Home Is Where The Music(al) Is

As we reach the last week of our 2012 Summer Season, the Filene Center schedule includes two popular musicals that I—a huge musical theatre fan—am very much looking forward to: The King and I, and Rock of Ages. The first is a sterling production of the classic by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein, presented by Atlanta’s Theater of the Stars. The second is the touring company’s rendition of a rock ‘n’ roll sensation that revolutionized the scene. Both, based on books and eventually translated to the silver screen, are guaranteed to awake the musical theatre “geek” in all of you. 

As for me, that “geek” has been there for as long as I can remember. I guess you could say the love for musicals (and music) runs in my family.

I’ve been a musical theatre enthusiast since my dad introduced me to the film version of The King and I, when I was only five years old. I instantly fell in love with Anna, the King, and their endearing story. I was mesmerized by the beautiful sets, costumes, music…and, more specifically, by Anna’s gorgeous voice. I still remember listening to my dad singing “Getting To Know You” while doing shores around the house, and me trying to mumble the words along in a foreign language (English, that is). What a catchy tune!  

I’d say a lot of you have probably experienced The King and I fever at some point in your lives. And, the musical’s unparalleled commercial success proves this! The King and I became a Broadway hit in 1951 and received three Tony Awards. The film, released in 1956, won five Academy Awards securing the musical’s place as one of the best of all-time. Tours and revivals all over the world have made it an international sensation, and one that undoubtedly transcends time and generations.

Yet another music-loving influence in my life has been my older brother. Though not as big of a Broadway fan, he nurtured his musical side by following a broad spectrum of bands that emerged between the ‘80s and ‘90s. In my eyes, he was just a rebellious teenager that would blast out Poison, Whitesnake, and Bon Jovi in his bedroom as loud as possible. Soon enough, I even found myself humming "Every Rose Has Its Thorn" and "Wanted Dead or Alive" without even knowing the lyrics.

I think he’s the reason why I’m able to enjoy Rock of Ages— it’s rock, it’s musical theatre, it’s awesome! Rock of Ages is one of those musicals that feel fresh and current— in a way, just more in tune with young(er) generations. It premiered in Los Angeles in 2005 but didn’t make it to Broadway until recently (2009). Since then, it has received five Tony Award nominations and has been consistently touring around the nation.   

I encourage you to join me and hundreds of musical theatre lovers for these two upcoming productions at Wolf Trap. Be ready to sing, sway, and to fall in love…with musicals!