|
Columns
Video
Currently Recapping
Popular People
|
Holiday musicals: Who do you want to see?I may finally be too old for a stocking, but there’s one holiday tradition I continue to love, and that’s the airing of classic musicals on television. For a long time now, I’ve been of the opinion that lesbians need to reclaim musicals from gay men — not least because there is such a plethora of gorgeous, talented women in film musical history. While a list of all my favorite female performances would probably take all day, here in chronological order are ten that I’m hoping to see over the vacation: 1. Ginger Rogers in Shall We Dance (1937) I love all the Ginger Rogers/Fred Astaire collaborations, so it’s hard to select just one.
But Shall We Dance has one of my favorite Ginger Rogers moments, as the camera dwells in close-up on her listening face as Fred Astaire sings "They Can’t Take That Away From Me." While the song is beautiful, it’s Ginger’s subtly despairing response that really strikes at the heart. (She would go on to win an Oscar for Best Actress, for the non-musical film Kitty Foyle, in 1940). 2. Rosemary Clooney in White Christmas (1954) This very, very silly seasonal musical is mostly notable for the gay undertones brought by Danny Kaye’s performance (no, really — watch it again).
But as one of the two female leads, Clooney (pictured right) manages to bring a mellow, faintly melancholy note to her performance that makes it feel like she belongs in another — and better — film. (Maybe one that doesn’t pair her with the literally twice-her-age Bing Crosby.) 3. Shirley Jones in Oklahoma! (1955) One of my first signs that I was not destined to grow up strictly straight should have been my utter adoration of pretty soprano Shirley Jones as Laurey Williams:
I wanted to be her best friend, Ado Annie — except in my case, it would have been Shirley I couldn’t say no to, not the men.
4. Audrey Hepburn in Funny Face (1957) I prefer Audrey Hepburn at the start of this film, before her high-fashion makeover:
Hollywood may have thought she looked dowdy, but personally I’d love to meet a Parisian bookshop owner who reads philosophy and dresses all in black. 5. Natalie Wood and Rita Moreno in West Side Story (1961) When you’re telling a story about love at first sight, it does help a bit if your heroine is beautiful.
And Natalie Wood is beautiful. Very, very beautiful. If the character of Maria is too insipid for your taste, though, then there’s always Rita Moreno as Anita to liven things up:
Moreno won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her performance — and has since gone on to win an Emmy, a Grammy, and a Tony, becoming one of only nine people in the world to have won all four awards. 6. Lea Salonga in Les Misérables — The Dream Cast in Concert (1995) I’ve blogged before about my fondness for the lovely Lea:
Her angry, lonely Éponine is my favorite thing about Les Mis. 7. Anna Kendrick in Camp (2003) Kendrick is probably the least famous actress on this list. But for anyone who saw her performance as the intense, rather lesbianish Fritzi in this summer camp drama, she will have made quite an impression.
After her ambiguously gay advances on fellow drama student Jill are spurned, Fritzi goes on the offensive — poisoning Jill’s food so that she will be unable to perform "Ladies Who Lunch" in the concert that night. Here’s the unforgettable moment when Fritzi steps in to take over: 8. Emmy Rossum in The Phantom of the Opera (2004) The friend I saw Phantom with told me that it wasn’t a very good film. This may or may not have been true — I was too knocked out by Rossum’s flawless beauty and soaring soprano to notice.
9. Rosario Dawson in Rent (2005) There’s clearly something wrong with me, since I managed to fall for the one major female character in Rent who isn’t a lesbian.
But as dancer Mimi Marquez, Dawson had enough verve and testosterone to put Angelina Jolie to shame. 10. Beyoncé Knowles and Jennifer Hudson in Dreamgirls (2006) Let’s be honest: 2006 was the year of Jennifer Hudson:
But although her role was less showstopping, Beyoncé came into her own in the second half of the film, as the increasingly confident and independent Deena Jones.
That’s my list. Who are you looking forward to seeing? Submitted by on December 11, 2007 - 4:00pm. |
Recent blog posts
New forum topicsActive TopicsNew Comments
|
Welcome to AfterEllen.com!
- Login
- Join Now!
