as it's so binge-worthy! While I will share some spoiler thoughts after the trailer, here are a bunch of reasons to check it out, if you haven't already done so. (And those who have will agree with me.)

1. The theme music. It's so catchy and it fits really well with the cartoon intro. It also fits with the mood of the show and gives off a podcast feel. (Not like I'd know, but I'm just guessing at that.)

2. Lots of celebrity guest stars. Sting plays himself! Tina Fey and Nathan Lane are also in it a lot. There are some Broadway stars in smaller roles and it was a fun surprise to see them. (I had even met one in person a long time ago!) Jackie Hoffman is recognizable in her small role too. (She was recently on The Politician.) And Amy Ryan (Holly from The Office) is in it a lot. It's confusing because her name is Jan on this show and someone else played a character named Jan on The Office. (And they even mention Steve Carell's role on The Office in this show.) The biggest celebrity guest surprise is Steve Martin's character's stunt double. I can't say anything more because a friend did not ruin it for me and it was worth the wait. Hilarious!

3. Dan Fogelman, executive producer (and writer) for This is Us, is also the executive producer for this show.

4. It's so funny! Lots of hilarious, laugh-out-loud moments throughout all 10 episodes.

5. There's an episode that is completely silent, told from the perspective of a character who is Deaf. (The actor playing him is Deaf too.)

6. Lots of pop culture references.

7. I love the rapport between the three main characters. I was laughing when they initially bonded over the podcast they were listening to. It reminded me of how I bond with friends over certain shows. 

8. It carries the New York vibe really well. 

9. The supporting characters are great and the actors fit those roles perfectly. 

10. The main point of the show...the mystery factor. It kept me on my toes the entire time and I was trying to guess along with them. Although I'm not a true crime fan, this show was so absorbing!

11. Steve Martin and Martin Short are so great the entire time. It's like being back in the 80s watching them on SNL or in comedic films. I was also thinking of them being in Father of the Bride together. (Who can forget Franck?)

12. It left off at a spot that's perfect for starting a second season, and thankfully it will be coming back! (The link has spoilers.)

Check out the trailer:

 

Spoilers:

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I did not guess that the murderer would turn out to be who it was. I had my eye on some characters who had blended into the background a bit more, like the guy who lived next door to Charles. My friend guessed it though and I have no idea how! (She said it's a gift. :) ) As soon as they revealed what the one "sex toy" was, my jaw dropped. 

I loved, loved, loved Jane Lynch as Charles's stunt double. So unexpected, yet so perfect. She was hilarious and the scenes with her had me roaring with laughter.

The cat in the freezer scene was also really funny. 

The two Broadway cameos I recognized were Mandy Gonzalez and Ali Stroker. (Mandy is the one I met.) To me, Mandy is still 25, so I was surprised to see her as Mabel's mom. She's only two years younger than me in real life though.

After seeing In the Heights in 2009

I can't wait to find out how Bunny got killed. I didn't see that part coming at all, even though she was so nasty to everyone. 

I thought that everything was going to be wrapped up by episode eight, but then had a feeling we were just getting warmed up....

If you've seen this show, I'd love to hear your thoughts!

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Maid has got it made!

Courtesy of SpoilerTV

When I first heard about the book Maid (which I never got around to reading) becoming a TV series, I was curious to check it out. A few friends recommended it, as well. I was hooked from the very beginning of the first episode and then taken on this emotional ride throughout all ten of them. Margaret Qualley was fantastic as Alex and her performance was flawless throughout. If she doesn't get an Emmy for this next year, I will be completely shocked. 

I will be posting spoilers after the trailer, but here are some reasons to watch it, if you haven't yet thought to do so.

1. Margaret Qualley and Andie MacDowell are not only mother and daughter on the show, but also in real life. (Margaret even looks like her mom did at that age!)

2. The little girl who plays Maddy is so adorable! I was impressed that she was played by one actress the entire time, instead of twins. I love how she only wanted to listen to "Shoop" (brings back 90s memories) and that she had this mermaid doll named Shmariel.

