The Sing-Off 3.5

I'm going to preface this post by telling y'all that I already know who goes home tonight.  Some unsolicited advice:  Don't follow CASA's twitter feed if you're not watching this show live as it airs on the East Coast.  They apparently have no concern for people in a different time zone or for people who may be otherwise occupied and have the show recording on their DVR.  Bastards.  I, however, will try not to pepper my post with hints of who will leave, especially since at this point of the game, I like all of the groups and would be sorry to see anyone go.


So here we go, the top 7.


Group Performance: "This is Hallowe'en" by Danny Elfman, "Werewolves of London" by Warren Zevon and "Ghostbusters" by Ray Parker, Jr.
Elfman - Awesome!!!  This must have been really fun for them, especially with all of the cool chords, not to mention their costumes.  


Tonight's challenge:  sing a 3-song medley of a pop superstar, each with a different tempo, key and groove.


Urban Method:  "What's My Name", "Umbrella", and "Only Girl (In the World)" by Rihanna
Yikes.  The transition between the first two songs did not work at all.  I've decided that the gal that sings lead on the 1st and 3rd songs (Katie) rocked it, but not so much the other girls.  Eeww, how did Ben like that 1st transition?  Blech.  


Vocal Point: "Don't Be Cruel", "Can't Help Falling In Love" and "Jailhouse Rock" by Elvis Presley
They make me smile.  I like the harmonies on the last song, and I like hearing the audience screaming, as should happen for Elvis.  That went by way too fast.


Afro-Blue: "What Have You Done For Me Lately", "When I Think of You" and "Miss You Much" by Janet Jackson (Miss Jackson if you're nasty)
Oh, I love their harmonies (except for a couple in the first song).  Scat, girl!  I really liked that a lot.  Oh, Shawn is worried about the non-cerebral ones in the audience.  Stop it, Shawn!  Then Sara says that she got lost.   Sigh.  It makes me think less of them when they say stuff like that on national television.


Dartmouth Aires: "Killer Queen", "Bohemian Rhapsody" and "Somebody to Love" by Queen
Queen's songs are difficult to sing, but they pulled them off quite well.  There were a couple of high notes that not everyone could handle that well, but the group was great nonetheless.  I like the transition between the 2nd and 3rd songs, and they really rocked that last piece.  That last bit was just...oh, yes.  Why don't I have a Queen Greatest Hits CD?  I love these songs!  


Pentatonix: "Oops...I Did It Again", "Toxic" and "Hold It Against Me" by Britney Spears
Oh, that outfit is short!  I like hearing a guy singing a Spears song.  It makes the song not so, um...slutty.  Their VP is just awesome.  I think some chords didn't work for me, though.  Sara can't even say the word "spectacular", she's so overcome with their performance.


Delilah: "Fallin'", "A Woman's Worth" and "If I Ain't Got You" by Alicia Keys
Wait.  Who's doing the bass drum beat?  The same girl doing the high hat?  Because that's cooool.  If it's a different person, it's still cool, just not JT cool.  Nice job, ladies!  I wish that they did their rock songs as well as they do their ballad-y stuff.  


Yellowjackets: "The River of Dreams", "She's Always a Woman" and "Uptown Girl" by Billy Joel
I'm glad that they didn't go easy and pick "For The Longest Time".  I wish that they were more clear and didn't sound like so many people singing at one time.  Is it me, or did that second piece need to go a little quicker at the beginning?  I think that "Uptown Girl" matches their style more than the other songs.  I like that Shawn calls them "The YJs".  Poor Sara, being creeped out by Ben's wind.  


Special guest performance
Committed (last season's winner): "Forever", "With You", and "Yeah (3x)" by Chris Brown
Aw, it's so good to see these guys again!  Ah, yes, that luscious harmony.  I would like a copy of their CD, please.  :)  


The top 6 staying for the next round: Dartmouth Aires, Pentatonix, Vocal Point, Delilah, Afro-Blue and Urban Method.


Yellowjackets' swan song: "Tubthumping" by Chumbawamba
They sang the NBC tones!  Aw, guys, sorry to see you go.  Wow, look at all of your fans!  


Next week, the groups each get to sing 2 songs, and somebody cries.

