R.I.P. Alan Parker (1944-2020)

Alan Parker

On July 31, 2020, filmmaker Alan Parker died at the age of 76 in London, England. Over the course of his career, he was known for his diverse body of work that ranged from everything including musicals like Fame and Evita to dramas like Bugsy Malone and Midnight Express. With a hung to continually push boundaries, his work reflects a filmmaker eager to tell engaging stories that he felt would matter for decades to come. The results speak for themselves, leading to several Oscar nominations for various members of his cast and crew. With a great and lengthy career, he leaves behind cinema that not only matters but will be talked about for decades to come. 

Legitimate Theater Bonus: #12. The Lion King (1997)

The Lion King

Welcome to Legitimate Theater: a column dedicated to movie-based stage musicals. The goal of this series is to explore those stories that originated in films and eventually worked their way onto Broadway and beyond. By the end of each entry, there will hopefully be a better understanding of this odd but rampant trend in modern entertainment. Are these stories really worth telling through song and dance? How can it even compare to the technical prowess of a camera and seamless editing? Join me on this quest as I explore the highs and lows of this trend on the third Wednesday of every month and hopefully answer what makes this Legitimate Theater.

Surprise! Andrew Lloyd Webber, John Legend, and Tim Rice are All EGOT Winners Now

Left to right: Andrew Lloyd Webber, John Legend, and Tim Rice

While the Emmy Awards ceremony that everyone knows and loves will be airing next week, last night was a night that's just as important to people who love TV. The Creative Arts Emmys are meant to honor the best in TV production in categories that aren't as interesting to audiences expecting more commercial categories, such as acting in dramas and comedies. However, it's a shame that the ceremony wasn't more of a big deal, as it marked a rare but exciting occasion for fans of awards history. With the win for Outstanding Variety Special, Andrew Lloyd Webber, John Legend, and Tim Rice all ascended to the status of EGOT winners, marking the most to win not only in a single year, but even a single night. It was quite a night, though the asterisks for accomplishment don't stop there. 

Best Song: "Can You Feel the Love Tonight?" (1994)

Scene from The Lion King

Welcome to Best Song, a new weekly column released on Sunday dedicated to chronicling the Best Original Song category over the course of its many decades. The goal is to listen to and critique every song that has ever been nominated in the category as well as find the Best Best Song and the Best Loser. By the end, we'll have a comprehensive list of this music category and will hopefully have a better understanding not only of the evolution, but what it takes to receive a nomination here. It may seem easy now, but wait until the bad years.