Saturday, September 7, 2019
9.7.19: Never Ready
Here we are. Nine months in. Alive. Thankful. Discontent. A bit frantic. I can't tell which side of myself is winning in this inner struggle. Something changed after his passing. Then that something changed after my birthday.
I don't know why the hell I waited so long. I seem to have all of the answers, but continue to revisit the same questions. I became comfortable with the closest thing to "normal" I've ever been, might ever be, period. Why not just stay that way? Because it could all be over tomorrow. I don't think I've done nearly enough with what I was born with. Can't be that I have. I know I haven't. But that first step, man...that first step. Always the hardest for me.
But no excuses this time. I'm doing it. Ready or not. Never ready.
Tuesday, April 23, 2019
Cintron Broadway Review: Beetlejuice
Let me premise this by saying that, despite my day job, I'm not a Broadwayaholic. I've seen a good amount of shows over the years, but this is the only one that's compelled me to write about thus far.
For those who aren't familiar with Tim Burton's 80's classic; the story's title character is a mischievous demon (Alex Brightman) attempting to make his way from hell to the real world by manipulating a newly dead couple, the Maitlands (Kerry Butler & Rob McClure). They themselves are attempting to rid their home of a (living) family who just moved in. In the Broadway adaptation, new tenants the Deetz are fragmented at best; consisting of a man (Adam Dannheisser), his lover (Leslie Kritzer), and his gothic, rebellious teenage daughter Lydia (Sophia Anne Caruso), who herself is still in mourning over the loss of her birth mother. In her ability to be "strange & unusual", she can see & interact with both Beetlejuice and the newly dead couple, serving as a bridge of sorts between everyone as they go through the dark, hilarious, and oftentimes emotional motions under one dysfunctional roof.
The first thing I must do is what the show does right from the opening number: warn you that A. this show isn't for children (the original film is a hard PG; if it were rated today it'd definitely be PG-13. I counted 3 F-bombs in the show, though it is still in previews, so this may change), and B. is a show about death. This means if the topic of dying is offensive to you, don't see the show. That said, every other topic after that; from politics, sexual preference, kombucha, other shows, to breaking the 4th wall by taking playful shots at members of the audience, is fair game for BJ. Once you've accepted this fact, buckle up, cause it's gonna be a delightfully twisted, morbidly humorous and surprisingly heartfelt ride to the Netherworld and back.
Set design is teeming with as much energy and charm as the ensemble who play in it; with frequent changes, and an attention to detail the likes of which I'm sure Mr. Burton would be proud of. Visual effects will leave you all at once dazzled, creeped out, and scratching your head wondering "how the hell did they do that?"
The soundtrack, much like the rest of the production, is both familiar, yet fresh, paying homage to the trademark Danny Elfman sound of the film. There are some great songs written for the show, most notably standout numbers from Ms. Caruso's Lydia that are truly memorable. (By the way, semi-spoiler: yes. The scenes and songs you know & love from the film are very much alive & well, and they are simply awesome.)
I can't say enough good things about the ensemble overall. Versatile, captivating, present. Ms. Kritzer in particular, is my nominee for hidden gem of the show, taking on two completely different, yet equally entertaining roles.
I had zero expectations for this show going in. By the time the final act came to a close, I was on my feet, applauding and "WOO"ing the effort from every person/creature on the stage. Beetlejuice is a total surprise, in a really, really good way. This is not a mere copy & paste of the film to the stage. Rather, it is it's own monster; something that people who've never seen the original will love, and one that we, the Black & White faithful, will adore.
Beetlejuice is currently in previews at the Winter Garden Theatre, and opens April 25th. For tickets, visit the box office or go to telecharge.com.
For those who aren't familiar with Tim Burton's 80's classic; the story's title character is a mischievous demon (Alex Brightman) attempting to make his way from hell to the real world by manipulating a newly dead couple, the Maitlands (Kerry Butler & Rob McClure). They themselves are attempting to rid their home of a (living) family who just moved in. In the Broadway adaptation, new tenants the Deetz are fragmented at best; consisting of a man (Adam Dannheisser), his lover (Leslie Kritzer), and his gothic, rebellious teenage daughter Lydia (Sophia Anne Caruso), who herself is still in mourning over the loss of her birth mother. In her ability to be "strange & unusual", she can see & interact with both Beetlejuice and the newly dead couple, serving as a bridge of sorts between everyone as they go through the dark, hilarious, and oftentimes emotional motions under one dysfunctional roof.