"Malibu" in Malibu

Rockapella at Pepperdine

Sunday, October 16, 2011

Smothers Theatre

Malibu, CA

This morning, some members of the PellaPosse joined Team MousePlanet at the Disneyland Resort for the annual CHOC Walk 5K, a fundraiser for Children's Hospital of Orange County.  We had signed up for the walk before we knew that Rockapella would be in So Cal, not that it would have stopped us.  It did stop me, however, from also joining a Zumba Master Class between the walk time and the concert time.  I heard that I missed a great class, but I can just imagine myself arriving at Pepperdine with spaghetti-like legs on top of a really cute pair of shoes.  But anyway, here is a picture of us prior to the walk, with our MP hats and CHOCWalk shirts.  

Walking for the Kids

After the walk, we partook in yummy chocolate chip cookies from Doubletree and got free stuff like Doritos and soda.  Afterward, I went to Target for some stuff that did not include a comb, because I could just go home for that.  Then I got pretty for the Pella.

Jeff, Wendy and Jenn arrived, and we carpooled over to Malibu.  This drive was a much better one than I had experienced on the way to Reduced Shakespeare.  Wendy had kindly bought mini-cupcakes on our behalf to give to the guys in celebration of Scott's birthday, so we went to the campus first to drop them off.  The guard at the entrance was very nice (and cute!), and gave me a token to use for parking in the lot, since nobody would be available at the parking booth.  There must have been an event there that day, because there were cars all over the place and it was well before the show time.  It might have also been due to Sunday church services, as the school is a Christian university.  Anyway, we went to the box office, and the dude there said that he would make sure that the band would get their cupcakes.

I was sad that we couldn't keep the cool token, but we left the campus-with-the-gorgeous-view-of-the-ocean and drove to Coogies for dinner.  Jenn and I enjoyed the short ribs special, although the wasabi mashed potatoes were a bit too spicy for me.  (I can't eat spicy food these days, so my tolerance isn't what it used to be).  I also had some of Wendy's sweet potato fries (which came with her Coogie's burger, which she enjoyed), and Jeff enjoyed his turkey pot pie.  We were happy diners!  Wendy and Jeff spotted people from the cruise and talked to them for a bit.  I later found out that Liz and Joe were having dinner next door at the sushi place at about the same time.  I've declared that Liz will be joining me for a future event so that we can eat the sushi, because she said that it was delicious. 

For some reason, there was some kind of backup to get into the parking area for the theatre.  Again, I was sad that we didn't still have our token.  But we finally got in and parked.  The PellaPosse seats were in the first two rows on the right side of the house.  I was happy that they hadn't opened up pit seating so that we were still in front.  I was hoping that they would open up pit seating and offer to change my seats due to my season subscription, but they never called me, and I would have been upset if I had seen seats in front of us (the theatre had called me regarding openings in the pit for another show for which I had a ticket).

I introduced new recruit Dene to the rest of the Posse, and met Karla's fellow teacher, Elaine.  Liz was miraculously there and not in bed:  she had run the Nike Women's Half-marathon in San Francisco that morning, and had the Tiffany necklace to prove it.  :)

The lights dimmed, and Scott sang "Beat's gonna be so sweet", and sounded a little bit tired.  They had been in Atlanta the night before and had been flying all day, so I had wondered how they'd be feeling.  The video played, but we didn't see Tim around, so we wondered if he was still working with the guys.  

Tonight

Scott cut his hair.  Geo has lost so much weight through his P90X routine that he needs new clothes.  Scott announced that he is Brian Wilson (aww, a Beach Boy!).

4U4Now4Life

Steve and Geo smiled at me.  I love hearing Joe laugh.

Scott:  How many folks go to school here?  Wow, 3 whole people.  (The spotlight was bright on him)  This is a blinding spot, a very awkward light.  I feel like a lemur.  

Scott told us that they had sung with the Atlanta Symphony the night before and flew all day, but they were sure they had arrived when they saw "ocean...and rich people."  He introduced JT and said about the rumbling, "Be careful with the cliffs and the earthquakes."

Nuthin But (Zip)

Got to Get You Into My Life

Steve smiled at Karla and June.  I melted for them.

Just My Imagination/Imagine

Scott looked like he was still eating his cupcake before starting the song.  We found out later that they hadn't eaten the cupcakes yet, so it must have been part of his Power Bar.  Applause happened after the Imagine section.  I like Geo's glissando.

Tell Me What You Want

They changed up something in the intro, either in the harmonies or because Scott is tired.  I don't know.  Something happened with the Power Point presentation, because all of a sudden, the screen showed a post-it note with the title of the song.

Scott said that the last time they were here was for a holiday show, and this was Steve's Pepperdine debut.  We're happy to have you here, Steve!  :)

Cupid

Ooh, Hearts on the video!  I like hearts.  Steve smiled at me!  He chose someone named Diane to help him get the audience to wave their arms and sway.

