End of the Year Blatherings
Wow! Can you believe that we're only days away from a brand new year? Thank Heaven for 2007! Don't know about you but the impending New Year's caused me to reflect and ponder and plan for better and bigger things than the year before. So I've been reviewing my life, career, relationship and spiritual goals. And trying to make sense of my place in this crazy wide world. For one thing, I want to live a cleaner life. No, I'm not a dirty person but the environment has been on my mind and I want to do my small part to help heal the planet when and where I can. Much more recycling, purchase of organic veggies, less use of plastic and planting a tree or two. Don't know how that last one will go down with the NY Parks Department but how mad could they actually get?I also want to increase my circle of innovative and inspiring cohorts. 2007 is the time for moving and shaking and I need some powerful allies on my side. I've been reading alot about The Law of Attraction and I believe this is one of the keys to changing my life and the world around me. Life really does work from the inside out. That should be encouragement for all of us. Change is right at our very fingertips.
If you haven't seen the movie "Dreamgirls" GET THEE TO THE THEATRE! I know caps imply yelling, but in this case I have to shout. This movie is off the hook! I've only performed in the show once but I have to say that after watching this movie I felt like I'd been swept up in a magical hurricane of passion and music and peacock feather eyelashes with curly disco hair. Jennifer Hudson gets an A+ from me. She truly embodied the role of Effie with every slant of her eye, to the roll of her neck and especially in that powerhouse voice. Eddie Murphy let loose as James "Thunder" Early and Beyonce sang her heart out in "Listen", Deena's song of redemption. Shout out to Anika Noni Rose for bringing full life to the role of Lorrell and Jamie Foxx for his portrayal of a hungry and greedy Curtis. Absolute magic! Let's just say I think I have to purchase this DVD.
I have to lend my condolences to the family and friends of the late James Brown. My parents raved about this versatile, screaming, powerhouse dancer, singer and band leader with a fire that few possess! Thank you, thank you, thank you James Brown for entertaining us, leading us and inspiring us. "Say It Loud (I'm Black and I'm Proud)" is the song I associate with James and he brought the funk like no one else could. They had his viewing at the Apollo Theatre in NY today. I couldn't attend but my heart is with him and his people. I've seen some of the video from his early performances and there would be NO Michael Jackson, Prince or even Usher without the influence of this man. Hope you're dancing with the angels James. Their gain and our loss!
I want to wish everyone a Healthy and Happy 2007! This is a time to celebrate new beginnings and the birth of the impossible! Make every day, every moment count and never give up on your dreams!
I want to wish everyone a Healthy and Happy 2007! This is a time to celebrate new beginnings and the birth of the impossible! Make every day, every moment count and never give up on your dreams!
Peace,
Daphne
2 Comments:
I appreciate your talent Daphne. I was looking for Keith John's version of I Can Only Be Me on iTunes when I came across your version of the song. I have to say that I became a fan of your work the last day of 2006. May you be successful in your future endevors.
Best regards,
tim moore
If I may add a little something about the phenomenon that that is known as "Dreamgirls": It is a masterpiece of cinematic beauty! Bill Condon has turned a great show into a fabulous film for all to enjoy! He stayed true to the original Broadway show in many ways. Golden Globe Winner-Eddie Murphy, Golden Globe Winner-Jennifer Hudson, Grammy winner-Beyoncé Knowles, Oscar winner-Jamie Foxx, Tony Winner-Anika Noni Rose and Keith Robinson have all embodied these characters just as Michael Bennett had created them in the original stage show. I can't say enough good things about this film except if you haven't seen it, as Daphne says "GET THEE TO A THEATER!" Once you see it, you will understand why it is getting RAVE reviews. I know that on Oscar night I will be rooting for Eddie and Jennifer for their remarkable performances. And I'm not just rooting for Eddie because we grew up in the same hometown of Roosevelt, Long Island but because he truly has proved to be an actor as opposed to a "movie star" in his turn as James "Thunder" Early! You go Brotha!!!! As I filmmaker, I will be rooting for the wonderful Art Direction and the spectacular Sound Mixing! It was just pure MAGIC on screen. I can't wait until it comes out on DVD so that I can add it to my collection and be able to sing-a-long in the privacy of my home, instead of holding my tongue in the theater as I had to do when I first saw this film. I also wanted to say that one of the cameos in the film was a wonderful treat for any fan of the original show, like I am. Loretta Devine makes an appearance in the film and I was blown away. Not to take anything away from Anika Noni Rose, because she was FANTASTIC a "Lorrell" in the film, but when I first saw Ms. Devine as the orignal "Lorrell" on Broadway back in 1983, I thought to myself "This woman is going to be a big star!" Much the same way I feel about Jennifer Hudson now. The only thing that was a dissapointment to me was Bill Condon's decision to cut Lorrell's song "Ain't No Party" from the film version. I guess with the three new songs, it would have made the film way too long, but still I hope that they might have a deleted scene of this on the DVD when they release it later this year. Anyway, I could go on and on about this film but I won't. GO SEE IT!!!
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