The first thing I must do is what the show does right from the opening number: warn you that A. this show isn't for children (the original film is a hard PG; if it were rated today it'd definitely be PG-13. I counted 3 F-bombs in the show, though it is still in previews, so this may change), and B. is a show about death. This means if the topic of dying is offensive to you, don't see the show. That said, every other topic after that; from politics, sexual preference, kombucha, other shows, to breaking the 4th wall by taking playful shots at members of the audience, is fair game for BJ. Once you've accepted this fact, buckle up, cause it's gonna be a delightfully twisted, morbidly humorous and surprisingly heartfelt ride to the Netherworld and back.
Set design is teeming with as much energy and charm as the ensemble who play in it; with frequent changes, and an attention to detail the likes of which I'm sure Mr. Burton would be proud of. Visual effects will leave you all at once dazzled, creeped out, and scratching your head wondering "how the hell did they do that?"
The soundtrack, much like the rest of the production, is both familiar, yet fresh, paying homage to the trademark Danny Elfman sound of the film. There are some great songs written for the show, most notably standout numbers from Ms. Caruso's Lydia that are truly memorable. (By the way, semi-spoiler: yes. The scenes and songs you know & love from the film are very much alive & well, and they are simply awesome.)
I can't say enough good things about the ensemble overall. Versatile, captivating, present. Ms. Kritzer in particular, is my nominee for hidden gem of the show, taking on two completely different, yet equally entertaining roles.
I had zero expectations for this show going in. By the time the final act came to a close, I was on my feet, applauding and "WOO"ing the effort from every person/creature on the stage. Beetlejuice is a total surprise, in a really, really good way. This is not a mere copy & paste of the film to the stage. Rather, it is it's own monster; something that people who've never seen the original will love, and one that we, the Black & White faithful, will adore.
Beetlejuice is currently in previews at the Winter Garden Theatre, and opens April 25th. For tickets, visit the box office or go to telecharge.com.
Monday, March 11, 2019
Monday, September 17, 2018
Invincible
I've been an Em fan for years. Don't think I'm full Stan; but I'm a fan. Love him or hate him, there's nobody like him. There will never be another like him. He's among the greats. He's arguably the GOAT. I'm not here to dispute nor confirm that. "Kamikaze" kills. Aside from his God given ability with a pen & a mic, I relate to his story on several levels. I'd love to meet him. In a parallel universe; one where I'm doing all my shit and getting shit done, I'd love to work with him.
That said, I'm pretty vested in the beef between him & MGK. It's something that, dare I say, is refreshing in hip-hop culture right now, especially given it's climate (or lack thereof imho).
I know little about Kelly. Rather; I know much less about Kelly than I would think I know about Em. I know he's been around for some time, I've known he was a Father since before the hook in 'Devil'; when he Co hosted an episode of Catfish & mentioned it, I know he's been on Wild'n Out, and I know he's a wrestling fan. That's when I first heard of him. "Invincible". A number of WrestleManias back (WM28), this was the big song for the event. I actually attended in Miami with my family.
It was also a big song for me personally. It came at a pivotal time in my life; where I wasn't too sure what was going to happen next. I just lost my job, I was going through a breakup, and I had practically nothing to my name (see *here* for more on how that turned out). This song was the track that kept me going at the time. It motivated me to not stop. I didn't know what direction I was running in, but I knew I was going to keep running, and keep having faith in God's plan for me. The power of music is entirely undeniable. It's why I love & hate it so. And the one at the time who was providing the soundtrack to my struggle, was MGK. Nobody can be Marshall but Marshall. But Colson Baker's talent as a musician as a whole? Cannot & should not be denied, and it shows in songs like "Invincible".
But back to the beef. Or maybe; not back to the beef, but to the two men who are involved in said beef. Maybe it's all a setup. Maybe it's not. Maybe these two have more in common personally than they do professionally. And maybe from there, something wonderful can happen. Maybe they can get together and actually "talk about it".
That said, I'm pretty vested in the beef between him & MGK. It's something that, dare I say, is refreshing in hip-hop culture right now, especially given it's climate (or lack thereof imho).
