Stealing Focus (Emily Clark)For our next musical theatre history lesson, Emily meets with Gerald virtually to talk about JUKEBOX MUSICALS and POP-SICALS.
Thank you to our Patrons: Gayle Bluemel and Dan Ames David Ganssle David Mecklem David Ross Elli Joy DiGenti Kyle Kallgren Lizzy Gravelle Musicals With Cheese Peanut B Crunch Taskir Theodore Ts'o
Title Card Art by Sam Zilberstein
Follow us on Twitter!! @emilyabclark @revscratch @samzilberstein
Here's your list of Jukebox Musicals and Pop-sicals. We know it's incomplete so add anything we missed in the comments!
BIO MUSICALS: George M! (1968) Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story (1990, 12 years in West End!) Love, Janis - Janis Joplin (2001, Off-Broadway) The Boy from Oz - Peter Allen (2003) Lennon - John Lennon & Yoko Ono (2005) Jersey Boys - The Four Seasons (2005) LoveMusik - Kurt Weill (2007) Fela! - Fela Kuti (2009) Million Dollar Quartet - Various (2011) Baby, It’s You! - The Shirelles, 60s pop/rock (2011) A Night with Janis Joplin (2013) Motown: The Musical (2013) Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (2014) On Your Feet! - Gloria Estefan (2015) Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of the Temptations (2018) The Cher Show (2018) Summer: The Donna Summer Musical (2018) Tina - Tina Turner (2019)
SHOEHORNED SHOWS: Singin’ in the Rain - Freed & Brown (1952 film, 1985 Broadway) Crazy for You - The Gershwins (1992) Play On! - Duke Ellington (1997) Mamma Mia! - ABBA (2001) We Will Rock You - Queen (2002, West End) All Shook Up - Elvis Presley (2005) Good Vibrations - The Beach Boys (2005) Ring of Fire - Johnny Cash (2006) The Times They Are a-Changin’ - Bob Dylan (2006) White Christmas - Irving Berlin (1954 film, 2008 Broadway) Rock of Ages - 80’s rock (2009) American Idiot - Green Day (2010) Nice Work if You Can Get It - The Gershwins (2012) Holler if Ya Hear Me - Tupac Shakur (2014) Disaster! - 70’s disco (2016) Bat Out of Hell: The Musical - Jim Steinman (2017, West End) Head Over Heels - The Go-Go’s (2018) Escape to Margaritaville - Jimmy Buffett (2018) The Band - Take That (2018, West End) The Heart of Rock ‘n Roll - Huey Lewis and the News (2018, San Diego) Jagged Little Pill - Alanis Morissette (2019) Girl from the North Country - Bob Dylan (2020 Broadway)
MOVIE TO JUKEBOX MUSICAL: The Who’s Tommy (1975 film, 1993 Broadway) Saturday Night Fever (1977 film, 1999 Broadway) Xanadu (1980 film, 2007 Broadway) Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (1994 film, 2011 Broadway) Moulin Rouge! The Musical (2001 film, 2019 Broadway)
MUSICAL REVUES: Side by Side by Sondheim (1977) Ain’t Misbehavin’ - Fats Waller (1978) Marry Me a Little (1981 Off-Broadway, Sondheim’s cut songs) Forever Plaid - 1950s guy groups (1989, Off-Broadway) Jerome Robbins’ Broadway (1989) And the World Goes ‘Round (1991, Off-Broadway) - Kander & Ebb A Grand Night for Singing (1993) - Rodgers & Hammerstein Smokey Joe’s Cafe - Leiber & Stoller (1995) Putting it Together (1999 Broadway) - Sondheim Fosse (1999) Movin’ Out - Billy Joel (2002) The Marvelous Wonderettes - 50s/60s girl groups (2008, 2016 Off-Broadway) Sondheim On Sondheim (2010)
ROCK/POP STARS WRITING ORIGINAL MUSICALS (POP-SICALS): Elton John - The Lion King (1994 film, 1997 Broadway), Aida (2000), Lestat (2006), Billy Elliot: The Musical (2008), Rocketman (2019 film)
Tim Minchin - Matilda (2011 West End, 2013 Broadway), Groundhog Day (2017)
Dennis DeYoung - The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1997 Chicago), 101 Dalmatians Musical (2009 National Tour)
