Saturday, December 29, 2007

A Cinderella Story for the New Year

I bought last minute tickets to see My Fair Lady - nothing like a makeover, Cinderella story to usher in a new year. That aspect didn't hit me until the story started. I'd been wanting to go ever since I heard it was being staged at the Kennedy Center. I just love the songs. I did when I was a teenager, and I still will play the soundtrack when I'm cleaning my house (other favorite musicals to clean and sign along to include Pippin and Camelot). My health is too unreliable for such an expenditure, but I called last minute and got tickets to today's matinée. The tickets were awful (very front row) and Eliza Dolittle was played by the understudy - but I enjoyed every minute of the three hours. And I realized the theme of overhaul was perfectly timed.

In the first act, because of recent experiences with the men in my life - I really relished this:

Colonel Hugh Pickering: Are you a man of good character where women are concerned?
Professor Henry Higgins: Have you ever met a man of good character where women are concerned?

And then in the second act, the song Show Me really resonated. Did I find comfort in knowing that my frustration with the empty words uttered by men is not new? Not really - but check out the lyrics. I mean, I'm a writer - I put value in words. They signify. A lot. So though I'm middle aged, I can still be shocked like a teenager when again and again, I believe in the words only to find them empty. I wanted to stomp my foot just as hard as Eliza. I've wanted to slug those 'blighters,' who talk, talk, talk and never show and never do. (Shall I name names? no...there are two - I've got my Freddy and Prof. Higgins too - and they know who they are). And then check out the clip from the movie.

Words! Words! Words! I'm so sick of words! I get words all day through; First from him, now from you! Is that all you blighters can do?

Don't talk of stars burning above; If you're in love, Show me! Tell me no dreams filled with desire. If you're on fire, Show me!

Here we are together in the middle of the night! Don't talk of spring! Just hold me tight! Anyone who's ever been in love'll tell you that This is no time for a chat!

Haven't your lips longed for my touch? Don't say how much, Show me! Show me!
Don't talk of love lasting through time. Make me no undying vow. Show me now!

Sing me no song! Read me no rhyme! Don't waste my time, Show me!
Don't talk of June, Don't talk of fall! Don't talk at all! Show me!

Never do I ever want to hear another word. There isn't one I haven't heard.
Here we are together in what ought to be a dream; Say one more word and I'll scream!

Haven't your arms hungered for mine? Please don't "expl'ine," Show me! Show me!
Don't wait until wrinkles and lines Pop out all over my brow, Show me now!



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