I know little about Kelly. Rather; I know much less about Kelly than I would think I know about Em. I know he's been around for some time, I've known he was a Father since before the hook in 'Devil'; when he Co hosted an episode of Catfish & mentioned it, I know he's been on Wild'n Out, and I know he's a wrestling fan. That's when I first heard of him. "Invincible". A number of WrestleManias back (WM28), this was the big song for the event. I actually attended in Miami with my family.
It was also a big song for me personally. It came at a pivotal time in my life; where I wasn't too sure what was going to happen next. I just lost my job, I was going through a breakup, and I had practically nothing to my name (see *here* for more on how that turned out). This song was the track that kept me going at the time. It motivated me to not stop. I didn't know what direction I was running in, but I knew I was going to keep running, and keep having faith in God's plan for me. The power of music is entirely undeniable. It's why I love & hate it so. And the one at the time who was providing the soundtrack to my struggle, was MGK. Nobody can be Marshall but Marshall. But Colson Baker's talent as a musician as a whole? Cannot & should not be denied, and it shows in songs like "Invincible".
But back to the beef. Or maybe; not back to the beef, but to the two men who are involved in said beef. Maybe it's all a setup. Maybe it's not. Maybe these two have more in common personally than they do professionally. And maybe from there, something wonderful can happen. Maybe they can get together and actually "talk about it".
Saturday, July 28, 2018
Death To The Bully
Death to the archaic mindset of the bully. Specifically, the boss bully.
The entitled bully.
The moody bully.
The one who others have decided to fear when they're having a bad day.
Tiptoe around them.
Don't be happy.
Be as miserable as they are.
Because you're not allowed to be happy if their not.
Misery loves the company of your misery.
Death to this.
A swift, nigh painless death.
We've agonized enough with you.
The entitled bully.
The moody bully.
The one who others have decided to fear when they're having a bad day.
Tiptoe around them.
Don't be happy.
Be as miserable as they are.
Because you're not allowed to be happy if their not.
Misery loves the company of your misery.
Death to this.
A swift, nigh painless death.
We've agonized enough with you.
Wednesday, January 10, 2018
Internal Conversation
What are the doers doing that I'm not?
(They're "doing".)
I'm "doing"!
(You're not "doing" enough.)
I mean considering...
(Right.)
I made that new song!
(Have you released it?)
No...
(And why not?)
Because. It's not enough.
(Why's it not enough?)
It's been years. I don't want to just put a single song out there with nothing else to follow it up. I don't want to stay in seclusion for another extended period of time.
(You're already in seclusion. You've been in seclusion.)
Kinda. But not entirely.
(Musically, you have.)
...
(...)
What!
(Put it out. Just do it.)
Thanks, Shia.
(You're welcome.)
(They're "doing".)
I'm "doing"!
(You're not "doing" enough.)
I mean considering...
(Right.)
I made that new song!
(Have you released it?)
No...
(And why not?)
Because. It's not enough.
(Why's it not enough?)
It's been years. I don't want to just put a single song out there with nothing else to follow it up. I don't want to stay in seclusion for another extended period of time.
(You're already in seclusion. You've been in seclusion.)
Kinda. But not entirely.
(Musically, you have.)
...
(...)
What!
(Put it out. Just do it.)
Thanks, Shia.
(You're welcome.)
Monday, October 30, 2017
One Song
It's been on the shelf in my head for years, more than I had initially even thought. It was just after I was done with the band. A riff that never left me. A story about watching someone slowly lose who they are. Dark stuff. Can't help it. It's always been my strong suit. But it's catchy. It's dramatic. It's sad. But it's got energy. It's got a rhythm. It's me at my best so far. It's my most fleshed out work. Which is why it's always been the one I was going to work on next.
It cost me a lot. It's going to cost more. I want something to accompany it. Visuals to the story. Same as what I pictured before. It was always the plan. It marks both something important, and something important for me. The end of the hiatus. The start of the momentum shift. The thing everyone thought I gave up on. One of the only things that truly grabs hold of my attention. An obsession that matters. The gift I've been given. The something I want to share. The things I have to say. The need to do more. My piece. My personal deadline is November. Now, I pray.
It cost me a lot. It's going to cost more. I want something to accompany it. Visuals to the story. Same as what I pictured before. It was always the plan. It marks both something important, and something important for me. The end of the hiatus. The start of the momentum shift. The thing everyone thought I gave up on. One of the only things that truly grabs hold of my attention. An obsession that matters. The gift I've been given. The something I want to share. The things I have to say. The need to do more. My piece. My personal deadline is November. Now, I pray.
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