X is for Xanadu

You want a trip in the surreal? Maybe with rock music? Someplace where ELO meets Big Bands...and Gene Kelly. Oh, and there's roller skating too!

Sound like a fever dream? Maybe...

It's Xanadu!

First a poem titled Kubla Khan in 1797 by a poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge (belo w is the first stanza), it's about the Mongolian ruler Kubla Khan, the grandson of Genghis Khan dreaming in his pleasure palace;  a movie in 1980; and later musical in 2007.

In Xanadu did Kubla Khan 
A stately pleasure-dome decree: 
Where Alph, the sacred river, ran 
Through caverns measureless to man 
Down to a sunless sea. 

Xanadu is defined as an idyllic place, a place place of great beauty, luxury, contentment. From dictionary.com and Merriam-Webster online dictionary.

Xanadu is many thing all rolled into one. The primary story centers on the Greek muses, nine sisters and one muse in particular, Kira's (real name is Terpsichore. Clio in the musical.) and her adventures on earth. The funny part is the movie is adaptation of a movie from Down to Earth (1947), which is an adaptation of a play Heaven Can Wait. The movie is filled with rock music from ELO (Electric Light Orchestra), Olivia Newton-John, who plays Kira in the movie, and early animation from Don Bluth. Never mind that it is about a roller disco and features Gene Kelly in his last movie role; and one amazing scene that blends 1940s and 1980s music into the most intense mash-up ever.

It was also one of two movie nominated for the first ever Golden Raspberry Award, but lost out to the Village People movie, Can't Stop the Music.

It also needs to be seen to be believed.

A Musing Inspiration

Where is the inspiration?

The Greeks believed the Muses inspired,

giving mankind a leg up in creativity

in song, poetry, and dance.

The Greeks believed the Muses inspired,

nine sisters to grant humanity gifts

in song, poetry, and dance;

to create something out of nothing.

Nine sisters to grant humanity gifts,

although I prefer my gifts to be my own,

to create something out of nothing,

but maybe I am wrong.

Although I prefer my gifts to be my ow,n,

weaving words across a page or colours across a canvas,

but maybe I am wrong,

that gifts are given to us, for us make our own.

Weaving words across a page or colours across a canvas; 

that is our job, isn't it?

That gifts are given to us, for us make our own,

out of the spiritual ether around us.

That is out jobs, isn't it,

make the art that the world needs

out of the spiritual ether around us?

That might just be the gods bequeathing their gifts.

Make the art that the world needs,

giving mankind a leg up in creativity

that might just be the gods bequeathing their gifts.

What is the inspiration? 

Bridge to Cross...Across the Sea!

Today, I’d like to challenge you to write a poem about bridges. A bridge is a powerful metaphor, and when you start looking for bridges in poems, you find them everywhere. Your poem could be about a real bridge or an imaginary or ideal bridge. It could be one you cross every day, or one that simply seems to stand for something larger – for the idea of connection or distance, for the idea of movement and travel and new horizons.

Okay, I bridge it is. After reading poet post, Jesi, I felt that maybe I need where I wanted to go with this prompt. I have come to know the people dubbed The Poets Three. Their comments and conversations and votes of confidences have push me into new ways of thinking and stretching my poetic license. And even though we live some far across these cyber seas, I feel we are that much closer. They are the ones that make that make me feel less lonely as a poet. These are the folk that I can celebrate my victories and share my woes with in verse and friendship. Thank you, The Poets Three, Jesi, Rod, and Lizzi.

Today's a Pantoum about Bridges and Friendship across the miles.

from Morgue File

Sometime Marooned I be

Sometimes I feel a marooned captain that drifts upon a sea--
not so filled with water is this sea that upon I ride,
but an ocean of amassed of digital ones and zeros
that fills the spaces between the known lands.

Not so filled with water is this sea that upon I ride
while it is true that I do surf upon these strange tides,
that fills the spaces between the known lands
this is a vast and lonely cyber sea.

While it is true that I do surf upon these strange tides
and lonely is my journey often,
this is a vast and lonely cyber sea,
and I can count my blessing three.

And lonely is my journey often,
with nary and single crew to man this stalwart vessel
and I can count my blessings three;
1, 2, 3 others who float along this shiny sea with me.