Rupert Holmes - The Mystery of Edwin Drood (1985), Curtains (2007)
Promises, Promises - Burt Bacharach (1968) Big River - Roger Miller (1985) Chess - Benny Andersson & Bjorn Ulvaeus of ABBA (1988) Faust - Randy Newman (1995, La Jolla) Thou Shalt Not - Harry Connick Jr. (2001) Taboo - Boy George (2003, some Culture Club songs) Spring Awakening - Duncan Sheik (2006) Memphis - David Bryan, keyboards for Bon Jovi (2009) 9 to 5 - Dolly Parton (2009) Spiderman: Turn Off the Dark - Bono & The Edge (2010) Here Lies Love - David Byrne & Fatboy Slim (2013, Off Broadway) Kinky Boots - Cyndi Lauper & Harvey Fierstein (2013) The Last Ship - Sting (2014) Waitress - Sara Bareilles (2016) Bright Star - Steve Martin & Edie Brickell (2016) SpongeBob Squarepants - Various Artists (2017) Muriel’s Wedding - Kate Miller-Heidke (2017 Sydney, some ABBA songs) Pretty Woman: The Musical - Bryan Adams & Jim Vallance (2018) Hadestown - Anais Mitchell (2019)
Jukebox Musicals & Pop-sicals (Give My Regards to...)Stealing Focus (Emily Clark)2020-05-03 | For our next musical theatre history lesson, Emily meets with Gerald virtually to talk about JUKEBOX MUSICALS and POP-SICALS.
Thank you to our Patrons: Gayle Bluemel and Dan Ames David Ganssle David Mecklem David Ross Elli Joy DiGenti Kyle Kallgren Lizzy Gravelle Musicals With Cheese Peanut B Crunch Taskir Theodore Ts'o
Title Card Art by Sam Zilberstein
Follow us on Twitter!! @emilyabclark @revscratch @samzilberstein
Here's your list of Jukebox Musicals and Pop-sicals. We know it's incomplete so add anything we missed in the comments!
BIO MUSICALS: George M! (1968) Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story (1990, 12 years in West End!) Love, Janis - Janis Joplin (2001, Off-Broadway) The Boy from Oz - Peter Allen (2003) Lennon - John Lennon & Yoko Ono (2005) Jersey Boys - The Four Seasons (2005) LoveMusik - Kurt Weill (2007) Fela! - Fela Kuti (2009) Million Dollar Quartet - Various (2011) Baby, It’s You! - The Shirelles, 60s pop/rock (2011) A Night with Janis Joplin (2013) Motown: The Musical (2013) Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (2014) On Your Feet! - Gloria Estefan (2015) Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of the Temptations (2018) The Cher Show (2018) Summer: The Donna Summer Musical (2018) Tina - Tina Turner (2019)
SHOEHORNED SHOWS: Singin’ in the Rain - Freed & Brown (1952 film, 1985 Broadway) Crazy for You - The Gershwins (1992) Play On! - Duke Ellington (1997) Mamma Mia! - ABBA (2001) We Will Rock You - Queen (2002, West End) All Shook Up - Elvis Presley (2005) Good Vibrations - The Beach Boys (2005) Ring of Fire - Johnny Cash (2006) The Times They Are a-Changin’ - Bob Dylan (2006) White Christmas - Irving Berlin (1954 film, 2008 Broadway) Rock of Ages - 80’s rock (2009) American Idiot - Green Day (2010) Nice Work if You Can Get It - The Gershwins (2012) Holler if Ya Hear Me - Tupac Shakur (2014) Disaster! - 70’s disco (2016) Bat Out of Hell: The Musical - Jim Steinman (2017, West End) Head Over Heels - The Go-Go’s (2018) Escape to Margaritaville - Jimmy Buffett (2018) The Band - Take That (2018, West End) The Heart of Rock ‘n Roll - Huey Lewis and the News (2018, San Diego) Jagged Little Pill - Alanis Morissette (2019) Girl from the North Country - Bob Dylan (2020 Broadway)
MOVIE TO JUKEBOX MUSICAL: The Who’s Tommy (1975 film, 1993 Broadway) Saturday Night Fever (1977 film, 1999 Broadway) Xanadu (1980 film, 2007 Broadway) Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (1994 film, 2011 Broadway) Moulin Rouge! The Musical (2001 film, 2019 Broadway)
