EXTRA CRITICUM

YouTube Promos 4 Live Theahtuh!

Here's a re-post from 2008. I was reminded of this problem/issue/question recently when I stumbled upon the super slick promo video for the Flea's upcoming show. Here it is so you can take a look.

I don't know about you, but as lovely and adrenaline-pumped as this is, there's absolutely nothing here that would make me decide to open my wallet and purchase tickets. How about you?

What follows is my original post on the subject. And links to two promo videos that I think were super cool and effective.

Hamilton and the "Bach Weep"

There's a certain kind of emotion that washes over me when I encounter works of monumental genius. It's like my whole being is flooded with awe and wonder and gratitude so much so that I start to cry.

Much of the music of Bach has this effect on me. Some pieces of Charles Ives have touched me on this level as well.

And, Lin-Manuel Miranda's HAMILTON moves me in exactly the same way. The lyrics are so brilliant. The music is so stirring. The voices are so rich and full and the acting is so uniformly honest. The experience of this show is almost overwhelming. It's almost too much to believe. It kind of sweeps me off my feet every time.