'Moulin Rouge' Is Spectacular On Stage

'Moulin Rouge' Is Spectacular On Stage

"The greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return." -Moulin Rouge

Sarah Hall
Sarah Hall Aug 23, 2018
99
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Baz Luhrmann's epic and tragic "Moulin Rouge" has maintained a spot on my list of favorite films for quite some time. When I learned that a stage production was being produced, I was ecstatic. I had been hoping for a stage version for years! I just traveled to Boston to see the pre-Broadway production for myself. I had no idea that I was about to completely immerse myself in an extravagant theatrical experience that could only be appropriate for a show such as "Moulin Rouge."

When I walked into the historic Emerson Colonial theatre, I realized that I hadn't thought too much about what to expect from the show. I was hoping that the production would maintain the integrity of the film, but I just knew that the acting quality was going to be exceptional. I already knew that Aaron Tveit (Christian) and Karen Olivo (Satine) are masters of their craft, and they did not disappoint. Danny Burstein (Harold Zidler), Sahr Ngaujah (Toulouse-Lautrec), Tam Mutu (the Duke), Ricky Rojas (Santiago), Robyn Hurder (Nini), and the rest of the cast bring a life and energy to the show, unlike anything I'd ever seen. Sonya Tayeh's choreography is also a sight to behold and a highlight of the production- it's tasteful, sexy, in-your-face, and graceful all at the same time.

Tveit portrays Christian with all the wonder, hope, purity, sensitivity, and passion that you hope the character will have. Audiences will certainly fall in love with Tveit's Christian who embodies the ideals of freedom, beauty, truth, and love without being overdramatic. Olivo's Satine is nothing short of a powerhouse. Olivo brings a whimsical feel and streak to Satine while also demonstrating the inner strength she must have to do her job. Christian and Satine are still easy to root for, and the audience feels a nostalgia while watching the characters be freshly brought to life in the world of the Moulin Rouge.

I walked into the theatre and immediately felt like I was at the Moulin Rouge. Justin Townsend's lights, Derek McLane's set, the atmosphere, performers already entertaining, and the Moulin Rouge sign as a focal point instantly put me in the world and mindset of the show. The stunning set was second to none. The beginning of the show absolutely got off on the right foot with a moment for the audience to connect with Christian leading into "Lady Marmalade". The exposition of the entire story was essential to the success of the story, and I think it was done with care and intelligent choices. Introduction of characters and letting the story unfold just worked for the stage. The pacing of the show was well-done, and the plot remains fairly similar to the film.

As a fan of the film, there are changes I adored and changes I disagreed with. I think the musical falls short mostly related to elements of Satine's character and the dramatic ending. Satine's character differs in the musical in the sense that there is a missed chance to really explore who she is or what she wants as an individual. Satine's primary motivation for her actions seems to be protecting her "sisters" at the Moulin Rouge and saving the production. There is still the point of her wanting Christian's words to be heard, but it's much less about her wanting to become an actress and having her own ambitions. Olivo still played her brilliantly, but it's more of a different focus. I think her sickness was also not set up extremely well and sort of seemed random by the time the audience is reminded of it later. I think the ending fell a little flat due in part to this, and I wish the way the very ending played out with Christian and Satine led me to have more tears in my eyes.

I really enjoyed most of the new modern music infused into the score and the way it was merged with the music used in the film. Some of the song choices weren't as timeless as I would've liked them to be, but overall I think most of the choices work for the story and in making it accessible to a modern audience. I thought Christian's character was refreshed well and still teaches the audience, with the help of Toulouse, the important lesson that "the greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return".

It would seem that all roads lead to Broadway for this cast and crew. I'm looking forward to seeing how the production plays in New York.

Sarah Hall
Sarah Hall Aug 23, 2018
At Illinois State University

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18 Ways The Disney College Program Destroys You

"I can only hope we never lose sight of one thing, that it was all started by a mouse" - Walt Disney
Dana Saccoccio
Dana Saccoccio Nov 21, 2016
26219
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The Disney College Program, three little words that may or may not forever change your perspective of the world. Working for Disney has been my dream since I was a little kid. That’s all I ever wanted to do with my life-- to become a part of the magic. It wasn’t just because it’s Disney World, the most magical place on Earth. It's because I truly admire everything that this company stands for. Disney is all about bringing families and friends together, creating memories that will last a lifetime and sprinkling a little pixie dust over this magical place that I’ve called home for eleven months. I knew all of this when I received that “Congratulations!” email. Excitement rushed through my veins . The world of possibilities had finally opened its door for me. What I didn’t know, was what those possibilities truly meant, until post DCP depression kicked in. It's a real thing my friends.

