(43-91) A REAL Time Warp

So the burning question has got to be "Was the Rocky Horror GLEE episode as awesome as I'd anticipated?"   And my answer would have to be "NO."  However; with that being said, I will fully concede that sometimes you can build something up so much in your mind that it will never be able to exceed your expectations; and I do believe that was the case in this instance.  I guess that it's true; we need to be careful what we wish for, because watching the cast of "GLEE" re-create "Rocky Horror" definitely felt like a REAL time warp.   

Now in all fairness; don't let the fact that I said it wasn't awesome, mean that it wasn't good; because it was.  In fact, there were some parts that were FANTASTIC; and I have to say that it was extremely clever.  They managed to do a number of songs from the movie, using the premise of putting on the play.  And through auditions and rehearsals, they provided us with some of the very best of "Rocky Horror."  I think that it was a very nice tribute; and though I never expected it to be identical to the original; it left me longing for it.
 I'm going to go at this a little differently this evening and tell you what I liked the best and the least about this episode.  Let's go with what I liked the least first; because I always like to end on a positive note.

Least fave moments of "Rocky Horror GLEE" (in no particular order):
1.  Mercedes singing "Sweet Transvestite."  I LOVE Mercedes' voice; and had I never heard "sweet Transvestite" before; her rendition might not have bothered me.  BUT, when you are comparing her performance with Tim Curry's, it's just too far of a stretch for me; so I have to say  - nice try but no cigar.
2.  Quinn's solo as Magenta in "Time Warp,"  I think she took to much liberty with the song and I would have preferred that she sang it more like the original.
3.  The fact that Mr. Shue suggested that he play Rocky; even if it only was to rehearse "Toucha, Toucha, Toucha, Touch me," with Emma; was nauseating.  Yuk Mr. Shue; YUK! 

The Best parts of "Rocky Horror GLEE" (in no particular order):
1.  The opening scene; great lips; super vocals.
2.  Appearances by original cast members Barry Bostwick and Meatloaf.
3.  "Toucha, Toucha, Toucha, Touch Me."  Although I wouldn't have wanted to see Mr. Shue as Rocky, Emma did a spot on job as Janet in one of my FAVORITE RH tunes.
4.  Hot Patootie!  Even though John Stamos didn't sound as good as Meatloaf, when he originally rocked this number; I thought it was fun, fun fun!  Way to go Uncle Jessie!
5.  "There's a Light "   I enjoy Rachel's voice; being the Broadway lover that I am; BUT I must say that I liked that Rachel didn't over sing this song.  I though that she rivalled the original.  Nicely done.

Now, I revert to my original statement.  This wasn't a bad show by any stretch of the imagination; I just think that in many cases; you can never be as good as the original, ie: Willy Wonka.  I don't think that there is anyone who would be willing to say that the re-make of "Willy Wonka" was better than the original; no matter how much you love Johnny Depp.  
 
I'm grateful that  "GLEE" did this episode, because it reminded me of how much I love this music; and how many great times I had; going to the show.  It's not something that I had thought about in a long time and it was fun to take this walk down memory lane.
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING

(43-85) Best Of Both Worlds

I am VERY excited, like I can't wait, excited; for next weeks episode of "GLEE."  Now I've told you several times that I am a total GLEEK.  But couple my love of "GLEE" with one of my all time favorite movies, "The Rocky Horror Picture Show;" and throw in director / choreographer Adam Shankman; and I am over the moon!!
For those of you who haven't heard; the Halloween episode of "GLEE" has the students performing "Rocky Horror; and the guest director is Adam Shankman; my fave judge on "So You Think You Can dance."  I ask you; can it get better than this.  All 3 elements of this combo put a great big smile on my face; I mean like big ole, ear to ear grin; beaming with happiness, smile.

Back in the day I was a Big (say it with me) "Huge," "Rocky Horror" fan.  I never dressed up; I left that to my brother; who weekly would portray the sweet transvestite himself; Dr. Frank N. Furter.  And for those of you who know my brother but didn't know this tidbit about him, go ahead and pick your jaws up off the floor now; I'll wait.
Anyway, all it took was one viewing and I was hooked.  I loved the music; and the audience participation (hmm, maybe that's why I'm such a big fan of The Shout House - our local, dueling piano bar.)  And the fact that the film was shown at midnight just made it all the more exciting as a teen.  Now there'd be no way I'd stay up long enough to make it to a midnight movie.

If by some chance you've never seen "Rocky Horror," let me give you a quick synopsis.  Susan Sarandon (yes, Academy Award winner, Susan Sarandon,) plays Janet Weiss; an innocent, young woman who gets engaged to nerdy, Brad Majors (Barry Bostwick.)  They are driving home from their friend's wedding on a cold and rainy, November evening and a flat tire causes them to stop at the castle of Transvestite, Dr. Frank N. Furter; played impeccably by Tim Curry.  Well,  Frank has been in the process of creating the perfect, male specimen; (Rocky) who he'd planned to introduce that evening at the Transylvanian convention that he's hosting.  Janet and Brad have to spend the night at the castle with a diverse cast of characters (most of whom we find out are from another planet.)  Frank tries to be a hospitable host; and tucks Janet into bed (if you now what I mean;) he then does the same for Brad and when Janet finds out, she decides to take the virile, Rocky for a test drive.   Well suffice it to say that when Frank becomes aware of this, there is hell to pay; just as there was for his ex-boyfriend; Eddy (played by Meatloaf.)  OK, I've said enough.  If you've never seen this, it probably sounds like a ridiculous, train wreck; or the b-rate science fiction / horror film parody that it was intended to be.  If I was watching it for the very, first time now; I don't know that I could sit through it; BUT given my history with this flick; it's a movie that I can never pass up; and watching the Glee cast recreate it, will be a pleasure.  I know it won't be THE SAME; but in a lot of ways; it will be even better.

I've known about this highly, anticpated "Glee" episode for a few weeks now; but I'm all fired up about it tonight; because a facebook friend posted the link for the "Glee" version of "The Timewarp." AND, in the interest of (say it with me;) "The greater good."  I'm going to share it with you.

Now it seems only fair (being the Queen of FAIRNESS that I am) to also share a link from the original, cult classic "The Rocky Horror Picture show."   I hope you'll enjoy this as much as I do and I'm sure I'll have a comment or two after next week's "GLEE."                                 

Till next time...

Queen of EVERYTHING