Jen Netting

I think the films and, especially, the movie musicals of the time were to help people escape from the reality of the Depression. The movies were a time, an hour or so, where people could forget their woes and lose themselves in a world where nothing mattered except the "frivolous" things...what man to choose, how pretty flowers are, and so on. I do wonder, though, why it was decided that the character of Anna Held was to be French. Is it because the French were more exotic? Less serious? Less stodgy or looser morals? Was there any hidden meaning to it at all? Am I just over-analyzing? As to whether the movies of the time were more or less realistic, I think they probably went in the direction of less realistic because our reality of the time was pretty grim. Even the gangster movies were kind of over-the-top and allowed people to escape for a while. I do agree with the course's other participants in that pre-code, Miss Held definitely would have been less dressed and more risque. It was almost as if it was a way to reconnect with the Victorian time period of modesty and wholesomeness...the pendulum swinging the other way. Perhaps it was a way to minimize the objectification of women by not putting them in skimpy costumes, but I don't even know if they were really all that concerned with the objectification of women in Hollywood at that time. Off screen, it was still the hotseat of debauchery and impropriety (think Fatty Arbuckle scandal). Maybe Hollywood wanted to try and change it's off-screen image by altering it's on-screen one. Of course, the "simple mindedness" of the Miss Held character did it's own objectification of women by placing so much emphasis on her gawking over the orchids, the mention of how much they must have cost, her not knowing the meaning of the "Jr", and so on. The character was certainly not developed in such a way as to emphasis her intelligence...even the lyrics of her song were repetitive and trite only highlighting how she just wanted to "play".

I can definitely agree with that, and I hope they continue to improve and grow bringing in new admirers of the stage and screen. I admit, I haven't seen Jesus Christ Superstar yet. I think because it's one of my favorite musicals and I'm afraid it will be ruined for me. I guess I will have to suck it up and give it a go. I do love the freedom and spectacle that televised productions give in terms of costumes, set, transitions, etc. With being able to edit and re-do rough scenes, we are able to witness a smoother production, but it loses the realness of the live performance. I'm still torn on them, but I am certainly excited that movie musicals seem to be making a comeback!

I am so glad I am not the only one who hasn't been thrilled with them. I did enjoy Hairspray and hoped they were on to a good thing, but I was underwhelmed with Grease. The Wiz was okay. I get why they choose the big names...to bring in ratings...and I like that they create an admiration for musicals among those who may not necessarily enjoy them, but I do wish they would use better talent for sure.

I don't even know where to start. From my childhood, musicals have always been my "thing". I think among my favorites are: Singing in the Rain, Showboat, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Paint Your Wagon, Sweet Charity, Sweeney Todd, Pippin...and on and on. I enjoy the ones that tackle social issues. As a performer myself, I thrive on making people think without them realizing it because they are so entertained. And, of course, the music. If I hear a song that speaks to me before I've seen the show, I will go see it. By the way...I highly recommend "A New Brain" if you haven't already seen it (I enjoy live theatre more than televised, but do both). Side question: How is everyone enjoying all the new "live" musicals that are coming out now? Just curious about other people's feelings on them.