With nary a single crew to man this stalwart vessel
yet, its the Poets Three who raise the sails, the
1, 2, 3 others who float along this shiny sea with me
staying the mainsail and swabbing the poop deck.

Yet, its the Poets Three who raise the sail, the
guiding voices that bridge the gaps of these lonely seas
staying the mainsail and swabbing the poop deck
when all of the wind and weather has beaten me raw.

Guiding voices that bridge the gaps of these lonely seas--
an ocean of amassed of digital ones and zeros,
when all of the wind and weather has beaten me raw--
sometimes I feel a marooned captain that drifts upon a sea.

Now onto the A to Z Challenge, so a second poem and about something equally random.  X is for Xanadu! It's part of a classic poem, Kubla Khan by Samuel Taylor Coleridge and it is also a ultra cheesy movie musical, Xanadu with Olivia Newton-John, and music by ELO (mostly). Xanadu is basically what paradise would be, so tonight a Cinquain for Xanadu.

I can't remember if I use Xanadu last year, but I am sure I didn't use it to write a poem. The way I think about it, even if I overlap, at least I am keeping it fresh.

Fragmented Fantasy

Magic

it unfolds in dreams

and I am dancing in

the biggest ballroom of pleasure

right here.

In case you are confused by this and have never read the poem or saw the movie, I present the most famous part of Kubla Khan and the title song from the movie:

The first stanza of Kubla Khan: 

In Xanadu did Kubla Khan

A stately pleasure-dome decree:

Where Alph, the sacred river, ran

Through caverns measureless to man

   Down to a sunless sea.

My Top 10 Favourite Musicals

Muses from Xanadu

I was thinking about what to write about tonight. There wasn't going on in my head today, truth be told. Work had been a full day of reports, ringing phones, and printing envelopes (not a favourite task, as the printer at work hates envelopes). Any who, I was left tired, irritated, and with still nothing to write about. David had planned on taking me out to get a desk for my study, just a small work desk for my easel, and after that a nice dinner. Well, while looking for a restaurant that wasn't standing room only (the popular phrase of the night, we ended up at Jelly Beans the Restaurant. I cute little local eatery that serves American cuisine and gives out Jelly Belly jelly beans instead of mints. Yum! Anyway, check it out out if you are in the Twin Tiers (Corning, NY).

So while wondering around Big Flats running a few errands, before settling on food that we didn't need to wait for, the topic of musical popped into my head. Now, yesterday, I watch "Godspell" the movie adaptation, so musicals were already kinda in my head. I started thinking about my favourite musicals. Since 2006 I have been acting in Community Theatre and have been in a number of productions. I wondered what I would put on a "Top 10 FAvourite Musicals" list. During dinner David and I brain stormed musicals. I was surprised how hard it was list my top 10. I have seen (both on stage and in movie format) and been in good number of shows, but I was having trouble narrowing it down to 10.

The criteria for being on my list requires that I had seen the full show, or have been in a productions, but doesn't limit movies, as there a a good many movies that do not have stage adaptations. It has to be a musical, in the aspect of having a certain amount of song. And the most important part, they have to have meaning in my life. I cannot pick 10 musicals without them having a special place in my heart.

Charlotte saying goodbye

Number 10: Charlotte's Web

Now while this is a movie, it is also a musical. I grew up with the movie, and know the whole thing by heart. Everything from Templeton lines to the song "Chin Up". But after directing a stage adaptation and falling in love with the music from the musical. I count both versions, because each are their own version. Both are loved! Favourite Song:  "Chin Up" (movie) and "Whose Says We Can't Be Friends?" (musical)

Number 9: Xanadu

I know. A lot of people are going WHHHHHHHY?!?! There are reasons. I realize that the movie (I have not seen the stage adaptation of this show, so I am basing this on the movie) is cheesy in it's own right and the acting isn't the greatest, but there are a few things that stand out. Firstly, most of the music was written by ELO (Electric Light Orchestra), if you don't know who they are, you should look them up. Second, Gene Kelly is in this version, and he gets to dance a some. And third, Olivia Newton-John sings. The story of the roller disco is rather silly, but the underlying theme that you should follow your dreams is a good one. It's on the list. I love it! Favourite Song: "I'm Alive" and "Xanadu"

