All tagged Ragtime

Remembering the Musicals of Terrence McNally

Remembering the Musicals of Terrence McNally

Mark Robinson
Music That Makes Me Dance

On March 24, 2020, we were forced to say goodbye to prolific playwright Terrence McNally. He died at age 81 from complications brought about by the coronavirus. The author of such acclaimed plays as The Ritz, Frankie and Johnny in the Clair De Lune, Love! Valour! Compassion!, The Lisbon Traviata, Master Class, and Lips Together, Teeth Apart, McNally was a particularly potent voice in gay theatre. McNally was also a celebrated librettist for the musical theatre, an award-winning book writer for some of Broadway’s most stirring and memorable musicals. Since this site is devoted to the Broadway musical, I wanted to take a moment to look at the glorious work McNally crafted in that arena.

A Broadway Playlist for Labor Day

A Broadway Playlist for Labor Day

Mark Robinson
Music That Makes Me Dance

It’s that time of year again, that three-day weekend celebration commemorating the That unofficial end of summer and officially celebrates hardworking labor in America. That’s right, it is Labor Day. In its honor, here is a playlist of Broadway showtunes that honor the men and women who keep the world spinning with their industry!

Celebrating Marin Mazzie

Celebrating Marin Mazzie

Mark Robinson
Music That Makes Me Dance

It breaks my heart to be sitting here and writing a remembrance of Marin Mazzie who passed away this last Thursday at the age of 57. Mazzie was a luminescent star of the Broadway musical stage, investing heart and soul into every song that she sang and every role that she embodied. There was something ethereal and magical in her voice, lifting us out of our daily lives and transporting us to somewhere near heaven. 

Broadway Lyrics of Hope and Denial

Broadway Lyrics of Hope and Denial

Mark Robinson
Music That Makes Me Dance

I don't feel like I have much to say this week. The presidential election and the subsequent fear and pain that it has unleashed in the theatre community and beyond is still very raw and palpable. At a time when so much hope seems to be lost, I cannot help but hear the voices of strength that certain showtunes provide. Since the last thing any of you want to hear (or read) are my ravings about the outcome of this surreal and most disheartening election. Instead, just this once, let me simply share some lyrics of hope (and denial) that have been crossing my mind since Tuesday.

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