show tunes

If to be human is to feel like an outsider, then perhaps we look for ways to identify the elements in our lives that defines our difference from others, the things that keep us isolated from the culture around us.

I grew up Baptist in Texas. We didn't dance. And for whatever reasons, I never connected with the music of the day -- hard, metallic rock and roll. I have a cold heart towards much of what is known as popular music.

But I love music -- have to have it in my life, including classical and sacred, and jazz. And while I am not a foamer about it (well, maybe a little), I have to admit that I get a great deal of pleasure from musical theater.

Is this theological? Nathan Lane's character Father Dan, in Paul Rudnick's 1995 move Jeffrey, remarks that he worships at the altar of the Broadway musical (perhaps he should have been a Methodist minister at this church in West Hollywood).

This weekend, we saw the Broadway divas pop concert (linked below) produced by the symphony. Because I spend a lot of weekends at these events related to work, I don't always look forward to going on my free time. No slam at the symphony or its programs -- it's just that it can feel like a busman's holiday.

The weather was fine and the music was well done. Christine Pedi, who is also a program host for Sirius Radio's Broadway radio channel, was funny. We've seen her a few times at Forbidden Broadway in NYC and listen to her radio program from time to time. The other ladies were power hitters, lively, elegant. The orchestra played the overture to Gypsy -- and as much as I've heard it, I still got a bit of a thrill.