Lucky Stiff: The Movie Musical

One of my favorite musicals of all time is Lucky Stiff. I have seen about five productions of the musical, and about eight years ago I was in a production of the show. I love everything about it. The story, the music, the characters, the humor. It’s just a great show.

I recently discovered that the musical is being adapted for the big screen. The film stars British newcomer Dominic Marsh as Harry Witherspoon, a young man who stands to inherit millions from his uncle if he follows certain instructions to a “t,” which includes wheeling his uncle’s corpse around Monte Carlo. Nikki M. James plays Annabel Glick, the dog lover who wants to see the fortune go to the dog shelter where she works. Jason Alexander plays Vinnie De Ruzzio, whose sister drags him to Monte Carlo to help her get her hands on the money.

I am so excited to see how well they adapt it to film. I hope they keep all of the songs, and I wouldn't mind if they added a few more. I love the music of Flaherty and Aherns. I also hope that they filmed some of it in Monte Carlo. It’s such a beautifully opulent city.

There are other Broadway musicals that are on their way to the big screen.

The following projects have directors attached to them (however, that doesn't mean all of them will be made):

• Wicked
• Into the Woods (Rob Marshall directing, Meryl Streep rumored to play the Witch)
• Jersey Boys (Jon Favreau directing)
• Spring Awakening
• In the Heights
• American Idiot
• Damn Yankees

The following are rumored to be in the works:

• Gypsy (Barbra Streisand rumored to play Mama Rose)
• Annie (Willow Smith rumored to play Annie)
• Follies
• My Fair Lady (Carey Mulligan rumored to play Eliza)
• Carousel

I am such a sucker for a good musical, and the good thing about a well-made movie musical is I can watch it over and over, unlike musicals in the theatre.

Are you excited about seeing any of these musicals on the big screen?

Stage Review: In the Heights

L-R: Debra Cardona (Abuela) and Joseph Morales (Usnavi). Photo by Alexander Weisman.

In the Heights, which is playing at Pioneer Theatre Company in Salt Lake City, was written by Lin-Manuel Miranda, who grew up in Washington Heights. The show is a love letter for the neighborhood where he was raised. And what a lovely love letter it is. It’s a sweet, vibrant, and at times touching snapshot of the Manhattan neighborhood.

The musical opens on a wonderful set representing the neighborhood, with a great view of the Brooklyn Bridge and a bright full moon in the sky. As we get into the story, walls open so we see the inside of Usnavi’s bodega, the Rosario Car Service, Daniela’s beauty salon, and the Rosario dining room.

The music is a eclectic mix of rap, Latin rhythms, and beautiful ballads. Some of the songs had you tapping your feet, wanting to stand up and dance along with the ensemble, especially during " Carnaval Del Barrio." The first number, “In the Heights,” draws you into the world while Usnavi raps about his life in the neighborhood and introduces his neighbors. Each of the solos gave you a glimpse of the characters, who they are, where they came from, and what they want in life.

The majority of the cast was very good, but standout performances came from Joseph Morales (Usnavi), Natalie Hill (Daniela), Natalie Toro (Camila), John Herrera (Kevin), Emily Vasquez (Nina), and Anthony Ramos Martinez (Sonny).
Joseph Morales has performed the same role in the touring company, and his performance of Usnavi was very strong and moving. Natalie Hill is a native of Orem, Utah. Her portrayal of Daniela was very entertaining, and her voice was one of the strongest in the cast. Natalie Toro’s rendition of “Enough” was one of the highlights of the all of the musical numbers in the musical.

L-R: Manoly Farrell (Vanessa), Natalie Hill (Daniela), Emily Vasquez (Nina) and Ariana Escalante (Carla). Photo by Alexander Weisman.



One of the most moving numbers in the show, “Everything I Know,” was sung by Emily Vasquez. I don’t like it when musicals make me cry, but I forgave them this time because “Everything I Know” was such a beautiful song that will touch the heart of anyone who had someone special in their life help change them for the better.

The ensemble was very strong, and the choreography was energetic, entertaining, and well performed.

I seldom give a standing ovation at a theatrical performance, even if everyone around me is standing, but by the end of the curtain call for In the Heights, I was on my feet. The musical won me over completely.

In the Heights plays at Pioneer Theatre Company through September 29, 2012.