Book review - Me by Elton John

 Me by Elton John is an awesome memoir.  As you read it, you feel as if you are just sitting around and chatting with Elton. So personable. So chatty. So relatable.  He dishes the dirt, and does not hold back on any subject.  He acknowledges flaws, issues, ridiculous excesses, and is not overly apologetic. He is what he is, he did what he did, and it's all there in black and white. 

And you'll love him and this book.  Fortunately the man lived to tell his tale and even he can say how crazy he was and now how blessed he is now with a husband, kids, his charities, his friends, and his music. 

Rough childhood, nerdy insecurities, ridiculous talent,  and solid friendships. Despite a respite due to his drug problems, he and Bernie Taupin are soul mates and talents extreme and fortunately past the addiction issues. 

Me takes you on an intimate journey with a living legend.  He is still standing, and we are still applauding Sir Elton John. 

Circle of Life, Crocodile Rock, Candle in the Wind, Philadelphia Freedom, Bennie and the Jets, Daniel, Your Song...................and more and more and more.  Don't Go Breaking My Heart, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, name your favorites...........

Movie Review - Rocketman

So many good songs fill Rocketman – a fantasy musical based on the life of Elton John. From chubby Reginald Dwight to consummate entertainer Elton John, the lyrics by Bernie Taupin and the score by Elton tell the tale of a musical prodigy nerdy boy from England to the over-the-top man who made himself Elton John. Taron Egerton does his own singing, and while he doesn’t mimic Elton, he brings the soul of Elton to the screen. From shy insecure boy who yearned for love and attention from heartless parents to an insecure man unsure of his sexuality, his music skills, and dependent on outrageous costumes and behavior for attention, Elton John is a unique creation in music history.

Jamie Bell plays Bernie Taupin and he’s the rock who was and is always there. Richard Madden plays the attractive love/lawyer/manager who uses Elton. Gemma Jones is the loving grandmother for Reggie. Bryce Dallas Howard does a good job as the selfish mother. But it’s Taron at center stage and he’s excellent. Your Song, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, Rocketman, Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me, Honky Cat, Crocodile Rock, and more – your toes will tap or you’ll want to sing along. And of course, after all the alcohol and drugs and excess, I’m Still Standing – that sings/says it all.

Rocketman is great on the big screen, and you’ll come out singing Elton songs – appreciative of the craft of the Taupin/John collaboration. Like a Candle in the Wind….

Musical Review: Billy Elliott

I'm late to seeing Billy Elliott: The Musical, but better late than never. I enjoyed the movie version immensely and wondered how it would translate to theater. It worked better than I expected and, of course, the dancing was phenomenal.

British Mineworkers went on strike in 1984 and it lasted one year. Margaret Thatcher held firm and broke the unions. Happy story, huh?

We meet Billy's family on the eve of the strike. His mother is dead. His father and older brother are coal miners - dedicated to the job and the union. Poor Billy is an eleven year-old kid, floundering in life, missing his mom, helping his doddering grandmother, and yearning to break free from his life. He just doesn't know how.

He attends boxing lessons, but doesn't want to hit or be hit. Fortunately, after boxing lessons the space is occupied by ballet lessons. He joins in by happenstance, likes it, worries over his young manhood, but can't shake the joy that ballet gives him - the freedom to express himself. The teacher (Faith Prince, an old Broadway veteran) sees a spark in Billy. He has a chance to escape this bleak town and future and perhaps audition for the National Ballet Company.

Naturally there's a lot of angst, issues, and ultimate (strikers, family, teacher) confrontation. Fortunately, the dances flow, the singing is decent, and Elton John's music with Lee Hall's book and lyrics, is pleasant. Billy Elliott's message of finding yourself, expressing yourself, and looking to the future is an inspiring one.