Hard Time

Scott:  "That's from 'Bang', too.  'Bang' also."

Scott: "The next song is sung with the Massachusetts-sad-eyed voice of Mr. Steve Dorian."

California Sad-Eyed Girl

I forgot to say this in my Oregon trip report, but Steve is really gelling with the rest of the band now.  Tonight was the best that I've ever heard him sing CSEG.  Joe told him later that he no longer sounds like he's trying to be Kevin's replacement.  He's now made the song his own.

John described Scott as "The man with a big voice in a little bitty body."

Scott's response: "Da plane! Da Plane!"

Scott talked about his influences and got applause when he mentioned Glenn Miller.  He said, "Oh, good, Glenn's in the audience tonight."

Paper Doll

Scott made goofy faces at Geo when he sang "waiting".  Awesome rhythm section, boys!

Rock the Boat

Scott danced and called this one "The Malibu".  Steve called Wendy "Baby".  I did not want to scratch her eyes out as she feared.  Steve also slapped Scott's butt with the rhthym before Geo's solo.  He was having fun!  Geo, Geo, Geo.  You're the man!  :)

Thunderball

Steve flexed his biceps, too.

Bang

The video showed stuff from the Bond films.  Scott's dancing was on fire!  Geo did his high-kick!  Shut yo mouth!  I love seeing them do this song, and am now even happier that the high-kick is back.  

Commercials

Scott: "We can come clean with you discernful Malibu folk."

Geo stroked his own arm as he sang "yummy milk chocolate".

Steve wiggled his butt as he sang "rash on my butt".

Scott: "That's as bad as they got right there, and they loved it!"

When Scott mentioned that they even recorded songs that never even made it on the air, someone in the audience shouted, "OH, YEAH!" which puzzled more than one of us.  Are you happy it never made it on the air, or do you just like the Dr. Pepper jingle?

BTW, nice soda sound, JT!

My Girl/Ain't Too Proud to Beg

John chose a woman named Carol.

Scott: "Are you one of the Real Housewives of Malibu?  You look like you could be one of those girls."

Carol: "I don't know if that's a compliment."

Carol said that she was from the West End, which prompted Scott to mention Falafel King and some other place that sounded like "Denny Reese".  Scott tried to get her to sing "Stand By Me".  One of Carol's companions was sitting on the stairs in the aisle next to me, and was about to leave when Steve was fake-leading her off of the stage.  I told him to stay right where he was.  He was glad that I did.  As they sang "Beg", Carol was all hugging everybody, she was so flirty!  It was a lot of fun.

After everybody calmed down and Carol left the stage, Geo said: "Every time I come out here to California, the women make want to sing like a woman."

I Will Always LoveYou

I like hearing the crowd react to those high notes.

Geo: While I can't breathe right now, I'll need about 20 seconds to release."

He dedicated the next song to the women in the audience, but first, "I'm waiting for the pitch.  I think the guys are taking a coffee break or something."  We thought that maybe they were eating cupcakes at that time, too, but we were wrong.

Babygirl

Tell me your number!  He so rocks that song.

Carmen

Scott: We sang it every day for every year--many years.  (Have I told you that Scott must be tired?)

Encore:

A-Punk

Scott said that he didn't know when they'd be out here again, and Karla shouted out that they'd be in Napa in January, which really isn't close by, but it's still California, which is pretty much another planet to the guys.  

Then Scott said that they should do Steve's song, which they've never done before.  (All of us that were on the cruise had heard it live on the boat, though we didn't correct him).

Malibu Grand Prix

Up On The Roof/Wonderful World

Scott tried to hide from the spotlight.  That thing was really bright.

After the show, Dene informed us that he was looking forward to the next time the guys would be in town, because he would see that show all over again.  PUSHED.  :)  Thanks for bringing your hubby, June!  I know that the other hubbies like to see another male fan among the Posse.

I said hi to Fred before going into the lobby for the meet and greet.  He said that they had 2 workshops scheduled in the morning, but they wouldn't be flying out until later that night, so they'd be able to rest a little bit before going home.

Elaine did her job and took random pictures of stuff happening at the Meet and Greet, especially of whatever Karla was doing, since it was her camera.

