Theatre: Hero!, The Rock Opera

It might not have made it to Broadway, but Hero!: The Rock Opera is one of the best musical endeavors to come about in recent years, and is definitely the best Christian musical in at least 10 years, if not all of history. (Do you think I'm biased?)

Like other shows, such as Jesus Christ: Superstar, Godspell, and countless church pageants, Hero! tells the story of Jesus Christ's time on earth, crucifixion and resurrection. Like Jesus Christ: Superstar and Godspell, the show is cutting edge and a terrific ride, adding modern elements to make the Gospel seem all the more relevant. Like church pageants, it is actually accurate, and doesn't go off on "non-biblical tangents." The cast is incredible, too, with CCM artists Michael Tait (of dcTalk fame,) Rebecca St. James, T-Bone, Grits, and many others.

The show also has great costume/set design. The urban, grunge feel in ways evokes Rent or even West Side Story, but with a stylized edge that fuses together the rap, R &B, reggae, latin, rock and hip-hop music the soundtrack provides. My suggestion: check out the soundtrack or show DVD A.S.A.P.!

Film Flash: Lawrence of Arabia

I am not ashamed to admit the main reason why I love this film. It's not the breathtaking cinematography, the impressive special effects, or the intense acting: it's the camels. I can't watch this film without wanting to ride a camel across the desert. Does that make me shallow? Maybe. But if I'm ever an eccentric rich person with money to burn, I'll tell you what my first purchase will be. A camel. I'll name it Shaherazad (but I'll call it Zadi for short.)

Cleopatra Photographs

Fashion Flash: Michelle Williams

Okay, so these might not be the best pictures of Heath Ledger and Michelle Williams, but they were the best I could find. I want to talk about her dress (a Vera Wang that she wore to the 2006 Academy Awards.) If I were going to the Oscars, I would want a dress like it. The yellow color is bold yet classy, and the overall cut is definately vintage inspired without trying too hard. Plus, I love the bold red lip. It just pulls everything together so nicely.

Home Design: Ethnic Influence

This is a dinnerware set from World Market. I love the intricate yet subtle design. The pattern doesn't overpower you because of it's muted tone, yet it still is unique and definitely not boring. My favorites are the bowls. I like how they don't have the design on the outside.

Music That's Rockin' My World

Artist: Iona Song: Today Why: This celtic alternitive rock band from the 80's and 90's has an infectious blend of traditional Irish ballads and and modern rock (did someone say celtic electric guitar?) The song Today is the sort of song I listen to when I'm sad. It instantly makes me feel energetic and inspired. I know that sounds incredibly corny, and Iona isn't by any means to be categorized with "positive pop," but this song just makes me want to fly.

Artist: Geoff Moore Song: Why Should the Devil Have All the Good Music? Why: Just look at the title. Can I get an "amen?" I have been known to rant and preach about how Christians let secular artists make all the quality art now. This song is awesome. It has an incredible Southern rock sound and lyrics like: "I ain't knockin' the hymns, just gimmee a song that moves my feet. I ain't knockin' the hymns, just gimmee a song that has a beat. I don't want no funeral marches. I ain't dead yet!"

Halleluja!

Quote of the Week: Sunday, September 24th

"What are men compared to rocks and mountains?"

~Jane Austen

Film Flash: Roman Holiday

The Film Roman holiday is just so much fun. I dare you to watch it and not fall in love. It was Audrey Hepburn's first major motion picture (and won her the Academy Award for Best Actress,) not to mention one of the first Hollywood films to be shot on location. The screenplay writer had to go under a fake name because he was actually on the Hollywood blacklist.

The film is about a princess (Hepburn) who, tired of her duties, runs away and is discovered by a journalist (Peck.) She doesn't tell him who she is, but he figures it out, and plays ignorance so that he can do a big story on "princess gone wild." But, of course, they fall in love, and things get complicated.

This movie inspires me with it's spirited comedic acting, beautiful cinematography and spunky storyline. Okay, so Gregory Peck "inspires" me, too.

What's inspiring me right now? Nachos. They're cheesy, salty, crunchy, gooey, and don't have sugar, which is good because I'm on a no sugar kick right now. Go watch an artsy film, or paint, or listen to BB King and eat some nachos. Heaven.