MUSICAL REVUES: Side by Side by Sondheim (1977) Ain’t Misbehavin’ - Fats Waller (1978) Marry Me a Little (1981 Off-Broadway, Sondheim’s cut songs) Forever Plaid - 1950s guy groups (1989, Off-Broadway) Jerome Robbins’ Broadway (1989) And the World Goes ‘Round (1991, Off-Broadway) - Kander & Ebb A Grand Night for Singing (1993) - Rodgers & Hammerstein Smokey Joe’s Cafe - Leiber & Stoller (1995) Putting it Together (1999 Broadway) - Sondheim Fosse (1999) Movin’ Out - Billy Joel (2002) The Marvelous Wonderettes - 50s/60s girl groups (2008, 2016 Off-Broadway) Sondheim On Sondheim (2010)
ROCK/POP STARS WRITING ORIGINAL MUSICALS (POP-SICALS): Elton John - The Lion King (1994 film, 1997 Broadway), Aida (2000), Lestat (2006), Billy Elliot: The Musical (2008), Rocketman (2019 film)
Tim Minchin - Matilda (2011 West End, 2013 Broadway), Groundhog Day (2017)
Dennis DeYoung - The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1997 Chicago), 101 Dalmatians Musical (2009 National Tour)
Rupert Holmes - The Mystery of Edwin Drood (1985), Curtains (2007)
Promises, Promises - Burt Bacharach (1968) Big River - Roger Miller (1985) Chess - Benny Andersson & Bjorn Ulvaeus of ABBA (1988) Faust - Randy Newman (1995, La Jolla) Thou Shalt Not - Harry Connick Jr. (2001) Taboo - Boy George (2003, some Culture Club songs) Spring Awakening - Duncan Sheik (2006) Memphis - David Bryan, keyboards for Bon Jovi (2009) 9 to 5 - Dolly Parton (2009) Spiderman: Turn Off the Dark - Bono & The Edge (2010) Here Lies Love - David Byrne & Fatboy Slim (2013, Off Broadway) Kinky Boots - Cyndi Lauper & Harvey Fierstein (2013) The Last Ship - Sting (2014) Waitress - Sara Bareilles (2016) Bright Star - Steve Martin & Edie Brickell (2016) SpongeBob Squarepants - Various Artists (2017) Muriel’s Wedding - Kate Miller-Heidke (2017 Sydney, some ABBA songs) Pretty Woman: The Musical - Bryan Adams & Jim Vallance (2018) Hadestown - Anais Mitchell (2019)The Liza Minnelli RambleStealing Focus (Emily Clark)2023-01-09 | This Liza Minnelli ramble from "My Favorite Broadway: the Leading Ladies" has lived rent-free in my brain for over 20 years.
Originally uploaded to TikTok on November 8, 2022. Follow me @emilyabclarkMatilda Review: The 2022 Film vs. the Musical (SPOILERS)Stealing Focus (Emily Clark)2023-01-08 | Get out of the Chokey and join us in the Library for our review of "Roald Dahl's Matilda The Musical"! How does it compare to the stage musical & Roald Dahl's book? Emily and Jeff share their revolting thoughts and opinions on Netflix's latest musical movie outing in the latest Stealing Focus Real Thoughts...
Follow us on Twitter @emilyabclark @jeffscotcareyEm & Jess ON BROADWAY! (featuring Jess McAnally from Musicals With Cheese)Stealing Focus (Emily Clark)2022-09-02 | Ok like not literally, BUT we both went to NYC this summer and saw some shows! Here are our hot takes and cool opinions on everything we witnessed on Broadway in the summer of 2022. Featuring special guest Jess McAnally from @MusicaslwithCheese!!
Follow us on Twitter: @emilyabclark @jessedmcanally
00:00-2:29 Intro 2:30-20:46 Into the Woods 20:47-31:08 Company 31:09-40:18 A Strange Loop 40:19-45:06 POTUS 45:07-52:38 Beetlejuice 52:39-56:35 Joe Iconis at 54 Below & Other Extras 56:36-57:00 CreditsI Cant Stop Watching Diana the Musical...Stealing Focus (Emily Clark)2022-08-05 | Diana is bad. So why can't I stop watching it? Let's talk Camp, the Subjectivity of Art, and Diana the Musical!