1. You are always going to be an extremely friendly and approachable person.

No matter where you are or who you are talking to, you can't help to smile. You always carry a welcoming vibe with you, no matter what situation you are placed in. Working for Disney taught you how to have the patience of a Saint when it comes to dealing with people. You learned that the best way to communicate is listening to everyone with an open mind, even if they’re screaming in your face about Test Track being out of FastPasses.

2. You are constantly finding hidden Mickeys in the real world.

Admit it, your mind creates hidden Mickeys out of almost every random three circle formation. You can’t help it. You have Disney on your mind all the time.

3. You are FULL of Disney Park fun facts.

Did you know that there are 11,324 triangles that make up Spaceship Earth?!

You love sharing your vast pool of knowledge of random Disney Park fun facts. Sometimes even when people don't care about it, you just have to talk about all the things you learned as a CP.

4. You also may speak ride spiel.

“We're not gonna make it, we're not gonna make it"- Dinosaur at Disney's Animal Kingdom.

When you work for Disney, you live and breath Disney. You couldn't even count how many times you've been to the park, even just to hub grass and chill or ride the People Mover four times in a row. Those spiels were a part of your everyday life. You know when you are riding Hunted Mansion with a boatload of cast members when everyone in the stretch room whispers, "I am your host, your ghost host". Going to the park almost every day is a part of CP culture. Accidentally referring to ride spells still sometimes slips into your daily conversation. Did you really do the college program if you don't know at least one ride spiel?

5. You constantly feel the need to get down the small child's level and talk to them about their favorite Disney characters.

"Hi Princess! My, you look dashing today, what Kingdom did you travel from?!"

What you would do to get back to the days when you were paid to sit on the ground to talk to a child dressed up as Cinderella. You see a child at your real world job and you feel the need to ask them about the about their favorite Disney movie. You catch yourself accidentally referring to people as princess in the real world, but it instated of the magic it used to produce, they look at you like you’re a crazy person. *sigh*

6. If your friends hear you say, ”So this one time in Disney…" one more time they may punch you in the face.

OMG-- this reminds me of this one time in Disney when...*insert story of an amazing day you and your Disney fam had here.*

You can’t help it, every single day was filled with an adventure during your CP. You want to share your stories with everyone you encounter. It's like word vomit. The second something reminds you of your CP there is no stopping you. Your friends back home may either get really annoyed or end up learning everything you did when you had free access to Disney World.

7. Boy do you miss the days when Mondays were happy.

"We love you Mondays, we do."

For some who were into the social scene, you blankly gaze out your window on a Monday night wondering what county you would have been playing at Son On The Beach. You watch your remaining CP friends' Snapchat stories and think to yourself, "Anzacs VS. Gayllerie!? Ugh, must have been a good game." You miss the days when your only struggle was to make it out of work on time to get to Happy Mondays. Your friends back home wonder how you are so freakishly good at flip cup. It’s a CP thing.

8. 90% of your best friends are long distance.

Skype dates are essential.

You created bonds with people from all over the world during your CP. You celebrated holidays with these people. You spent every single day with them during your time in Florida. Your program would never be as magical if it wasn't for the amazing people you met here. Some of these people turn into your life long best friends-- even if they currently reside 12 hours ahead of you. There isn't a day that goes by that you don’t think about you CP BFFs. When they say you will meet the most amazing people you will ever interact with working for Disney, they were not kidding. These people are even more than friends to you, they are family. If it means staying up till 2AM to Skype with your old roommate, who now lives on the other side of the world, it doesn't even cross your mind how late it is. Catching up with them is always worth it.

9. You probably have roughly 500 "I'm Celebrating" buttons.

"Happy squad-iversary!"

You found every excuse in the book to rock an "I'm Celebrating" button when you and your squad hit the parks. "I'm celebrating ERs" was a great one to sport when you got off work early. The button days were the special days. You could probably fill an entire cork board with all of the buttons you collected over your CP. Thank goodness for that, you'll have a tangible memory of those magical days for a lifetime.

10. The clock strikes 3:00PM and you know the Festival Of Fantasy Parade is strolling out of Frontier Land.

“Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, the time has come to take your places” -The Festival Of Fantasy Parade.

You continuously catch yourself looking at the clock around 3PM and feeling a little empty inside. To all the days before work when you watched that parade with your roommates, you were the greatest. You can always spot a cast member as “dreams that glow” blur down Main Street. They are usually the ones dancing along and singing as their favorite floats pass by. What you would do to relive those days.