Favorite Book

I'm not writing about the film Jane Eyre, but I thought than any picture was better than none. I am going to write about the book. The book was written by Charlotte Bronte, whose sister, Emily, wrote Wuthering Heights. The story Jane Eyre is filled with the sort of fiery independence, dark themes, and complex characters not often seen in other 1800's literature, or even most literature today. Much more than the story of an abused girl who finds love in an unexpected place, it never fails to hit me with the relevance it carries even today.

Jane Eyre is the story of a girl, Jane, who was raised by her cruel aunt and later thrown into the hands of a a boarding school for girls that uses supposed piety to mask cruel abuse. When Jane grows older she gets a job as a governess to a little French girl, and soon finds herself falling in love with the girl's father, Edward Rochester. Edward, likewise, is madly in love with Jane, but more than her poverty is keeping him from pursuing her, for he is haunted (literally) by the ghosts of his past.

This is the only book that I have ever cried over while reading.

Graphic Design: Kissing Klimt

If you've read my blog before, you probably know that I love when contrasting elements collide: old and new, sleek and soft, girly and boyish. Those are the main reasons I love the painting The Kiss by Gustav Klimt. (This is just a detail from the larger work.) Angular and smooth lines, abstract and realism (and a guy and a girl) meet to create a painting that's ethereal and vibrant, not a mess. History fact: the woman in the painting was Klimt's girlfriend.

Fashion Flash: Cameo Sweater

This is a cameo crew sweater from Delia's. I love (almost) anything vintage inspired, and this tee has a way of reminding me of the Victorian period and the Mod 60's all at the same time. Not to mention the sleeves are short. (I generally don't like long sleeves. Unless they're on a baggy hoodie.)

There's just something about the 1950's-maybe it's the fault of I Love Lucy, or James Dean, or the peppy music, but I love the 1950's. This is a picture from a cover shoot that Mandy Moore did for TeenVogue. I love the wild print of the dress paired with the sleek, "grown-up" cut. Why, this dress is so versatile, you could go from being Mrs. Cleaver to biking with the Fonz in 10 seconds flat! Yeah, there's nothin' like the 1950's.

Quote of the Week: Sunday, September 17th

"The best way to know someone is by watching him work or struggle, for then he forgets himself and his qualities either shine through or stay dark."

~Mark Helprin

Film Flash: Expiration Date

I recently saw this independent film at a film festival. It is about a guy named Charles Silvercloud III, whose father and grandfather were both killed by milktrucks on their 25th birthdays. As his birthday draws near, Charlie prepares to die, but a crazy dancer, Bessie, is determined to not let him rest in peace. This film has a fun, quirky sense of humor and awesome photography. The people don't feel like caricatures; I came out feeling like I might run into them on the street (not with a milktruck.) I haven't had that much fun at the movies in a long time.

Film Flash: Finding Neverland

Doesn't everyone want to be a pirate? Okay, maybe it's just me. I love the playfulness of this film. Just try watching it. Yes, the cinematography is stunning. Yes, the costumes are exquisite. Yes, the acting is brilliant. But I defy anyone who watches this film and doesn't want to fly away to Neverland. Or become a pirate.

The Music That's Rockin' My World

Here is a taste of what I'm currently obsessed about in the music world.

Artist: Apocalyptica Song: Nothing Else Matters Why: Apocalyptica does instrumental covers of Metallica songs with cellos instead of electric guitars. Both rock and classical music fans look at me as if I'm crazy when I say this music is wonderful, but once they listen to it they are hooked. The music still has that intensity people love from Metallica, but with a richer, more haunting sound than almost anything you'll find in both genres today.

Artist: Jack Johnson Song: Banana Pancakes Why: Doesn't everyone get tired of every love song talking about the "wanting" stage but not the actual established relationship? Jack Johnson's acoustic music is as comfortable and intoxicating as a lazy Saturday morning. it makes me feel happy just listening to it.

