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With the upcoming release of Sweeney Todd on April 1st I thought it would be a good time to review some of the more recent musical releases. (You can look for a full review of Sweeney Todd Next Week!)

Hairspray When I saw this movie in the theater last summer I didn’t know what to expect, I loved the original and I was weary about the remake. Amanda Bynes was not one of my most favorite actresses, and I was not a huge fan of High School Musical, and had never found Zack Effron overly attractive, plus I had never been overly impressed with Brittney Snow. But on the other hand some of my favorite performers were also in this movie including Michelle Pfifer, Queen Latifah, Christopher Walken, and then of course John Travolta. But the twist is this time it’s John Travolta in drag and to be honest I was feeling like it was a bit to much Mrs. Doubtfire for me, but put them all together and they made one hell of a cast! The movie was fabulous. The musical numbers were well done, the characters well performed, and I found myself laughing and sitting on the edge of my chair absolutely enjoying myself. There were even a few people in the theater who broke out in song! So I give it up for Hairspray for washing away all of my doubts. I even smiled when Ricki Lake did a special Cameo!

Phantom of The Opera; I was so glad when they finally made a version of this musical following an actual adaptation from the Andrew Lloyd Webber Musical. As entertaining as the horror versions of this film have been, it was finally time to see it in all of its true glory. I thought this movie was fabulous. I first saw the original stage production in Toronto back in 1995 and then again in Minneapolis in 2005, and although nothing compares to seeing the chandelier swoop down from above you and crash onto the stage, it is nice to have this masterpiece available at home for less than $75.00. It’s a good way to enjoy it for the first time or to reminisce over the stage performance.

Chicago; This is a good movie for any women seeking revenge, or just needing to get her anger out for some guy that has done her wrong. I have probably watched this movie close to a hundred times and it remains one of my favorites, the all-star cast including Rene Zellweger, Catherine Zeta Jones, Queen Latifah, and Richard Grere is amazing. The choreography and superb wardrobe really adds to the flair of the show.

Moulin Rouge, This is another one of my favorites, this production by Baez Luhrmann stars Nicole Kidman, and Ewan McGregor. Set in Paris it is a love story of a young writer who falls in love with a Parisian Courtesan at the world famous Moulin Rouge, but their love must be kept secret because the Courtesan has been promised to a wealthy duke who does not like to share. Popular musical scores are taken and twisted to fit this quirky and yet entertaining story. It will have you laughing, crying, and dancing in your chairs, another good romance made for a rainy night and good glass of wine.

If you are into musicals, some other good choices both old and new include: Down With Love, Foot Loose, Flash Dance, Little Shop of Horrors, Grease 1 and 2, Gypsy (both the Bette Midler and Natalie Woods versions are fabulous), Cabaret, West Side Story, Oklahoma, The Music Man, and Guys and Dolls, just to name a few…