11. You know a lot about the world and the people it's made up of.

I’d be real keen to learn about your culture over some Maccas, eh.

You know to never tell an Australian their accent sounds like a Kiwi's or visa-versa. You can spot the difference from miles away. You’ve learned the lads from down under are some of the funniest people you’ll ever interact with, and there are in fact, no kangaroos in New Zealand— just wallabies. You know that the people from Spain and Brazil are usually down for some fun and it's always a good time to kick back with your friends from France or The Netherlands. It's true that the Italians are loud and outspoken, in the best way possible. The people from Japan are simply the some of the sweetest. You meet so many people from all over the world and learn so much about their culture. You get more of a feel for all of the greatness the world is made up of than any textbook could ever explain.

12. You could draw a map of Magic Kingdom blindfolded.

“Nearest FastPass kiosk?!” “Down the pathway to the left!”

Not only is Disney World your home, but you know every square inch of it. You could still probably give someone directions to the nearest quick service restaurant of your location, from wherever you are currently sitting in the world.

13. Applying for jobs? Disney always makes you stand out.

“Wow, you worked for Disney World? Tell me more about that!”

Your resume stands out among the thousands. Potential employers want to hear about your Disney College Program experience and you are over the moon to share. You tell them about the days where you immersed guests into the theme of your location and all of the magic you made. Working for the number one entertainment company is something to be proud of.

14. You are constantly checking airline prices to reunite with your roommates and get back to the place that started it all.

There is nothing better than reuniting with your Disney family. Your most visited web pages are airlines sites. You count the days where you can rule the parks again with your favorite people by your side. You can't help but to run to them in the middle of MCO with tears in your eyes and magic in your heart, ready to create even more memories together. You know you found forever friends in them, it's never goodbye— it's see ya real soon.

15. You have a strong emotional attachment to certain rides of shows.

"The best part is, you'll never run out of wishes"- Wishes Nighttime Spectacular.

There are some shows and rides that take you right back to the days where Walt Disney World was your usual hang out spot. Some of those shows have so much more meaning to you and the magic you made. You tend to get a little teary eyed watching them when you visit. Even when your CP is over, the magic lives on in your soul.

16. Disney is not just a vacation spot to you, it’s your home.

You feel at ease here. You may have even found who you are and who you aspire to be here. It’s a special place to you that holds so much magic. Going back feels familiar. You never feel like an outsider here. Walt Disney World really is your home and it welcomes you right back every time you return.

17. People who know you before your College Program say you've changed.

You're more outspoken, you are confident in yourself and you carry on with pride. Not to mention your work ethic and customer service skills are outstanding. You believe in things and the people around you. You believe in magic and that's all thanks to the Disney College Program.

18. It was the best 4 months - 1 year of your life and you would do anything to relive just one more day of being a CP.

"While no one knows for sure what we'll see or do. I do know it will be quite an adventure, an adventure that we'll take and make together. See you in the future"- Spaceship Earth.

If you were given the opportunity to put on those extreme high-waisted polyester grandpa pants and that florescent shirt that was probably eight sizes too big for you— you’d do it in a heartbeat. Despite the long hours and blazing sun, sometimes your life felt like a dream. Your time spent working for the mouse will forever be your most magical days, as the Disney College Program was the best opportunity of your entire life.

Cover Image Credit: Dana Saccoccio
Dana Saccoccio
Dana Saccoccio Nov 21, 2016
At Rhode Island College

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10 TV Shows That Deserve The Same Amount Of Hype As 'The Office'— If Not More

Give Schitt's Creek the recognition it deserves!

Nandi Smith
Nandi Smith Jan 23, 2019
9
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The Office is truly comedy gold, but other shows also deserve some recognition as well.

Disclaimer: Ok, so a lot of these shows are pretty hyped, but the point is that they aren't as hyped as the Office and they should be.

1. The Good Place

The premise of this show is that Eleanor, Kristen Bell's character, somehow finds herself in the Good Place, which is fine and all, but Eleanor knows her being there is a mistake. The first twelve episodes are amazing and enough to get you hooked, but the season finale is INCREDIBLE. This show is filled with jaw-dropping plot twists, so much comedy, and very lovable while also being completely unlovable characters. It airs Thursday's at 9:30pm on NBC and you can catch up on the first two seasons on Hulu and Netflix.