Artist: Jekyll and Hyde Broadway Soundtrack Song: Confrontations
Why: The song is chilling. Jekyll and Hyde, who is really one person in a split personality, battle verbally over the possession of their soul(s.) When you listen to it, keep in mind that both characters are played by the same actor.

Fashion Flash: Lovely Parker

I love Sarah Jessica Parker's sense of style. This is an outfit that she wore recently at the launch of some new products for her Lovely perfume line. (Which is quite lovely, by the way.) This outfit works so well because it plays off some of the big trends for fall (pencil skirts, stilletos, etc.) while still looking unique to the individual person.

Graphic Design: French Art

This is a painting titled Divan Japonaise by Lautrec. What captures me about this work is the fluidity. There aren't many straight lines in the picture. Despite the artist obviously not striving for realism, there is a life to this painting. It truly captured and immortalized a moment in time, something all art, I believe, should do.

Craft Design: Modern Art Plate

This is a plate that is currently on display at the Mint Museum of Art. The title is Themes and Variations. It is a very modern piece, but it is also not too stark and harsh: there is a very beguiling "softness" to it. I love how the left eye is framed by the "cracks." That left eye really draws you in to the work as a whole.

One I Love
By Coldplay
BestAudioCodes.com

Fashion Flash: Grown-Up and Playful

I love these images of Orlando Bloom and Nicole Richie. First of all, I love their outfits: the proper, conservative attire with an artsy twist. The photographer also did a brilliant job with both of these shoots. These "fashion shots" are so much more fun to look at than the normal, "seductive," airbrushed ones.

Quote of the Week: Sunday, September 10

"There is no use trying," said Alice; "one can't believe impossible things." "I dare say you haven't had much practice," said the Queen. When I was your age, I always did it for half an hour every day. Why, sometimes I've believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast."

~Lewis Carrol

Film Flash:Phantom of the Opera

Whether you think the actual film was any good or not, you have to admit that The Phantom of the Opera had incredible costumes. They were so ornate and rich: they perfectly represented the "over-done" mentality that was so prevalent during that time period. The film stars Emmy Rossum and Gerard Butler

Fashion Flash: Sloppy Chic

Dressing up is nice and all, but it takes real talent to be sloppy and stylish. No one does this better than Keira Knightley. She's not afraid to layer bulky pieces, and it always looks good on her. I love her rasta hats.

Fashion Flash: Childhood Influences

This is a photo from Camilla Belle's cover shoot for TeenVogue. When I was little, I loved fairy tales and princesses, but I also loved running through the woods barefoot and climbing trees. This outfit brings me back to both those pastimes: playful in both girlish and boyish ways. Oh, I wish I could go around in bare feet all the time!

"Smartly be reckless."

~Michael Moore

Fashion Flash: Purple Curves

Evangeline Lilly's simple dress is made entirely regal my the rich purple color. The artist in me can't help but notice how stunning the violet gown looks against the red carpet. The dress also really enhances her hips, but in a flattering, "not fat" way.

Fashion Flash: Audrey Hepburn

I have always admired the style of Audrey Hepburn. She was sleek and elfish at a time when opulent and curvy was all the rage. Her photos never really seem old-her "look" is one you could easily do today without appearing old-fashioned.

"Lying in bed would be an altogether perfect and supreme experience if only one had a colored pencil long enough to draw on the ceiling."

~G.K. Chesterton

"The world is but a canvas to the imagination."

~Henry David Thoreau

Graphic Design: Jazz Age

I feel happy just looking at this vintage advertisement from 1919. The colors are so vibrant, and, despite being a drawing, the woman looks more real than most photographed models you see in today's magazines!

Film Flash: Pride and Prejudice

This is a still from the film Pride and Prejudice.The film uses light and shadow beautifully in a way many filmmakers today are forgetting. I love this shot because it's so organic-you can't make sunlight like that with a computer!

Fashion Flash: Cate Blanchett

This update of the classic Japanese kimono looks so stately. I love the details like the sparse floral print, wide striped collar and short butterfly cap sleeves. The overall look is unique without looking like she tried too hard to be different.

Fashion Flash: Decade Crossing

I love how this dress combines the intricate detail of a Victorian gown and the slinkiness of a 1940's movie star gown into a whole new modern style.