Run and Tell That: The Prom (Film)

Note: Blah, blah, I'm bad at editing. You know the drill by now. Also... spoilers...

"Newcomer Jo Ellen Pellman... delivers a stunning debut performance with an endearing attitude and wonderful vocals."

What? Two reviews in one month? CRAZY!!! Just a full disclosure, I never saw The Prom on Broadway or watched a bootleg of it. I know the basics of the show, but I went into this completely blind. Besides, I'll watch anything with Meryl Streep (MY QUEEN) in it. I'm gonna share my prom story, even though it's not very interesting. I was planning on going with a friend, strictly platonic, but he cancelled on me as I was in line buying the tickets so I texted my sister

Nicole Kidman and Jo Ellen Pellman

saying I just wasn't gonna go, but she told me she'd go with me. That's really it. I never really viewed prom as like "OH MY GOD IT'S THE PROM!!!" It was just another dance to me, a very expensive one, and I still do not understand why people make such a big deal over prom. (I have literally seen this word so many times now and I'm starting to doubt if it's a real word anymore. Anyone else get that feeling?) Anyway now that I've shared my thoughts on prom let me share my thoughts on The Prom (Subtle segue I know...) In complete and utter honesty I thought I was gonna be bored watching this and I was expecting it to be really bad, but I was honestly quite surprised at how much I liked it. The script by Bob Martin and Chad Beguelin was very good and had some great comedic moments, but I was not entirely sure if the story was about the actors or Emma. (Does that make sense?) To be quite honest, I felt that the role of Barry could be cut and by dividing his scenes/responsibilities between Trent and Angie the story would be much stronger because it would allow for stronger relationships between them and Emma. However, my dislike of the character of Barry could have to do more with the actor than the script, but we'll get into him later. The score which was written by Martin, 

Ariana DeBose and Kerry Washington

Beguelin and Matthew Sklar had some catchy tunes with okay lyrics, but nothing really stuck out to me. I found Ryan Murphy's direction to be a little uneven. There were some songs that were sung in reality, but then there were other songs that were sung in a fantasy land. (A la Chicago or Nine) The choreography by Casey Nicholaw (Who directed and choregraphed the Broadway production) was intense and filled with high energy. Also a quick shout out to Lou Eyrich who designed the costumes which were amazing. One last note before I move onto the actors... What kind of high school is this? I have never in my life been to a high school that is that colorful. What high school has yellow and blue walls? What school in general has yellow and blue walls? All the schools I've been to are grey or an off-colored white... Why do all high school movies give the schools colored walls? I mean what is that about? I've said my piece on the strangely colorful high school so it's time to talk actors. There were some nice performances delivered by Logan Riley Hassel, Sofia Deler, Nathaniel J. Potvin and Nico Greetham as Kaylee, Shelby, Kevin and Nick, classmates of Emma's who initially don't like her. Speaking of people who don't like Emma we have conservative mother, Mrs. Greene, portrayed by Kerry Washington who delivers a strong performance as the head of the P.T.A. Washington surprised me when she sang and had a wonderful voice and her performance was lovely. However, I personally felt that when her daughter, Alyssa, came out to her the turn around was a bit too quick especially after all her talks about belief. Mrs. Greene spends most of the movie battling with Tom Hawkins, the principle of