2. Schitt's Creek

Schitt's Creek is SEVERELY underrated. It follows the Rose's who were once a very wealthy family until their business manager screws them over and takes their entire fortune. The only thing they have left is the town that Johnny Rose, the patriarch of the family, bought as a joke for his son, David. It's so hilarious watching them try to adjust to living a very different lifestyle, and this show also features great character development, most specifically with Alexis Rose, Johnny's daughter. The clothes and wigs Moria Rose, the matriarch of the family, wears are also one of my favorite parts of the show. It airs Wednesdays at 10pm on Pop, and you can catch up on the first four seasons on Netflix.

3. Arrested Development

Arrested Development is very similar to Parks and Recreation, which doesn't get a feature on this list because I would say it is almost equally as hyped as the Office. The plot of Arrested Development follows Michael Bluth, who hates his family and wants nothing to do with them, that is until his father gets arrested for a white-collar crime and he has to take over the family company. The characters on this show are all so strange and flawed, and a large number of running gags will literally have you gasping for air after laughing so long. You can watch all 5 seasons on Netflix.

4. Black Mirror

The best thing about Black Mirror is that it's an anthology series, so you can literally start anywhere you want and skip episodes without missing anything (although I don't suggest skipping episodes). The main plot revolves around the dangers of relying on technology too much. The scariest thing about the show is that some of the inventions featured have been brought to life in the real world. I would say, however, that you shouldn't watch the very first episode first, because it does turn a lot of people away from watching the rest of the show. All seasons of Black Mirror can be found on Netflix, including the newest installment: an interactive film.

5. Any show in the DCEU.

Marvel has better movies than DC. That has been established. But, we all have to admit that the DC has been a lot more successful than Marvel when it comes to TV shows. Plus, since all of the shows are on the CW, we get amazing cross-over episodes that make you feel just as giddy as the first Avengers movies did. Plus, Supergirl continues to tackle some deep topics while also still remaining a fun show to watch. You can find a list of all showtimes here.

6. The Mindy Project

Mindy Kaling is one of my favorite people of all time and watching her play a character so unlike herself with ease is fun (I know we all hated to love Kelly in the Office). The Mindy Project is about, you guessed it, Mindy Lahiri. Mindy is a quirky and hilarious OB/GYN, and the show follows her life in and out of the office. One of my favorite parts of the show are the guest stars, which range from Joseph Gordon-Levitt to James Franco. I also love Danny's sweet dance moves. The show is perfect for rom-com lovers. The Mindy Project can be watched on Netflix.

7. Black-ish

Black-ish follows the Johnson family and stars Anthony Anderson as Dre Johnson, a father who is worried that his suburban lifestyle if negatively influencing his children and causing them to become accustomed to a different lifestyle than Dre would like. Black-ish is such a good show, not only because it is hilarious, but because it continues to talk about topics that most TV shows would be uncomfortable or hesitant to touch on. I would also suggest watching it's spin-off Grown-ish, which follows Zoey Johnson, the oldest of the Johnson kids, as she begins her new life in college. Black-ish airs Tuesday at 9pm on ABC.

8. The End Of The F***ing World

Not gonna lie, this show is really weird, but it's a wild ride and the plot twist at the end of the first season will leave you with so many questions. It is actually based on a comic series of the same name by Charles Forsman and follows two teens, James and Alyssa, who are going on a journey to find Alyssa's dad. The only problem is that James is a self-diagnosed psychopath who is planning on killing Alyssa during their adventure. It has so much heart and some real good character development. You can watch this show on Netflix.

9. Parks and Recreation

HA! I lied. How could I make this list and not put down Parks and Rec??? Parks and Rec is, IN MY OPINION, a better show than the Office. Parks and Rec has so many likable characters, and many of them aren't even the main characters of the show. It never gets boring, is sure to make you laugh, and it has Andy Dwyer. ANDY DWYER. One of the funniest characters on any show I have ever watched. I also suggest watching the bloopers if you're ever bored. Parks and Recreation can be found on Netflix and Hulu.

10. New Girl

New Girl has got to be one of my favorite shows of all time. Jess needs to start over after walking in on her boyfriend cheating on her in their house. She goes on craigslist and finds an ad for an apartment. The catch, she is going to be living with three single guys, who all have very interesting personalities to say the least. New Girl is one of those shows that legitimately makes you laugh out loud every episode, and the character development is one of the best I've ever seen. You can watch all 7 seasons of New Girl on Hulu or Netflix.

So there's my list. Have you heard of a lot of these shows? Probably. Do you like a lot of these shows? Again, probably. But the point of this list is to prove that the Office, while amazing, is slightly over-hyped.

Nandi Smith
Nandi Smith Jan 23, 2019
At North Carolina State University

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