News, Reviews & Commentary on Lesbian and Bisexual women in Entertainment and the Media
Fritzie
Oh man, I loved that girl. The movie was just okay (Troy is The. Most. Annoying. Character. Ever.), but she, and the girl who sang "Here's Where I Stand", really shone. I hope she goes far, because she rocks.
I started last night ...
Definitely agree with Rosemary Cloonie and Shirley Jones, although I prefer "Music Man" Shirley Jones, rather than the *REALLY* young girl-in-Oklahoma model. but maybe it's just my librarian fetish ...
Julie Andrews ....... watched Mary Poppins last night .... Sound of Music works too, though I do prefer this:
Idinia Menzel as Elphaba ... so hot! but only when she's in green, for some reason. I can't see it yet, but I can listen ...
Sara Ramirez in Spamalot - another one I can only listen to ... but I do have an active imagination......
And lastly ..... Catherine Zeta-Jones as Velma Kelly ... mmmmmmmhhmmmm! Yes please!
I smile, I grin, when the gal with a touch of sin walks in
I hope, and I pray, for a Hester to win just one more "A"
PG
What nice pictures you have!
Christmas? Christmas means dinner, dinner means death! Death means carnage; Christmas means carnage!
-Ferdinand the duck
all the better...
to pleasure you with, my dear!
I smile, I grin, when the gal with a touch of sin walks in
I hope, and I pray, for a Hester to win just one more "A"
Idina in anything
Is she really in Enchanted? I could not tell from the previews. Is she an extra?
Make mine Idina in Rent. ;)
An extra? Worse!
I think Idina plays Patrick Dempsey's girlfriend so she does get a fair bit of screen time. ITS NOT A SINGING PART THOUGH! AHHHH! How could they cast her in a musical and then not have her sing? SO STUPID!
Anyways, I was dying to see Enchanted but then someone told me that so I was like meh I'll wait for it to come out on DVD.
Enchanted was actually
Enchanted was actually fairly cute, IMO. (Though better at the beginning... more of a parody, and less sappy).
And totally with regards to Idina. They do have her singing the song that plays at the movie's end, and apparently she did a duet with James Marsden that'll be on something else (DVD, CD, I don't know). But really, why wouldn't you have her character sing? Idina Menzel, people!
Mine
Doris Day in Calamity Jane! She's so much fun. Actually I like Doris Day in pretty much anything, even though one shouldn't admit these things. Anyway, Calamity Jane and Katie are definitely getting it on.
Admitting to Doris Day love
Admitting to Doris Day love is a thing of beauty and a joy forever. After I saw her in The Glass Bottom Boat, my heart was won (despite skeezy Rod Taylor).
Calamity Jane certainly is (and remains one of my favorite movies of all time, thank you, lesbian not-so-subtext). But really. Talk about tension between Katie / Calamity. From boundless jealousy to house-cleaning numbers to comments about Katie's figure / physical appearance. Ah, young love.
I'm so glad someone else mentioned Calamity Jane! Hurrah!
Well, if we're just talking musicals now...
Here's a little number I'm quite fond of
http://youtube.com/watch?v=wMu3Sib4nGs
Reefer Madness!
Also, I'm not the biggest Wicked fan (it's just a bit too much for me, even if I am fond of the femslashy Elphaba/ Galinda relationship), I can definitley enjoy the hotness that is Idina Menzel. That girl is fiiiiiiine. Especially when green.
that's what I mean ...
it's Idina .... not the musical. I'm not overly fond of the musical. I am, however, a big fan of the book. But Idina in green ... man o man. You'd think I have a Kermit the Frog complex or something ...
and re: Reefer madness - one of my favorites!
I smile, I grin, when the gal with a touch of sin walks in
I hope, and I pray, for a Hester to win just one more "A"
Green Only?
Weird, huh?
I don't know what it is, but I find her irresistable in GREEN! Rent, leather pants - I get it, but it's not nearly as mezmerizing to me ... there's something about her face - she has really strong facial features, and for whatever reason, the green magically makes them a little softer? That's my best guess as to why.
I smile, I grin, when the gal with a touch of sin walks in
I hope, and I pray, for a Hester to win just one more "A"
I know
Singin' In the Rain
Singin In the Rain will always be one of my favorites! Especially Cyd Charisse's brief appearance.
I have an idea...