I asked the guys to sign my program, and was happy that Scott remembered how to spell my name.  It's the little things, people.  To ensure that he actually received the cupcakes, I asked him, "Did you get your treats?"  He thought for a few seconds and asked, "Were they cupcakes?"  You see, we can trust the box office here.  I gave him a birthday card from the Pella Posse that had something to do with us wearing our good panties in case we were going to throw them at him.  (I had crossed out Justin Timberlake's name and wrote his name on the card instead).  He said that we were funny and sweet.  He said that since they were on the plane all day, his throat was really dry.  Scott noticed that my hair was short and said that he liked it.  Thanks!   I told him about Liz doing the 1/2 marathon that morning, and he was quite impressed.  I also told him about the 5K that we did, and that Liz and I would be walking in November for the Be The One Run as Team Walk-A-Pella.  He liked that, so now that our team name is sanctioned by Scott, we're good to go!  Join us, won't you?  Scott was wearing very, very, very blue shoes that he bought at the Nike store in Japan.

Bluuuuue (not suede) Shoes

Geo saw that Liz was being shy as usual and told us to take a picture of him with her.  No, I will not post it here.  I value my life.  Not that Liz looks bad, because she doesn't at all.  Geo's eyes are closed.  He was wearing a ring and explained that Sandra got it for him when they got engaged so that he could ward off all of the women with it.  I told him that he needs new clothes because he's lost so much weight that they're baggy on him now.  He said that he's going to go back on the program, but now it's in order to bulk up.

I didn't get to talk to John very much, but while I was patiently waiting to take my picture with the guys, he told them to pay attention so that it could actually happen.  Thanks, John! He told Jeff that he was planning on bringing Christina to Napa, so I look forward to seeing her there.  

JT told us how we could get around when we go to the shows with the Boston Pops in December, because Jeff had asked him about it.  He said that we'd be going at a good time, and we picked a good airport because it's not too crowded.  Wendy thinks that he still doesn't know her name, because he doesn't say it when he sees her, but he says mine and Karla's.  I bet he does know, Wendy.  How can he write about us in his personal diary if he doesn't know all of our names?  Hmmm...maybe he calls Geo and asks him.  ;)

I greeted Steve with a big hug and a "Hi, Flirty!"  I told him that tonight was the best that I'd ever heard him sing CSEG.  He said that he thinks that he was inspired (I'm sure that he was talking about being in California, but in my imagination, he's inspired because of the PellaPosse.  Or just the PellaPusher.  Or I should just stop daydreaming).  I also said that I was happy that they were able to do his song IN Malibu, and he was happy about it, too.  (When we were in Oregon, I had asked him if they would do his song when they got to Malibu, and he said that he hoped so, so he got his wish).  He said that he wished that he had booked another night to stay so that he could go to Disneyland, since he's never been to The Original.  Since I was off the next day, it would have been fun to show him around "my" Happiest Place on Earth.  He said that he could get me in, and I said that I didn't need it because I'm a Passholder, but thanks!  I would still totally show him around, though.  He then said that he would try to bring his girlfriend Laurie next time so that she could go, too, and he might bring her to Napa.  I told him that I wanted to meet her, and he realized that I never met her at the Tampa show.  He's so cute and happy, and I told him that I was glad he was so happy.  He said that he was glad that I'm happy, too.  OK, he has no idea that I'm at my happiest when I'm seeing Rockapella, so let's not tell him how pathetic I am normally, OK?  ;)  BTW, he met Laurie on a blind date.  Can you imagine going on a blind date and Flirty Flirty Eyes is the guy with whom you've been set up?  I'd probably think I was on candid camera or some kind of cruel joke was being played on me, because I am not that lucky.

So here's the picture that I took with the guys, thanks to John actually paying attention.

Coming to a Christmas Card near you!

A great time was had by all, and I'm always happy when I have a definite date in the future when I can see the guys again.

The Sing-Off 3.4

It's time for the Top 8 groups!


Group Performance: "Nothin' on You" by B.O.B. featuring Bruno Mars
Rap it, guys!  Not really liking the too-pretty high notes from Delilah.  The style just doesn't match the rest of the song.  Not that I wouldn't do the same thing in order to stay on pitch.  ;)  


It's Hip-Hop night!  Ooh, this will be interesting...and the bottom 2 get to do an actual sing-off battle.  I'm excited now.


Dartmouth Aires:  "Club Can't Handle Me" by Flo Rida
Get those words out, Henry!  That's the way!  Hmm...some chords during "Get your hands up!" are not really working.  That was fun, though.  I don't know where Ben heard Polka music, but OK.


Afro-Blue: "Killing Me Softly" by The Fugees
I didn't know that Roberta Flack is a Howard alum.  Interesting, and I'm glad they're playing tribute by doing her song, even though it's the Lauryn Hill-led Fugees version.  Ooh, I like the lead voice on this one.  I also really like that they always try to make songs their own.  Like the song...aw ong...aw ong.  Nick and Ben have lost their rappin' minds.  Sara loves this show: I really hope so, because she's on the darn thing.  