3. It's impossible to not get emotionally invested. 

4. There are some actors who you may recognize aside from Margaret and Andie. Nick Robinson from Love, Simon plays Alex's ex-boyfriend. Raymond Ablack from Degrassi and Ginny and Georgia plays Alex's friend. Anika Noni Rose, who has performed on stage and also did the voice of Tiana in The Princess and the Frog, plays a woman who Alex cleans for and later becomes a confidant to. Erin Karpluk from Being Erica and A Million Little Things plays a small role, as well. (I was also excited to find out that Jessica Steen, from my favorite movie, Sing, also has a small role.) If you are ready to read the spoilers, I found two other people I recognized. :)

5. It's just such an interesting story and stays that way the entire time. Seeing Alex trying to get back on her feet is worthy of cheering on every time she has a win and then you want to cry for her each time she experiences a setback. 

6. This show will stay with you for a long time. It will also help you see what you take for granted. 

Funny story: One night we were watching an episode and our younger son came downstairs to tell us he was going to take a bath. Right after that, Alex told Maddy it was time to take a bath. Such funny timing!

**Please keep in mind that there are triggers for abuse/domestic violence throughout the series.**

Watch the trailer:

 

Thoughts with spoilers:

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1. There were so many times I wanted to reach through the screen and slap Alex's mom and dad. Mostly her mom, but definitely her dad by the end. One of the first was when her mom and Basil took Alex out for dinner and then expected her to pay for everything when she barely had a dollar to her name! My husband said that her mom was like an older version of Kimmy Gibbler from Full House. Her dad really infuriated me at the end when he wouldn't stand up for Alex in regards to Sean being emotionally abusive.

2. I like how there were some symbolic things and how we'd view the story from Alex's mind, like when they were in court and people kept saying "legal, legal, legal..."

3. I loved her friend Danielle and was so sad that she went back to her abusive relationship and then pretended not to know Alex when they ran into each other later on. 

4. I really liked how Regina came around and helped Alex later on. I think she really did see Alex as more than a maid, even when Yolanda had told Alex otherwise.

5. There were so many things that were just so frustrating, like all the hoops Alex had to jump through. Or when a client cancelled and then Alex lost payment from that. 

6. Sean was so infuriating overall, but he had some redeeming moments that most other guys in his position are too selfish to even consider. 

7. I really liked Denise, who ran the DV shelter. I was sad to find out that she was also a victim and her happiest day story was so harrowing. 

8. The show had some funny moments to balance out all the darkness, which I appreciated.

9. That one house Alex had to clean was so disgusting. I couldn't even imagine having to deal with all that. Also, the time when she was in another house and got stuck in that crawlspace was so anxiety-provoking. I hate the idea of getting trapped into a small space like that.

10. I love how Alex was helping the woman who was a hoarder and how she helped Alex in turn with building up her business and starting to get back on her feet some more. 

11. I liked when they would show how much Alex was spending and how the amount of money she had kept dwindling. It made things feel even more desperate for her.

12. I loved the montage with "Don't Stop Me Now" by Queen. It was such an uplifting moment.

13. I recognized two minor actors from The Baby-Sitters Club in small parts on this show. One was the girl playing the piano at one of the houses where Alex was cleaning. She was the girl in "Kristy and the Snobs." The woman Alex rented the nice house from (that Sean got her kicked out of) was Stacey's doctor in "Stacey's Emergency."

14. The boutique at the DV shelter made me think of a non-profit in our area where I have volunteered a couple of times. Having volunteered, I understand why they made it feel like an actual store.

15. In the last two episodes, Regina helps Alex secure a pro-bono lawyer who really helps her out with the whole custody situation so that Alex can move to Montana with Maddy. I have taken to calling her a "magic fairy lawyer." I know people who could really use someone like this, particularly one of my close friends. So if anyone has connections to a "magic fairy lawyer" in Maryland, please let me know and I will share the information with my friend. 

I'd love to hear your thoughts on Maid! Please feel free to share them in the comments.

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