FANNY: THE RIGHT TO ROCK 2022. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Sometime in the 1960s, in sunny Sacramento, two Filipina-American sisters got together to play music. Little did they know their garage rock band would evolve into the legendary Fanny, the first all-woman band to release an LP with a major record label.”
5/30/22- Reviews are excellent for this musical documentary. TRDB.
Add comment May 30th, 2022
tick, tick… Boom- 2021. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winner Lin-Manuel Miranda makes his feature directorial debut with tick, tick…BOOM!, an adaptation of the autobiographical musical by Jonathan Larson, who revolutionized theater as the creator of Rent. The film follows Jon (Academy Award nominee and Tony Award winner Andrew Garfield), a young theater composer who’s waiting tables at a New York City diner in 1990 while writing what he hopes will be the next great American musical. Days before he’s due to showcase his work in a make-or-break performance, Jon is feeling the pressure from everywhere.”
11/10/21- Excellent reviews. TRDB.
Add comment November 10th, 2021
DEAR EVAN HANSEN- 2021. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this cinematic version of the hit Broadway musical, high schooler Evan Hansen gets entangled in a lie after a classmate kills himself and his parents mistakenly conclude that Evan’s letter to himself is their son’s suicide note.”
9/22/21- Awful reviews from everybody. TRDB.
Add comment September 22nd, 2021
ANNETTE- 2021. Synopsis by Netflix. “Featuring a soundtrack from pop duo Sparks, this charming musical follows a picture-perfect couple — stand-up comic Henry and world-renowned soprano Ann — whose daughter is born with a unique gift and an extraordinary destiny.”
8/4/21- Mixed reviews- mostly just fair. TRDB .
8/26/21- I watched for about a half hour and gave up. TRDB.
Add comment August 4th, 2021
SUMMER OF SOUL- 2021. Synopsis by Netflix. “With a lineup that includes Stevie Wonder, the 5th Dimension and more, the Harlem Cultural Festival draws more than 300,000 people to a series of concerts in the summer of 1969. This documentary features never-before-seen footage from the event.”
6/26/21- Great reviews for this musical documentary. TRDB
Add comment June 26th, 2021
IN THE HEIGHTS- 2021. Synopsis by Netflix. “Adapted from a Broadway hit, this musical drama centers on New York City bodega owner Usnavi, a Dominican immigrant longing to retire to his homeland. But when he inherits the money to relocate, he’s reluctant to sever his new bonds.”
6/11/21- Excellent reviews for this musical. TRDB.
9/30/21- I enjoyed the singing and group dancing but not so much the story itself. TRDB.
Add comment June 11th, 2021
THE PROM- 2020. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Down-on-their-luck Broadway stars shake up a small Indiana town as they rally behind a teen who wants to go to the prom with her girlfriend.”
12/11/20- Fair reviews from the critics and good ones from audiences. TRDB.
12/15/20- I enjoyed this musical drama very much. TRDB.
Add comment December 11th, 2020
DAVIE BYRNE’S AMERICAN UTOPIA- 2020. Synopsis by Netflix. “Rock titan David Byrne’s hit Broadway show “American Utopia” is captured as a concert film featuring an 11-person ensemble that puts on a dazzling performance blending Byrne’s music with amazing choreography.”
10/16/20- Very good reviews for this musical by Spike Lee. TRDB.
Add comment October 16th, 2020
LETO- 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “Set in early 1980s Leningrad on the eve of perestroika, this bittersweet musical biopic recounts the brief but momentous career of pop icon Viktor Tsoi, co-founder and front man of legendary Soviet rock band Kino.”
6/7/19- Mostly good reviews with some poor ones mixed in. TRDB.
Add comment June 8th, 2019
STUCK- 2019. Synopsis by Netflix. “The typical reserve of New York City subway riders falls away when six strangers find themselves stuck in a car that’s not going anywhere. As they begin to tell their stories, conversation soon turns into song.”
4/19/19- Awful reviews. TRDB.
Add comment April 19th, 2019