Follow us on Twitter! Emily Clark - @emilyabclark Cody Clark (Gerald) - @revscratch Jeff Scot Carey - @jeffscotcarey Meghan Allison - @MeghanAllison8 The Diva - @MusicalHell Brent Black - @brentalfloss Sideways - @sideways440 Pam Quinn - @CasperandPam Marc Bonnani - @BwayGhostlight Jesse McAnally - @JesseDMcAnally
Prologue 00:00-04:38 Diana ACT 1 04:39-16:49 Diana ACT 2 16:50-22:08 Camp & Diana 22:09-26:58 The Diva's Opinion 26:59-29:13 Brent Black's Take 29:14-30:43 Sideways Thoughts 30:44-34:42 Jeff Scot Carey's Two Cents 34:43-37:32 Pam Quinn (and Casper!) 37:33-40:02 Marc Bonnani's Hot Take 40:03-47:50 Finale 47:51-48:14 Diana PSA (by Jess McAnally) 48:15-49:00 Credits 49:01-50:27
Sontag's NOTES ON CAMP monoskop.org/images/5/59/Sontag_Susan_1964_Notes_on_Camp.pdfThe Forgotten Legacy of Shuffle Along (Phillip Attmore Interview)Stealing Focus (Emily Clark)2022-02-14 | In honor of Black History Month, we take a look at the 1921 musical that transcended racial boundaries, introduced tap dancing to Broadway, was celebrated as a highlight of the Harlem Renaissance, and whose legacy has been largely forgotten: Shuffle Along! Special Guest, Broadway triple threat, Phillip Attmore, who gives us his insight as a cast member from the 2016 revival.
00:00-03:32 Prologue (The 2016 Tony Awards) 03:32-4:44 Phillip Attmore Intro 04:45-06:59 How Phillip became a part of Shuffle Along 06:59-10:23 Black Broadway (pre-1920s) 10:23-13:09 Sissle & Blake, Miller & Lyles 13:09-17:59 How Shuffle Along came to Broadway 17:59-23:21 The Songs and Dancing 23:22-27:21 Phillip’s Tap Evolution 27:22-36:51 Racism, Exoticism, & Minstrelsy 36:52-40:20 Harlem Renaissance & Black Excellence 40:22-42:43 Why the Revival Closed 42:44-44:27 George C. Wolfe and “The Process” 44:28-47:58 Epilogue & Final Words 47:58-48:39 Credits
Follow us on Twitter: @emilyabclark @revscratchReal Life Ms. DarbusStealing Focus (Emily Clark)2022-01-23 | Welp...when you spend your 30's morphing into Ms. Darbus from High School Musical, you might as well lean in, amiright? IS THAT A CELL PHONE?!
Originally uploaded to TikTok on September 10 & October 3, 2020. Follow me @emilyabclarkThe Sound of Music sent me some of their Favorite Things!Stealing Focus (Emily Clark)2021-12-21 | Just a li'l something I threw together for Christmas, with some help from Rodgers and Hammerstein, of course! There weren't nearly as many kitten whiskers as I thought there'd be...
Become a Patron! patreon.com/stealingfocusLets talk about Annie LIVE!Stealing Focus (Emily Clark)2021-12-06 | Was the latest holiday season live musical event a hard knock or make 'em all postcards? Bet yer bottom dollar Emily, Cody, and Gerald will break down their thoughts, so smile, darn ya, smile - cuz we got ANNIE... LIVE!
Follow us on Twitter: @emilyabclark @revscratchtick, tick...BOOM!: A Love Letter to Theatre KidsStealing Focus (Emily Clark)2021-11-24 | Sure, we all know about the "tick, tick...BOOM!" Broadway cameos, but who is Joseph Papp? Does that theatre in Central Park have a name? Exactly how many RENT Easter Eggs are there? And why is Freddy the tree?!
Jeff is a former RENT cast member, while Emily is a recovering RENT-head, and together, they breakdown every reference and cameo they can find in "tick, tick...BOOM!," plus give their thoughts and opinions on what is definitely the best movie musical of 2021!
00:00:00 - 00:03:02 Introduction 00:03:03 - 00:09:41 Our History with Jonathan Larson 00:09:42 - 00:26:20 Review of the Film 00:26:21 - 00:59:35 References, Easter Eggs, & Cameos 00:59:36 - 01:01:16 Conclusion & Credits
Follow us on Twitter: @emilyabclark @jeffscotcareyThe Evolution of 1960s Musicals | Video Research EssayStealing Focus (Emily Clark)2021-11-12 | The Broadway musicals of the 1960s broke with the traditions of the Golden Age, and laid the groundwork for the revitalization of the form in the 1970s. This video research essay looks at ten influential 1960s musicals, focusing on the categories of Concept Musicals, Broadway Auteurs, and new works created Outside the Broadway Bubble.