So many musicals, so little time
I'm going to go with:
Thoroughly Modern Millie - Julie Andrews, Mary Tyler Moore, Carol Channing...what could be better? Oh, maybe if it weren't completely racist!
Damn Yankees - That Lola...she is jazz-hands fabulous! And, if you like Fosse, like I like Fosse, check out what Lola wants on youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hkpQ2GhYhvQ&feature=related. (Gwen starts dancing at the 2:15 minute mark.)
Christmas? Christmas means dinner, dinner means death! Death means carnage; Christmas means carnage!
-Ferdinand the duck
this is why ...
you're awesome, and why you are cool enough to be in my entourage ... :P
That Lola...she is jazz-hands fabulous!
I smile, I grin, when the gal with a touch of sin walks in
I hope, and I pray, for a Hester to win just one more "A"
My favourite topic!
Okay, so I'm a little obsessed on the musicals front and there's sooo many pretty women in them!
1. The Sound of Music: Julie Andrews... Made a habit look hot- that wasn't just me, right?
2. On The Town: I love Betty Garrett, Ann Miller and Vera-Ellen... I mean, seriously!
3. Gentlemen Prefer Blondes: I'm going through a real Jane Russell phase at the moment. But watch this movie carefully, it is sooo damn obvious Dorothy has the hot for Lorelai!
Holiday Inn
no idina in rent? i know
no idina in rent? i know she was slightly crazy, but damn, those big green eyes and that voice....*swoons*
i had the hugest crush on julie andrews in both mary poppins and sound of music...*pauses, wanders off to find the sound of music....*
shirley jones in oklahoma got my little lesbian heart a-racin' when i first saw her when i was about ten...wow...that was a nice experience...
There are way too many!
Just a few: Easter Parade,and Meet Me In St Louis - Judy Garland, all the Ginger Rogers/Fred Astaire movies, Gentleman Prefer Blondes and Let's Make Love - Marilyn Monroe, Cover Girl - Rita Hayworth, A Chorus Line, Xanadu, Grease, Chicago...
Then there is the whole Ann-Margaret crush with Bye Bye Birdie and Viva Las Vegas. Ahh, Viva Las Vegas. Elvis? Elvis, who? I can't seem to breathe through the whole movie. I just stare at Ann-Margaret. Her hair, her eyes, those legs - Gah!
But I think, Singing in the Rain is my all time favorite.
Sparkle Season
I don't like musicals. I've been known to fall asleep during them or leave during halftime (if it's a 'live' event). And a Christmas theme doesn't help. It's still like having an unsanitized hook inserted up my nose to fish out some brain matter that I might need later.
With that, happy Sparkle Season to one and all!
7, 8, 9 in that order
sing out, louise!
Some of my all-time favorites:
Reefer Madness (a brownie to those who already mentioned it) ;-)
Gypsy....how can you not?
Damn Yankees...i was in the pit when we did this in HS. one rediculously hot blonde with short hair played lola. There was a superseductive chair dance in a too-short skirt....and that, kids, is why you should never quit band! (And to think it took me 5 years from then to come to terms with being gay!)
Sweeney Todd....gawd is it the music? is it the story? i don't even know, but i love love love sweeneytodd, and i'm afraid of how this screen adaptation may have turned out!
Chicago....the broadway production is getting pretty lame these days...too many vocally-inferior superstars are thrown in this to keep it afloat. however, i totally dug the film adaptation...and c'mon, catherine zeta jones...smokin.
Spamalot....because I can't tell you the last time i laughed that hard...even if it is a 'novelty' type production.
OH MY!
Shirley Jones in all those early musicals.
Julie Andrews in Sound of Music (how come I had no nuns like that in my schools?)
Idina in anything, but she was superb in Wicked. Actually, so was Kristin, I have a new appreciation for her especially in this photo. (OH LUCKY KRISTIN)
Sorry I couldn't get the one without the writing, my scanner isn't working.
Also love, Holiday INN with Rosie Clooney and Vera Ellen
Musical Holiday Film?...
"Think Sideways"
musicals yay
Sweeney Todd
But...I'm looking forward to seeing what they've done with Sweeney Todd. I was fortunate enough to see the original production on Broadway (with Angela Lansbury)...many moons ago.
