I’ve never seen a musical in person.
Oh sure, I’ve seen The Sound of Music, Grease, and Chicago in movie form. I even had a chance to watch an advanced Les Misérables thanks to someone being in SAG. Members of the Screen Actors Guild, no matter how famous, get a copy of the DVD to review. I thought the book was better. And not just because I’m a word nerd but also because there were no captions on that copy.
Which brings me back to the lack of in-person musicals on my life’s dance card.
I’ve avoided musicals and plays like a good New Yorker avoids Greek pizza. Those shows usually have weaker sound systems than movies. And thus present me with obstacles I didn’t care to hurdle. But with the rise of open caption performances, I’m about to attend my first musical; The Outsiders.
I’ll be going with two other DHH people; Julie and Anthony. And even then, so strong was my reticence that I almost said no. But I loved the book growing up. And because I’d read the book, I knew I’d have the gist of what’s going on even if I didn’t have the details.
It’s also one of the books I own.
I’m going to re-read it before I go. Which is just as well because it’s been probably 35 years since I last read it.. This sort of homework helps stave off disappointment when I inevitably miss something. As I write this, it strikes me that this is very similar to my prep for live concerts with a book playing the role of lyrics.
And in a stream-of-consciousness episode that would make James Joyce proud, I wonder if there are lyrics to the songs posted online somewhere. Calling on my old friend Mr. Google, I find that there is indeed a website that posts lyrics for musicals. And lo and behold: The Outsiders!
You may be wondering if having to do homework to enjoy something that’s supposed to be fun sours the experience for me. It doesn’t. I don’t mind homework. While I never did particularly well in school, I’m an enthusiastic learner and, to me, homework can be fun work.
I wonder if I were more musically inclined would it be even more fun.
In a surprise to absolutely no one, Julie is the reason I’m going. She bought two tickets and figured she’d find someone to go with. I was surprised to find I wanted to be that someone. Julie comes from a musical family and even played the flute and piccolo herself. I’m sure that first-hand musical experience played a role in her being an avid theater-goer.
Me? I can’t carry a tune in a bucket.
But I’m an avid reader and writer. I bet I feel the same connection when I go to libraries and literary sites that Julie does when she goes to the theater. So it’s small wonder that when I felt like trying this whole musical thing, I picked one based on a book.
Musicals for me
Should be books that sing to me.
Baby steps are steps.
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