The Collective: "Give Me Everything" by Pit Bull Featuring Ne-Yo
I am not familiar with this song.  I feel like they need another female on the la-la part.  Not that they have another one to spare.  Ruby's leather-looking leggings are awesome.  


Vocal Point: "I'll Be Missing You" by Puff Daddy
Aw, it's a nice song for Ben's dad.  Some of the chords aren't jelling right, but I like Ben's solo.  I agree with the judges regarding the pitch issues, but I don't think they should let them stay just because they are letting the group emote, because, really, the show needs to go on, and you need to give the audience all you've got.  If they keep them safe, it should be for all of their other work so far, because this group is really good.


My pick for this set:  Afro-Blue


Guaranteed to advance to next week:  Afro-Blue, Dartmouth Aires, and Vocal Point.


Urban Method: "Airplanes" by B.O.B. featuring Hayley Williams
If they don't nail this, they're in trouble, since this is their genre.  Ooh, crickets!  I like the opening duet with the female voices.  I'm also enjoying the choreography.  The rap was good, too.  Very well done, as I hoped they would do.  


Pentatonix: "Love Lockdown" by Kanye West
I don't know this song.  I also didn't know Urban Method's song.  I'm kind of out of it.  I love the way they do their dynamics, as well as those futuristic sounds.  Anyway, that was really cool.  


Delilah: "How to Love" by Lil Wayne
Are they going to rap or not?  I'm confused.  Blonde lead was having a little problem with her pitch at first.  OK, so I guess it's a "no" on the rap.  


Yellowjackets: "The Show Goes On" by Lupe Fiasco
Those boys are so cute.  Some of the harmonies are not really working for me, though.  I also could have used some dynamics, although I liked that last solo rap/singing by Jamal.  Maybe they should have been quieter behind him, because there are so many of them.  


My pick for this set:  Urban Method


Guaranteed to advance to next week: Pentatonix, Delilah, and Urban Method.


Sing-off Battle is therefore between The Collective and Yellowjackets, singing "Just a Dream" by Nellly.


The Collective: Didn't like that opening chord's high note, or, really, any of the high notes that are happening.  


Yellowjackets: OK, I just noticed their cool Nikes.  Anyway, they sound much better on this than The Collective.  It's much more fitting to their style, and the lead KILLED it.


Judges' picks:
Shawn: Yellowjackets
Ben: Collective
Sara: Yellowjackets


Therefore, advancing to next week:  Yellowjackets.  Yay!  Sorry, Collective, but you never won me over, even with the improvement.


The Collective's Swan Song: "Knockin' on Heaven's Door" by Guns 'n' Roses.  I don't remember hearing that guy's voice before, but he has a pretty one.


Next week:  Superstar Medleys, with special guest performance by Committed.

The Sing-Off 3.3

I'm watching this 2 days after the original airing, due to other fun stuff getting in the way.


This week's show features all of the Top 10, now with both brackets together.


Group Performance: "All Night Long" by Lionel Ritchie
I have news for you people, especially Deliliah:  it's pronounced "ALL", and not "HALL".  Geez, I hate that.  I wish they could have featured the "trumpets" a litte bit more.  


Ooh, it's a double-elimination night.  Scary!


Ha.  "Boyz II Men to Judge".


This week's challenge is Guilty Pleasures.


Yellowjackets:  "Wannabe" by The Spice Girls
I like the skip-dancing.  Go, Jamal!  Like the cute British Girl rap.  That was quite enjoyable! "Flarp", Shawn?  Really?  


Delilah: "Flashdance...What A Feelin'" by Irene Cara
I don't like the opening harmonies.  I think maybe the key was too low for the lead.  The song just needed more oomph for me.  Hmmm...I'm kinda hearing the judges give them the kiss-off.


North Shore: "MmmBop" by Hanson  "The Power of Love" by Huey Lewis and the News
Aw, I wanted to hear how they would do the Hanson thing.  A little bit flat at the beginning of the song from the lead, but the rest of the group is supporting him so well that he gets back up there.  Kind of.  I just didn't like it as much as I've liked their other stuff.  


The Collective: "I Will Survive" by Gloria Gaynor
Trying to start off with a bang does not work when you start with a raspy vocal.  I do like hearing the 2 females together, though.  Whoa.  Ben just said "vocal percussion" instead of "beatbox", and it was appropriate!


