Kelly's Blog

 The Sound of Music is a musical film from 1965 starring Julie Andrews (Wikipedia). The film follows Andrews as she transitions from living as a Nun in an Abbey to being the Governess of a retired Austrian Naval officer's children. The children are raised in a very strict household as if they themselves are in the navy. Maria (Andrews) brings music into the home which eventually softens the soul of the retired Naval officer George Von Trapp. The film is based on the true memoirs of Maria Von Trapp and was originally a German film, then an American Broadway musical, and eventually became an American film. The film's music was composed by Richard Rodgers with lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II (Wikipedia). Rodgers and Hammerstein were a successful duo who composed the music for films such as Oklahoma!,   The King and I,  and  The Sound of Music (rodgersandhammerstein.com). The song from the film that to me is one of the most fun to listen to and watch is The Lonely Goatherd. The song

  The Greatest Showman is a musical film released in 2018 and is directed by Michael Gracey. The film stars Hugh Jackman portrayed as P.T. Barnum of Barnum and Bailey's Circus. Co-stars Zac Efron and Keala Settle also play large roles in the film. The music was written by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul who are well known for writing the music for La La Land and Dear Evan Hansen (Pasekandpaul.com). The music in this film tells a story of Barnum's rise to fame, his inability to see what is truly important, the need for humanity and acceptance, and Barnum's return to joy. The lyrics' storytelling alone make for great pieces but the musical styling as well as performances by Jackman, Efron, and Settle make the music all the better. There are numerous songs that carry a deep message for the audience that really pulls you into the story.  The song From Now On  written by Pasek and Paul for the film is performed primarily by Hugh Jackman and tells of his eyes being blinded by th

 Celine Dion was born on March 30, 1968, in Charlemagne, Quebec. She was raised in a musical family with 14 siblings including herself. Her whole family had a talent for music but she stood out as having a special gift according to her mother (CelineDion.com). She has had a career that has spanned decades which does not happen for many performers. She performs music with skill and compassion but does not compose the music. This, in my opinion, makes her that much more impressive because she performs every song as if it has a deep meaning to her personally.  I have been a fan of Celine since I was very young. I remember my mom playing her music in the car in the early 90s when we would run errands but especially on long road trips. I know there is a nostalgic factor coming into play but I still think her voice and performances are some of the best I have ever experienced. I am considered to be a masculine, heterosexual man but am not ashamed to say I will sing along with every song of h