Follow us on Twitter: @emilyabclark @revscratchEmily & Jeff Return to NormalStealing Focus (Emily Clark)2021-10-17 | Originally premiered as part of @worldselsewheretheatrecomp7500's 2021 Summer Cabaret, July 10, 2021.
"By the Sea" from SWEENEY TODD: THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim
Edited by Jeff Scot CareyWe Have Thoughts on Dear Evan Hansen...Stealing Focus (Emily Clark)2021-09-27 | Crossover review with Jess McAnally of @MusicaslwithCheese!! Wave through a window with us as we review the film adaptation of DEAR EVAN HANSEN.
Become a Patron! patreon.com/stealingfocusSchmigadoon! (Ep 6) | References and Easter EggsStealing Focus (Emily Clark)2021-08-15 | This is how we change... by giving a Broadway Golden Age homage a modern pop musical theatre finale! Join Emily and Jeff as they wrap up their Schmiganalyses with the final episode of SCHMIGADOON!
Schmigadoon! Schmiganalyses: Episodes 1-2 youtu.be/7XJKhPQLfo0 Episode 3 youtu.be/dZvQzWqmgzc Episode 4 youtu.be/yl1IQTfU-lQ Episode 5 youtu.be/zeIwwzVNhzUSchmigadoon! (Ep 5) | References and Easter EggsStealing Focus (Emily Clark)2021-08-08 | Who knew that Kristin Chenoweth was the Harold Hill we all desperately needed?! Emily and Jeff talk Chenoweth one shot wonders, Krakowski scene stealing, and Meredith Willson subtext in their breakdown of Episode 5 of SCHMIGADOON!
Dirty Sexy Oklahoma! Revival youtu.be/gTkq2Qwul2oSchmigadoon! (Ep 4) | References and Easter EggsStealing Focus (Emily Clark)2021-08-03 | Suddenly I love... all the "Sound of Music" references in this episode! Emily and Jeff will try with all of their hearts to break down every Golden Age Easter Egg in Episode 4 of SCHMIGADOON!
Schmigadoon! Episodes 1-2 youtu.be/7XJKhPQLfo0Schmigadoon! (Ep 1-2) | References and Easter EggsStealing Focus (Emily Clark)2021-07-21 | A new musical TV show pastiche to the Golden Age of Broadway? Now it's Marge's time to shine!! Grab a bowl of corn puddin' and join Emily and Jeff as they break down every Broadway Reference and Easter Egg in the first two episodes of SCHMIGADOON!
Become a Patron! http://patreon.com/stealingfocusRyan Scott Oliver Interview (Stealing Focus)Stealing Focus (Emily Clark)2021-06-07 | Stealing Focus Interviews returns with musical theatre composer, Ryan Scott Oliver! Learn about the creation of some of his incredible works like JASPER IN DEADLAND and 35MM: A MUSICAL EXHIBITION, but also what exciting projects he has coming up! Lots of great advice, childhood stories, and just the right amount of Broadway shade. ;)
BIBLIOGRAPHY: Baar, K. Kevyne. Broadway and the Blacklist. Jefferson, North Carolina: McFarland & Company, Inc., 2019.
Barranger, Milly S. “Broadway’s Women on Trial: The McCarthy Years.” Journal of American Drama and Theatre 15, no. 3 (2003): 1-37.
Blitzstein, Marc. The Cradle Will Rock. New York: Tams-Witmark Music Library, Inc., 1937.
Hellman, Lillian. The Children’s Hour. Dramatists Play Service, Inc., 1934.
Lawrence, Jerome, and Robert E. Lee. Inherit the Wind. New York: Dramatists Play Service, 1955.
Maslon, Laurence. Broadway: The American Musical. New York, Bulfinch Press, 2004.
McConachie, Bruce A. American Theater in the Culture of the Cold War: Producing and Contesting Containment, 1947-1962. Iowa City: City of Iowa Press, 2003.
Miller, Arthur. The Crucible. New York: Viking Press, 1953.
Schrecker, Ellen, and Phillip Deery. The Age of McCarthyism: A Brief History with Documents, Third Edition. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2017.
Solomon, Alisa. Wonder of Wonders: A Cultural History of Fiddler on the Roof. New York: Metropolitan Books, 2013.