Dartmouth Aires: "Jessie's Girl" by Rick Springfield
I like their jackets, and I wonder if the show provided those for them.  Some of those harmonies needed some pitch help.  I like the litle kick to end the silence.  The lead wasn't as strong as I'd like him to be.  What is happening with the groups that I've been liking?  "Clark Moment".  That made me giggle.  


My pick for this set: Yellowjackets


1st set results:
Moving on to next round: The Collective, Yellowjackets, Dartmouth Aires, and Delilah
Hmmm...getting rid of the more experienced people again, I see.  I'm sure that I heard boos in the audience.


North Shore's Swan Song: "Good Night, Sweetheart".  Sigh.  I hate that you're leaving, guys.


Let's move on and hope for the best.


Afro-Blue: "I Wanna Dance With Somebody" by Whitney Houston
With this group, I already get excited when I hear them rehearse.  Nice!  I liked all of that except for one of the solos, which was a little weak.  But I liked the dancing, the harmonies, and the singing.  I can't believe that Ben didn't understand all of the words.  Shawn is out of control with the Soul Train stuff.  


Pentatonix: "Video Killed the Radio Star" by The Buggles
I like the VP intro.  That guy's full of sound effects!  They are performing the heck out of this song, and I love it!  


Deltones: "Listen To Your Heart" by Roxette
Those skirts do not look good on them.  Musically, though, they were very good.  


Urban Method: "Poison" by Bell Biv Devoe
OK, that made me smile for the whole song.  Awesome!  I also love the girl moves during "Never trust a big butt and a smile".  Shawn is out of control again, and I don't blame him a bit.  What happened to Ben?!  He was like, speaking in rap tongues.


Vocal Point: "Footloose" by Kenny Loggins
Yay!  They're complete now!  Nice high note!  That was fun.


Wow.  This is a difficult set to choose from, but my pick is Urban Method.


2nd set results:
Moving on to the next round: Pentatonix, Urban Method, Vocal Point and Afro-Blue.


(Phew!)


Deltones' Swan Song: "Goodbye to You" by Michelle Branch


Well, at least I didn't lose 2 of my favorite groups.  Just one.  :(

DLR LotD 10/17/11

Disneyland Resort
Line of the Day


Monday, October 17, 2011


"I didn't mean to coconut you." -- Sherry, to Mox, at the gift shop at It's A Small World 

DLR LotD 10/16/11

Disneyland Resort
Line of the Day


Sunday, October 16, 2011


"The heart is in the right place, but the apostrophe isn't." -- Mox, at DCA

"Plato." Achoo!

It's been quite a busy week, as you can see from all of the LotD posts.  But yesterday, I didn't go to Disneyland.  I was at my parents' house, visiting with the Bro and his kids, and he and I had a yummy all-you-can-eat-sushi lunch at Sushi Den with Michelle.  


I went home and rested for a bit before driving out to Malibu, and the drive was full of traffic.  I finally made it with only a few minutes to spare, found Linda in the lobby of the Smothers Theatre, and then we sat down to watch the Reduced Shakespeare Company's show of "All the Great Books (abridged)".  

• This was my first time to see the RSC, and I hope it will not be the last, because this stuff is hilarious.
• The premise of the show is that the audience is in a remedial class of students who flunked Literature, and need to learn all of the Great Books throughout history before graduation, which was to begin in 1 hour and 45 minutes.  The leads were a coach (played by Reed Martin), a drama teacher (Austin Tichenor), and a student teacher (Brent Tubbs).
• The entire show was quick-witted, and my cheeks were hurting from smiling so much by the end of the evening.
• Poetry works recited by a teacher without their notes = much laughter, especially when he  starts to say, "There once was a man from Nantucket."
• While doing the Iliad and the Odyssey in rhyming iambic pentameter, Santa Claus showed up.  So did Poseidon, and I whispered to Linda, "Daddy!" as the coach held a trident, wore a beard, and had a kid's inner tube around his waist.  His line went something like, "I am Poseidon...Zeus is my brother...I rule the sea, and The Little Mermaid is my daughter."  Linda and I whooed at him.  
• For our Midterm exam (at intermission), I wrote that the 2 greatest books ever written were "The Iliad" because it had a horse, and "The Odyssey" because it had The Little Mermaid's dad.  Linda wrote "The Illiad" because it had a pantomime horse and "Tek War" because it had William Shatner.  Yes, yes it did.  Well, someone that acted just like William Shatner.  Someone else wrote an awesome bit about "Pat the Bunny", which RSC should use someday, it was so good.
• At one point, the actors broke character because the drama teacher hid behind the flag while the student teacher was arguing with him about racism.  They were having trouble getting back on track because Brent couldn't remember his line, and didn't know how to get back into it.  He said, "I don't know.  You're the ones that wrote this stuff!"  
• I am Achilles, and I am invisible, except for my heel.  I could not stop laughing at the arrow that went through his heel.
• I learned a lot about "War and Peace".  Don't ask me what any of that is right now, though.
• The dude next to me was brought on stage for The Dating Game to be Virginia Woolf along with two other feminist authors.  "If I was a banana, how would you peel me?"  Nils:  "Slowly?"  Well done, Nils!
• Walden, as written by Ernest Hemingway:  hilarious.
• The rapid-fire explanation of all of the books in one sentence each, in a span of 2 minutes:  GENIUS.