I usually don't care for the film versions of musicals, but lately...I've been impressed. (Chicago and Dreamgirls come to mind...) In fact, I thought it was easier for people to understand "the story" in the film version of Chicago.
GREATEST blog post ever!!!
i forgot about "meet me in
i forgot about "meet me in st.louis" that's my fav. christmas musical.
Musical obsessions
I love the old movie musicals and the old movie musical gals. My girlfriend is also a musical fan but she hasn't seen many of the movies. I get the pleasure of introducing them to her. She's fast becoming a fan of the gals too.
I'd like to start with the one and only Cyd Charisse with the magnificent legs. The scene in SITR of course, but also the ones with Fred, "The band Wagon" and "Silk Stockings" to mention her best movies. I love the flapper look in SITR.
My gal in Oklahoma! is Gloria Grahame (Ado Annie), possibly because Gloria is one of my foremost film noir femme fatale obsessions.
Julie Andrews is a life long crush, I even wanted to be a nun when I was little. Hoping of course to meet many fräulein Marias. I never was much for the religious part of the cloister life.
Ooops, got to go. I'll be back.
I <3 Rosemary Clooney
I've never seen White Christmas in its entirety but I did manage to catch a glimpse of Clooney singing "Love, You Didn't Do Right By Me" and I was FLOORED.
As far as CAMP goes... It was trying a bit to hard for my taste but Fritzi was by far my favorite character with the best lines...
"Look rummy she's f**ked, I'm ready and the god damn show must go on."
But no one can compare to Ms. Idina Menzel. My first Crush, I kid you not.
Musicals!! Yes, please to
Musicals!! Yes, please to POTO, Sweeney, etc. And this is waaay obscure, but I'd kill to see this performance cos my singer is retiring at Christmas ;_; And yes, everyone on that stage is female. :D
Anything with Rita Hayworth!
But also Rosemary Clooney, Ginger Rogers, Julie Andrews (am I strange to crush on her both as Mary Poppins and Victor/Victoria?).
Also, I have always adored the odd couple butch/femme pairing of Dinah Shore and Danny Kaye in Up In Arms.
"Never explain, never complain." - Katherine Hepburn
Like Mother, Like Daughter
Judy Garland - Meet Me in St Louis
Liza Minelli - Cabaret
That's all that needs to be said.
Peace, Joy and Love
Ooh.
Let's see...
1) Mary Martin in Peter Pan was totally my first lesbian crush ever. And I still have feelings for her. I can remember how depressed I was when she died, and I was fairly young. But she's so charming-- it's not just the cross-dressing in the show, she just has the loveliest voice and seems like such fun.
2) Lea Salonga in Les Miserables. Totally. "Little Fall of Rain" gets me every fucking time, even though I think Marius is a silly person to take a bullet for.
3) I too love White Christmas, and yeah, it's partly because of "Sisters." (Even the reprise of Sisters. ;))
4) Julie Andrews in Victor / Victoria, The Sound of Music.
5) Doris Day in Calamity Jane. Spectacularly fun, and she's so dykey. Even after she gets prettified and dressy, the whole easy exchange of emotional objects is rather suspect.
6) Kathryn Grayson in Kiss Me, Kate. Even though the movie makes me rage, I still love her.
7) Judy Garland in anything. But especially Meet Me In St. Louis. Or Easter Parade. (I love a piano only slightly less than I love Judy Garland and Fred Astaire together in a film. Comic gold!)
8) Ann Miller in On the Town. Look at her legs! God, she's gorgeous.
An already long list could easily be extended to include Bernadette Peters in anything (talk about crushes, sheesh), Sweeney Todd, Company, Wicked, Hello Dolly (hello, Irene), or ... oh well. Man, holiday musicals rocketh mightily.
Little more info
Actually it's a good thing they hired Idina for her acting ability. They DID write a song for her because, well, it's Idina, but it didn't do anything to advance the plot so they had to cut it. She does an amazing acting job though for the small part they gave her.
ALSO! She has a new solo album coming out, and it looks to be fantastic. You can check all of that info out at www.idinamenzel.com. Come on folks, let's support someone who has supported us for years!
Piss Off
wtf are you gals a bunch of faggots? sound of music *puke, puke* maybe west side story..... or the new sweeney todd, we'll see
How nice