Jo Ellen Pellman

Emma's school, portrayed by Keegan-Michael Key another strong performance who also surprised me with his wonderful vocals. One of the best performances of the movie goes to the talented Andrew Rannells as Trent Oliver. Rannells is hysterical in his role and delivers a spectacular rendition of "Love Thy Neighbor" although I did find his ending, where he becomes the drama teacher at the high school, a bit weird... Delivering an equally good performance was Nicole Kidman as Angie Dickinson who is the only character I felt to truly have a strong relationship with Emma. Kidman had nice vocals and she fully utilized those "crazy antelope legs." (If you watched the movie you'll get it) One of the sources of turmoil in The Prom is with the character of Alyssa Greene who is a closeted popular cheerleader and has been dating Emma for over a year. Alyssa is portrayed by Ariana DeBose who has a nice voice and is a decent actor, but I continue to have the same problem with her. I don't find her interesting. She doesn't stick out in my opinion. Even during her number "Alyssa Greene" where she explains the crazy expectations her mom has for her, I constantly found myself getting distracted by other things either going on in the background of the film or something in my room because she has no presence. The young girl who sets this whole story in motion is Emma Nolan, portrayed by newcomer Jo Ellen Pellman who delivers a stunning debut performance with an endearing attitude and wonderful vocals. Pellman really sold the character of Emma for me and didn't make her a cliché. The worst performance of the night goes to James Corden who Hollywood needs to stop casting in movie musicals. I personally 

Meryl Streep

don't even have a problem that he's a straight man playing a gay man. (I'm a gay man so don't start with me) My problem with James was that he didn't seem to be portraying a human. (Does that make any sense?) He was giving this weird caricature, but it was a low key caricature. He started out the movie as a, not even, half-hearted gay stereotype, but barely 20 minutes in and it was gone. I felt that his accent changed from scene to scene; just like his portrayal seemed to be a different character in each scene. There was no consistency and it was all uneven. I wish I could say his singing made up for his acting, but that wasn't any good either. Hollywood, please just stop casting James Corden in everything. Hollywood, please continue to cast Meryl Streep in EVERYTHING! Queen Meryl killed it with her performance as the narcissistic Broadway diva Dee Dee Allen. This was Meryl's best vocal performance yet and she knocked this performance out of the park. (But do you expect anything less from Queen Meryl?) Meryl as Allen had superb comedic timing, but she also gave an equally superb performance when it came to the dramatic moments. Overall The Prom is a fun movie, featuring some strong performances with an okay score and a nice script. It's available on Netflix and I'm sure many illegal movie sites. Happy holidays! Stay safe!

"Go big or you've blown it, it's time that you own it. Let's make it clear that tonight belongs to you"

Run and Tell That: Dr. Seuss' The Grinch Musical!

Note: By now ya'll know that I'm a terrible editor. (Just ask my English professors) So be prepared for me to be editing this AFTER I upload it. Also, I'm not a professional reviewer nor do I try to be in these. I'm simply stating what I thought.

"Dr. Seuss' The Grinch Musical! is a perfect way for a family to spend a December evening."

The year of 2020 brought many depressing things

How many of us wish we could be back in the wings

We were filled with sadness, but never fear

NBC is here to give us some holiday cheer.

They chose The Grinch this year to televise,

But was that decision exactly wise?

Come along with me and you shall see

As I review this show and spill the tea.

And that's enough with rhyming. Did you really think I would do this entire review in rhymes? What are you crazy? It would be epic, but get annoying real quick. I was completely surprised when NBC announced they were doing another "live" production considering the last "live" production we got was Fox's Rent: Pre-Recorded and we all know how that turned out... What really shocked me though was how late they announced it, November 10th, less than a month

Denis O'Hare and Booboo Stewart

before it's airdate of December 9th. Also so many details were very hush hush. Even after the broadcast finished, I still had to go scavenging to find out who was in the cast. Anyway, I don't really have much to say on this show, which is very surprising I know. (That was an accidental rhyme.) I didn't go in with the mentality thinking it would be some life altering experience. My main thought was "Hey, it's gonna be cute" and I was right. Dr. Seuss' The Grinch Musical! is a perfect way for a family to spend a December evening it will keep the kids entertained and might have some eye rolls from the adults, but it's cute. Unlike NBC's previous productions it was not live, but I understand why because COVID plus it was shot in the UK (Where they have a slightly more competent government then us here in the US.) The script* and score by Tim Mason and Mel Marvin won't be winning a Pulitzer or Tony Award anytime soon. While the script had its cute moments and will no doubt bring laugh to its younger audience members, it had some convoluted moments to it that might leave the adults confused. The direction by Max Webster, for stage, and Julia Knowles, for film, was good and much better then the direction of the past several televised musical events. The choreography by