They will be playing at the Cerritos Performing Arts Center tonight, and then will be going to Broadway to present "The Complete World of Sports (abridged)".

We got in line to get their signatures on our diplomas.  Brent started to write my name with an 'i', and I said, "Y! Y!"  He then gave me a grade of Y+.  :)

DLR LotD 10/12/11

Disneyland Resort
Line of the Day


Wednesday, October 12, 2011


"We're the show." -- Mickey's Soundsational Parade designer Kevin Kidney, to Sherry, at Tomorrowland Terrace

DLR LotD 10/09/11

Disneyland Resort
Line of the Day


Sunday, October 9, 2011


"You have your Business Face on." -- Arielle, to an impatient Sherry, at Plaza Inn

The Sing-Off 3.2.2

Tonight, 2 rounds of challenges from the 2nd bracket of a cappella groups: Today's Biggest Hits and Classics from the '60s.


1st Challenge:  Today's Biggest Hits


Deltones: "Edge of Glory" by Lady Gaga
I didn't like that first chord when the rest of the gals joined the soloists.  The soloist did a great job, though.


Pentatonix: "Your Love Is My Drug" by Ke$ha
The lighting kinda makes the gal look naked-ish.  I liked that remix part.  I wish they could sound more full (without adding members).  


The Collective: "Rocketeer" by Far East Movement
I don't know this song, but I do know that some of those harmonies don't work for me.  Poor soloist with her laryngitis: I'm sure that hurt her to sing, and she did drop out of a couple of notes.  Whoa, her eyelashes are freaking me out.  Whoa, the other gal's eyelashes are freaking me out, too.  Good advice from Ben about how to bring the blend together by relaxing.  


North Shore: "The Lazy Song" by Bruno Mars
Aw, they're like me: they're old and don't know the songs on the radio.  But I do know this one because I have the CD, and I love it, BTW.  This is actually the perfect song for their style.  That was great!


Dartmouth Aires: "Animal" by Neon Trees
I think it's hysterical that most of my knowledge of current songs is due to my love for "Glee", like, for instance, this song. A few chords sounded wrong at the end, but the song was energetic and fun, and overall, I liked it.  Shawn loves the pants.  


Sonos: "Viva La Vida" by Coldplay
I like those opening chords.  So here's my question: if you can't do the bass without the octave pedal, shouldn't you somehow rearrange the song so that one of the gals is doing the bass part, albeit a bit higher?  Is that what they did?  Honestly, I think they may be top-heavy in their voices anyway, and could do with another low voice, because it's difficult to sing on pitch without the foundation of a bass.  You see?  She can do the bass in the future if needed, too.  


My pick for this round:  North Shore


2nd Challenge:  Classics from the 60s
OK, I know this is taped, so Nick trying to do the synergy thing with the now-canceled "Playboy Club" just didn't fit.  I guess the editor didn't think of taking out that line before letting the show air.


Pentatonix: "Piece of My Heart" by Janis Joplin
They don't get tired of that same piece of choreography that they did during the entire song?  Oh, that last chord didn't gel like it should have.  


Deltones: "You Can't Hurry Love" by Diana Ross and the Supremes
That was decent, but kind of unremarkable for me.  The song itself is kind of repetitve and boring to me anyway, but nothing really grabbed me.


North Shore: "Unchained Melody" by The Righteous Brothers
Unlike the last song, this song has personal meaning for me, and I'm glad that it's North Shore doing it, because I'm confident that they won't sing it so that I hate it.  I was right.  


The Collective: "Hold On, I'm Coming" by Sam & Dave
Oh, is that what this song is called?  So I'm too old and too young for the songs for this round.  Good job with this one.


Sonos: "I Want You Back" by The Jackson Five
Interesting arrangement.  I liked that!  Shawn and Ben didn't, but they're not me, although I do agree that a piece of a throwback would have added to my enjoyment of it.  