Wertheim, Albert. “INSURGENCY IN AMERICAN THEATRE: The McCarthy Era and the American Theatre.” Theatre Journal; Washington D.C. 34, no. 2 (1982): 211-222.Flight of the Conchords CosplayStealing Focus (Emily Clark)2021-03-17 | I was sublimely proud with these Halloween costumes - not that anyone really got to enjoy them during our Quarantine-o-ween. Still, my husband is obviously the Bret in our relationship.
Originally uploaded to TikTok on October 31, 2020. Follow me @emilyabclarkCaitlins Beleaguered Drama TeacherStealing Focus (Emily Clark)2021-03-14 | This year my old friend @CaitlinReilly got all TikTok famous, and when she posted this video it was a GIFT. Follow me on TikTok @emilyabclark, and you probably already follow Caitlin @itscaitlinhello!
Originally uploaded to TikTok on August 16, 2020.It Was Agatha All Along (Emily Clark)Stealing Focus (Emily Clark)2021-03-10 | The second I heard this song I knew it was going in my book. I can't wait to do this at a real cabaret someday! Follow me on TikTok @emilyabclark!
Originally uploaded to TikTok on February 27, 2021. Duet with @deweyspianopartyAgatha All Along - Broadway Diva StyleStealing Focus (Emily Clark)2021-03-08 | How would these old school Broadway divas sing "It Was Agatha All Along"? I think it'd go a li'l something...like this...
Originally uploaded to TikTok on February 22, 2021. Follow me @emilyabclark!Hal...its About Cats.Stealing Focus (Emily Clark)2021-03-07 | I got TikTok for the sole purpose of making this video. Follow me @emilyabclark.
Originally uploaded to TikTok on August 7, 2020Im Still Here (2021)Stealing Focus (Emily Clark)2021-02-02 | It's been nearly a year of that pandemic life and I'm going crazy! So I did this. Happy Groundhog Day!
Originally performed for the @worldselsewheretheatrecomp7500 Donor Gala, January 30, 2021.
Music and Original Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim Parody Lyrics by Emily Clark & Grady W. Smithey III Video Editing by Jeff Scot Carey & Emily ClarkThe Golden Age of Broadway (Give My Regards to...)Stealing Focus (Emily Clark)2021-01-13 | Wouldn't it be loverly if you revisited your high school musicals with us? It's time for a lesson on one of the most important eras in Broadway history: The Golden Age (1943-1959).
If you like our work, please consider donating to our Patreon! patreon.com/stealingfocusSisters (Emily and Gerald)Stealing Focus (Emily Clark)2020-12-25 | Ladies and gentlemen, an impromptu surprise for you: the Haynes Sisters! Merry Christmas from Emily and Gerald!Christmas on the Square: Netflix Community TheatreStealing Focus (Emily Clark)2020-12-25 | Do you have the holiday blues cuz you can't go out and see your favorite local Christmas show? Fear not, for Christmas is a time for caring and Netflix, Dolly Parton, and Debbie Allen have you covered with CHRISTMAS ON THE SQUARE!
Performed by Emily Clark Accompaniment by Gayle Bluemel Editing by Jeff Scot Carey
Originally performed for the @worldselsewheretheatrecomp7500 Winter Cabaret 12/19/20.Grinch Musical: Community Theatre on NBCStealing Focus (Emily Clark)2020-12-11 | We love community theatre... but it works best on stage when you're performing for, y'know, your community. It also works better when your book/score isn't as cringey and unmelodic as THE GRINCH musical. You know why you're here. Let's shrink our hearts three sizes together, shall we?
Losing My Mind: A Sondheim Disco Fever Dream Produced by Broadway Records (2020)
Become a patron: patreon.com/stealingfocusHalloween Musical ReactionsStealing Focus (Emily Clark)2020-10-31 | Emily and Cody react to songs from Halloween Musicals (with the help of Gerald, of course)! At 28:59 the Love Never Dies people insisted that a few minutes be cut, so sorry for the awkward transition ;)
Become a patron: patreon.com/stealingfocusMatthew Murphy - BROADWAY PHOTOGRAPHER (Stealing Focus Interviews)Stealing Focus (Emily Clark)2020-10-18 | Stealing Focus Interview with Matthew Murphy, photographer of numerous Broadway shows, including KINKY BOOTS, HADESTOWN, MOULIN ROUGE and the iconic HAMILTON silhouettes!