Amy Ellen Richardson

Lizzi Gee was cute and creative. The night featured some gorgeous black and white scenic design by the skillful Peter Bingemann. All of Bingemann's sets look like they popped right out of Dr. Seuss' book. Meanwhile, Soutra Gilmour designed the colorful, quirky costumes worn by the Who's and also did a nice job with the Max costumes. My only complaint is what was she thinking with that Grinch costume? The lighting design by the amazing Dave Davey was absolutely gorgeous and creative. His lighting really complimented and accented the black and white sets. The sound design was also good, but despite my research I don't know who the sound designers is. Throughout the night there were many great performances from both the kids and adults. The entire ensemble delivered strong vocals and great acting while the kids danced their little hearts out. Gary Wilmot and Claire Machin as Grandpa Who and Grandma Who were charming and worked well together. The same can be said for Ako Mitchell and Amy Ellen Richardson who portrayed Papa Who and Mama Who. Richardson specifically delivered a wonderful performance with great vocals and acting choices. It is of my opinion that the performance of the night goes to Amelia Minto who was sweet and sincere as Cindy-Lou Who, but was not annoying with those qualities. (You know what I'm talking about. Those kids at regional theatres who try way too hard and instead of the performance

Amelia Minto and Matthew Morrison

being natural it's obnoxious and cardboardy.) She had great vocals and delivered many great moments. The role of Max was split in two (Well four technically, but mainly two) a Young Max who was portrayed by Booboo Stewart and Old Max portrayed by Denis O'Hare. As Young Max Stewart tumbled, crawled, flipped and slid all over the stage delivering an energetic performance with strong acting. O'Hare as Old Max served as the narrator and he had some solid vocals. However, I definitely felt that having two Max' was unneeded. Now it is time to talk about the man of the hour Matthew Morrison as The Grinch. There are many things to say about this heavily miscast performance. The main thing is his Grinch was terrifying for all the wrong reasons. I give him credit because he tried, he certainly tried. I just did not find him grinchy. Whenever he spoke directly into the camera I just got extremely uncomfortable. I don't think that the absolutely awful costume and makeup helped him in the slightest; he looked like the Phillie Phanatic with Morrison's face. His comedic timing was all wrong for this role and what should be an extremely funny role was flatter than a pancake. I found myself rolling my eyes instead of laughing. When it comes to The Grinch (Musical or movie) you need a strong character actor at the core, someone who excels in comedy and that is not Morrison. In keeping with my weird metaphors in reviews, I'd call this show a donut it's good, but no center. In this metaphor the center would be Morrison's Grinch (and the iffy book and score), but the donut would be everything else. Alas, we have come to the end of this review, I told you it was short. Don't forget to keep an eye out for my podcast Dear Diary coming out in early 2021! Happy Holidays! Stay Safe!

*Featuring additional material by Simon Nye.

"Welcome, Christmas! Fah who rahmus! Welcome, Christmas! Dah who dahmus! Christmas Day will always be! Just as long as we have we!"

Magic to Do: Sorry, Wrong Number

WOWZA!!!! So I can finally announce that I'll be making my directorial debut with Lucille Fletcher's intense thriller; Sorry, Wrong Number.

Starring the phenomenal Madison Alexander as Mrs. Stevenson; Sorry, Wrong Number is focuses on Mrs. Stevenson, a sick woman whose only contact with the outside world is her phone. One night she is trying to reach her husband, but because of a crossed wire, she hears plans for a murder. Her frantic efforts to enlist help through the only means at her disposal, her growing terror and realization of the truth.

To be presented on a TBD date in early 2021.

More information to come!