With all of the blatant bigotry and just plain foolishness surrounding recent discrimination laws passed in Indiana (and poised to ultimately pass in other states), I wanted today’s article to reflect musicals that really embrace and celebrate the gay community; people finding their dignity through theatre. So, today I toast a glass to all of the great moments of dignity in the musical theatre where being one’s self is just a part of the amazing journey.
Talking with Telly: Telly Leung Shares His Story and Thoughts about a Career in Theatre
Telly Leung is one of the most exciting, enthusiastic, and energetic young performers on Broadway. From his debut on Broadway in the musical Flower Drum Song, through his work on Rent, Pacific Overtures, and Godspell, he exhibits charm and talent by the truckload. Now he is poised to return to Broadway in the musical Allegiance, set to star alongside George Takei and Lea Salonga.
I first met Telly when I brought him in as a guest for a production of Godspell I was directing with youth in the Catskills region. He generously shared his stories of his experience with Godspell, offered a thorough history of the piece that included ties with his alma mater (Carnegie Mellon University), and led the kids through an original choreography creation set to one of the numbers from the show. He inspired many kids that day! His devoted work with youth makes him an inspiration to the thespians of future generations.
Recently, Telly consented to an interview with me, patiently and thoughtfully answering my questions on a range of topics. Please read on and learn some more about this incredibly gifted and genuinely kind talent of the theatre community.
The Jerry Herman We Determine
Jerry Herman is often maligned for creating fizzy showtunes without substance, usually to populate splashy musical comedies based around a central, larger-than-life character. I am an enormous fan of both Herman's music and lyrics, and I'm glad to say that I continue to make amazing discoveries in the scores of his musicals. First: there is nothing wrong with bubbly optimism. In fact, this is often exactly what the doctor ordered, so kudos to Herman for writing the prescription for what ails our spirit. Second: Herman can hardly be pigeon-holed for ONLY writing fluff. He does, in fact, create well-balanced scores that span a wide range of emotions, that dabble in witty wordplay and stunning imagery, and that explore the emotional depths of his characters. This article is an examination of my top-ten favorite Jerry Herman showtunes that are above and beyond the generalizations that people have formed around his work.
Musical Associations - Songs for "Special" Moments
Have you ever had a showtune play a significant role in an important moment in your life? Odd as it may seem to some, there are certain songs from Broadway musicals that have established themselves as part of the cast recording of my life.
I remember when my parents sat me down at age 15 to tell me that they were getting a divorce. They had told me to pretend like nothing had happened so that I didn't upset my little brother and sister. Holding in tears, I walked into my bedroom and turned the record player on. The original cast recording of Camelot was on the turntable and the title song was playing.