Become a Patron! http://patreon.com/stealingfocusMusic Theory 101 (Intro to Symbols & Basic Terms)Stealing Focus (Emily Clark)2020-10-13 | Originally filmed for my students at Sierra Madre Middle School, October 2020. This is a basic, casual intro to the symbols and terms in music theory, so anyone who needs help deciphering sheet music could benefit! :)
VIDEO CLIPS: Famous Female Singers Singing OFF KEY - Flat & Sharp Notes (FeDsax98) Glee Mary Poppins Funny Girl Hamilton cast performs "My Shot" at White House (CBSN)Poems, Prayers, and PromisesStealing Focus (Emily Clark)2020-09-25 | Jeff Scot Carey performs John Denver's classic song.Intro to Vocal DynamicsStealing Focus (Emily Clark)2020-09-11 | Originally filmed for my students at Sierra Madre Middle School, September 2020. The lesson is for middle schoolers but could be helpful for anyone who wants to learn how vocal dynamics work!
*An Incomplete List of NYC MUSICALS: On the Town (1944) Guys and Dolls (1950) Wonderful Town (1953) West Side Story (1957) Fiorello! (1959) How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying (1961) Funny Girl (1964) Hello, Dolly! (1964) Mame (1966) Sweet Charity (1966) HAiR (1968) Promises, Promises (1968) Applause (1970) Company (1970) Follies (1971) A Chorus Line (1975) Annie (1977) 42nd Street (1980) Merrily We Roll Along (1981) Little Shop of Horrors (1982) Rent (1996) Ragtime (1998) The Producers (2001) Thoroughly Modern Millie (2002) Avenue Q (2003) In the Heights (2008) Newsies (2012) If/Then (2014) Hamilton (2015) A Strange Loop (2020)
*Add any we missed in the comments!
SONGS FROM MUSICALS ABOUT NEW YORK CITY/BROADWAY: ON THE TOWN - New York, New York, Come Up to My Place WONDERFUL TOWN - Christopher Street HELLO, DOLLY! - Put on Your Sunday Clothes HAIR - Frank Mills FOLLIES - Broadway Baby ANNIE - N.Y.C. 42ND STREET - Lullaby of Broadway, 42nd Street MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG - Opening Doors LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS - Skid Row (Downtown) JELLY’S LAST JAM - Good Ole New York RENT - La Vie Boheme RAGTIME - The Night that Goldman Spoke at Union Square THE PRODUCERS - The King of Broadway, Opening Night THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE - Not for the Life of Me, Only in New York IN THE HEIGHTS - In the Heights, When You’re Home NEWSIES - King of New York IF/THEN - A Map of of New York, Ain’t No Man Manhattan HAMILTON - The Schuyler Sisters
NEW YORK SONGS BY MUSICAL THEATRE COMPOSERS: Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart - MANHATTAN John Kander and Fred Ebb - THEME FROM NEW YORK, NEW YORK George M. Cohan - GIVE MY REGARDS TO BROADWAY Irving Berlin - MY NEW YORK Cole Porter - I HAPPEN TO LIKE NEW YORK George Gershwin - RHAPSODY IN BLUELiam Robinson of HADESTOWN (Stealing Focus Interviews)Stealing Focus (Emily Clark)2020-08-05 | For the first episode of Stealing Focus Interviews, Jeff and Emily talk to Liam Robinson: the music director, vocal arranger, pianist, and accordion player of HADESTOWN. Liam Robinson on the keys, indeed!!
Become a Patron! http://patreon.com/stealingfocusHunkerin Down with The Late BloomersStealing Focus (Emily Clark)2020-06-21 | A virtual concert starring The Late Bloomers, hosted by Emily Clark. The Late Bloomers are Dan Ames, Gayle Bluemel, DeVorah Ross Johnsen, and Scott Shepherd.
*Note* - There is 32 seconds of missing audio in this edit at the 21:41 mark, during the intro for Laura Nyro’s song Stone Soul Picnic. Gayle said this: “My favorite person is a singer songwriter named Laura Nyro. And, when I was in high school, when Debe and I were in High School, we were obsessed with her. She was a New York girl, and she wrote the most incredible songs and of course the reason why I connected with her is because she would sit at the piano and play and sing. And her songs were covered by a lot of different people.” Apologies for the error.
The Late Bloomers can be found here: facebook.com/Late-Bloomers-60325457115Musical Episodes of Non-Musical TV Shows (Part 3)Stealing Focus (Emily Clark)2020-06-17 | We're so sorry this took so long, but episode 3 of "Musical Episodes of Non-Musical TV Shows" is finally here!! This time, Jeff and Emily take a look at the musical episodes from Scrubs, The Simpsons, Fringe, Supernatural, and Futurama!