Dartmouth Aires: "Pinball Wizard" by The Who
They rocked that!


My pick for this round: Dartmouth Aires


Results:
Moving on to the next round: North Shore, Dartmouth Aires, Pentatonix, Deltones and The Collective


Innovation doesn't win here, I guess.


Sonos' swan song: "It's So Hard To Say Goodbye to Yesterday" by Boyz II Men.  Really?  Shawn's group?  That's bold, but I'm glad they didn't use it for a regular song, because it was way too high for my taste.  It also once again proves that B2M needs a bass.  ;)


Next week:  The Top Ten

DLR LotD 10/07/11

Disneyland Resort
Line of the Day


Friday, October 7, 2011


"With holes?" -- Sherry, asking about the detail on Arielle's anatomically correct doll, at the Grand Californian

The Sing Off 3.2.1

That title means 3rd season, 2nd round, part 1, BTW.


Tonight, we get 2 rounds of challenges from the 1st week's top 6.


Group Performance: "Somewhere Only We Know" by Keane
I think that one guy looks a lot like Will Arnett.  That was really well done.  


1st challenge:  Today's Radio Hits


Vocal Point:  "Never Say Never" by Justin Bieber
Still without their 9th member, but one of the guys was in a boy band in Utah.  Not only do they have Will Arnett, they also have a guy that looks like Ryan Reynolds.  I'm not familiar with this song, but they did a good job with it.  Sara, what would non-wholesome Thundercats be like? 


Delilah: "What Do You Want From Me" by Adam Lambert/Pink
 That's hard to open on pitch with those intervals, but the soloist (Kendall) pulled it off, and I like how they come in one by one, building on the harmony.  Nice!


Urban Method: "Just Can't Get Enough" by The Black-Eyed Peas
I don't know this song, either.  I'm old now, I guess.  I liked the sexy chemistry between the leads.  The rap seems angrier than the lyrics need it to be.  


Afro Blue: "American Boy" by Estelle feat. Kanye West
Ooh, I like that jazzy opening!  I also like how the guys take over during the Kanye portion.  I like their version more than the original.  Shawn loved that!  


Yellowjackets: "Dynomite" by Taio Cruz
They now have *leather* yellow jackets!  I now think there are too many voices on stage, which usually means that they're not singing as one unit.  Maybe I just have a hard time with huge groups singing modern a cappella, I don't know.


Kinfolk 9: "Price Tag" by Jessie J
First lead gal's sound drops out on her low notes.  I'm not crazy about their harmonies.


My pick for this challenge is Afro Blue.


2nd challenge:  Songs from the 60s


OK, now Nick is wearing his suit jacket, to be more old school, I guess.


Delilah: "Heat Wave" by Martha and the Vandellas
I need more soul, Miss First Soloist.  MORE.  I like their silver shoes and their cute dresses.  Nick, yes, you did.  You dared to say 98 Degrees.


Urban Method: "Dance To The Music" by Sly and the Family Stone
Bass sounded good, but you know how I am: he's no Geo.  There needs to be more sound from him, I think.  


Vocal Point: "The Way You Look Tonight" by Frank Sinatra
See?  It's Will Arnett!  I kind of like how they play with the tempo.  Sara swoons.  :)  Oh, Will's name is actually Jake.  I'm sure to forget that the next time I see him.  


Afro-Blue: "I Heard It Through the Grapevine" by Marvin Gaye
That guy has a great voice for this song.  


Yellowjackets: "Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You"  by Frankie Valli
Not liking the harmonies, guys.  I like how the lead played to Sara, though.  


Kinfolk 9: "Let It Be" by The Beatles
I did not like that opening chord.  Seriously, can you tell that I'm not fond of this group?


My pick for this set:  Vocal Point.


Results:
Moving on to the next round:  Vocal Point, Urban Method, Yellowjackets, Afro-Blue and Delilah


OK, I don't have to worry about my least favorite group winning now.


Kinfolk 9's Swan Song: "Loser" by Beck
Yeah, um, I don't like this arrangement, either.  


Next week:  the second bracket take on the same challenges.

My Favorite 6-Year Old

I forgot to post about an important event last week.  The nephew turned 6 years old.  I didn't forget his actual birthday, though, and I hope that his gift got to him before his birthday party today.  


Because he likes to be silly when we're taking pictures lately, I don't have anything from the most recent time that I saw him.  This picture was taken back in December 2010, before his and his sister's first meal at Catal.

Happy Birthday, Brady!!!