Number 8: Willy Wonka

I got the chance to play Mrs. Beauregarde in a production of Willy Wonka the musical. I grew up on the movie and Gene Wilder's Wonka. He was born for that role. The songs that are in the movie are touching and sincere (with exception to "Cheer up Charlie"). "Pure Imagination" is just timeless. When in the stage adaptations, there were new songs, each kid got their own song, tailor made for them. Violet Beauregarde sang "Chew It", I had my first solo with that song, that part. It was scary, but also exciting. It will always hold a special place in my heart. Favourite Song: "Pure Imagination"

Number 7: The Full Monty

I knew nothing of this show prior to auditioning for a production. I just knew that I needed to audition. I ended up in the chorus, but I had so much fun. I got work with some talented people. The songs in Full Monty are all real and heartfelt. Just a great show all around. Favourite Song: It's a tie between "Big Ass Rock" or "Breeze Off the River"

Number 6: The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas

Would it surprise you that I used to watch this a lot with my parents? Taped from TV (so there weren't nudy bits showing). The characters are fun the songs are silly and touching or about touching in silly places. My favourite characters were Melvin Thorpe (Dom De Luise) the TV watchdog out to stop the Chicken Ranch, the Governor (Charles Durning), and Miss Mona (Dolly Parton). Favourite song: "Do a Little Side Step"

Number 5: Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

I always thought this was a Disney movie, but it's not, I guess with the Dick Van Dyke, I got confused. It's just a fantastical story, full of silliness, which Van Dyke excels in. Favourite Song: "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang"

Number 4: Beauty and the Beast

A classic story. A beautiful story. Something that Disney got right on the first go around. I got to see Beauty and the Beast up in Toronto in high school. I freaking melting during the Beast's song "If I Can't Love Her". What can I say, but my favourite song will always be "Beauty and the Beast".

Number 3: Annie

The first musical I auditioned for, back in third grade. Guess what part i tried out for? Go on! Guess! What happens when the tallest girl in third grade auditions for Annie. Nothing! That's what. No, I am not bitter, just wiser. There is something about Annie that drew me in. No sure what, to tell the truth. I wasn't familiar with the comic or the old radio show. i do recall having to see tomorrow for chorus, I think. Anyway, the movie is what I remember most and the characters. Oh man, Rooster, what a scoundrel and Miss Hannigan!! I won't lie, Tomorrow is a favourite song, but my all time favourite song from Annie, "Little Girls" sung by Miss Hannigan. that is a role I would love to play sometime.

Number 2: Rocky Horror (Picture) Show

I remember not understanding this movie at first. So, for a number of years, I just passed it by. Sometime is college I was re-introduced to the movie and subsequently joined the Rocky Fan Club. It was there that we put on shadow casts of the movie, including all the call back and the audience participation. Oh, those were great days. It was also where I met my husband, who was the first guy in the fan club to play Dr. Frank-En-Furter. I got to play Eddie, Dr. Scott (married a Scott too), Magenta, and Betty Monroe (the Hoe). Magenta is my dream role for this show, because she gets to sing the song "Science Fiction, Double Feature". A couple of years ago David and I, along with friends got to see a live production at the Hanger Theatre in Ithaca, NY. It was an AWESOME production. Frank played a violin during his soliloquy. the floor show was matching and well choreographed. It was so good! Favourite Song: "Science Fiction, Double Feature"

Hugh Jackman as Curly

Number 1: Oklahoma!

Oklahoma! I watched this on tape so many times. I am surprised I didn't wear the tape out. I watched to be Laurie, who married Curly the handsome cowboy. Years later, when I got to audition for a production, I switched gears and aimed for Ado Annie, to buxom flirt of Oklahoma! I got neither, but i was part of one of my favourite shows growing up and that I performed in. i got to play a western saloon girl in the Dream Sequence. The Burlesque Girls were a favourite part of the show. Favourite Song: There's a tie! "I Cain't Say No" (When sung well, this song is full of AWESOME. Katie Robinson (local gal) knocked Ado Annie out of the park in the KLP stage production. This is not the case with the movie version. Check out the Hugh Jackman version, which is also great.) and "Oklahoma!" of course.