You can watch these episodes on the following streaming platforms: Scrubs - Hulu The Simpsons - Disney Plus Fringe - Amazon Prime Supernatural - Netflix Futurama - Hulu
Thank You to our Patrons: David Ganssle David Mecklem David Morton Duncan Susskind Elli Gayle Bluemel and Dan Ames Jessica Tubis Joseph Evans Green Joy DiGenti Kyle Kallgren Lizzy Gravelle Musical Hell Musicals with Cheese Peanut B Crunch Sharon Horwatt Taskir Theodore Ts'o
Follow us on Twitter!! @emilyabclark @jeffscotcareyBombshell Concert | Smash Reunion (Real Thoughts Vlog)Stealing Focus (Emily Clark)2020-05-21 | Ivy Lynn and Karen Cartwright return!! Let me be your star as I review the 2015 Bombshell Concert and LIVE Smash Reunion, broadcast on People.com, May 20, 2020.
Thank You to our Patrons: David Ganssle David Mecklem David Ross Elli Gayle Bluemel and Dan Ames Joy DiGenti Kyle Kallgren Lizzy Gravelle Musical Hell Musicals with Cheese Peanut B Crunch Sharon Horwatt Taskir Theodore Ts'o
Follow me on Twitter!! @emilyabclarkWe Love You Broadway! (Acoustic Medley)Stealing Focus (Emily Clark)2020-05-19 | We love you Broadway, and we miss you!!
Music Arrangement by Pamela Eberhardt Performed by Jeff Scot Carey, Emily Clark, and Pamela Eberhardt
Follow us on Twitter! @emilyabclark @casperandpam @jeffscotcareyStealing Focus Digital Cabaret (5/1/20)Stealing Focus (Emily Clark)2020-05-02 | Streamed LIVE on May 1, 2020!
PERFORMERS (In Order of Appearance): @StealingFocus Michael Teoli Allie Costa Sam Zilberstein Meghan Allison Cody Clark Sam Marchiony @MusicalHell @oancitizen Scott Shepherd & DeVorah Ross Johnsen Gayle Bluemel & Dan Ames Angelina Meehan @MissNightmareReviews Jenelle Riley Everjohn Feliciano The Madam Morticia Laura Wiley @IlNeige The Great Luke Ski Pamela Quinn Eberhardt Amir Levi Parissa Koo @MusicaslwithCheese Jeff Scot CareyRuckus Digital Cabaret (4/24/20)Stealing Focus (Emily Clark)2020-04-25 | Our third Ruckus Digital Cabaret! We're a bunch of theatrical housemates and dear God, we've been on lockdown for over 40 days. We're gonna sing our cares away, and take live song requests while we do!
Find us on TWITTER: @emilyabclark @jeffscotcarey @thepamquinn @the_montayHappy Birthday Cody (and Gerald)!!Stealing Focus (Emily Clark)2020-04-15 | Quarantine birthdays suuuuuuuck. We hope this will make it better!! Happiest of birthdays to the best brother/puppet friend a gal could ask for.
Featuring Birthday greetings from: Loren Roberts @hearkencreative Emily Clark @emilyabclark Jeff Scot Carey @jeffscotcarey Meghan Allison @MeghanAllison8 Oscar Gubelman @jambooscar Allison Sulock @museinitiative Dan Testa @DanGTesta Sharon Horwatt @TheSharebear19 Jenelle Riley @jenelleriley Azo Safo Casey Kane @MsNightmare24 Tiago Quintana @SpoonyViking Hannah Doty @Hansolo36 Megan Travis @coolforsure Deanna Bakker Ben Stowell @BeThings75 Connor Pratt Pamela Eberhardt @thepamquinn Gayle Bluemel Dan AmesRuckus Digital Cabaret (4/3/20)Stealing Focus (Emily Clark)2020-04-04 | The second Ruckus Digital Cabaret! We're a bunch of theatrical housemates and we've been cooped up for over 20 days, so we're gonna SING IT OUT! Get your song requests ready...
Find us on TWITTER: @emilyabclark @jeffscotcarey @thepamquinn @the_montayEmily & Jeffs First DanceStealing Focus (Emily Clark)2020-03-31 | August 31, 2019 - best day of our lives! Music from Hadestown and Walk the Moon. Filmed and Edited by David Haverty.
(If you wanna watch the fun dancey stuff, it starts at 1:50)