One Short Frame: The Visual World of Wicked
From tulip fields to lens flares, does Wicked cast every spell right?
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Exploring the stunning visuals of Wicked, frame by frame
“Kind of a Filmmaker” dives into the visual artistry of Wicked, analyzing its use of practical effects, lighting, and color to craft a cinematic experience. From nine million tulips to carefully chosen lens flares, the video explores whether the movie’s visuals are as magical as its story. Watch to decide for yourself if Wicked is truly free of an ugly frame.
What made these musicals “Perfect”?
Slashfilm’s video breaks down six movie musicals that critics agree are flawless, highlighting their music, storytelling, and cultural significance. From Top Hat’s timeless romance to Holiday Inn’s iconic songs, discover what makes these films stand the test of time!
How 12 seconds of brilliance changed Disney forever
David Benkof of The Broadway Maven (which publishes StageStreams) takes a closer look at the opening lines of The Little Mermaid and their role in Disney’s creative rebirth. Through lyrical analysis, he highlights Howard Ashman’s masterful use of rhyme, alliteration, and thematic nuance that paved the way for a decade of animated magic.
From indie albums to Off-Broadway dreams
Eleri Ward, known for her folk covers of Stephen Sondheim classics, shares her journey from recording songs in her closet to performing on Off-Broadway stages. In this heartfelt video, she reflects on her career and performs a moving rendition of “Bring Him Home” from Les Miserables, showcasing her vocal talent and the passion that brought her to where she is today.
Channel Spotlight: Anne Vanderelst
Anne Vanderelst delivers detailed and comedic video essays that blend sharp analysis with witty humor. From dissecting the Wicked movie versus stage musical to exploring Legally Blonde’s brilliant adaptation, Anne’s channel is a treasure trove for theater fans who enjoy insightful critiques and a good laugh. Perfect for those who love their theater talk unfiltered and fun!
Can you suggest a channel for a future Spotlight (yours or someone else’s)? If so, hit reply to this newsletter with a link and explanation of why it should be chosen.
NOTE: StageStreams will be selecting four all-new videos per month to highlight (in addition to the channel spotlight). If you'd like to ensure your video is included as well, or otherwise want to reach our 10,500 readers (with a 42 percent E-mail open rate) please reach out to publisher DavidBenkof@gmail.com for promotional and sponsorship opportunities.
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StageStreams is edited by Dan Berlfein, a 25-year-old Broadway fan, composer, and music student studying composition and music production at Rimon School of Music in Israel. Dan was a Fall 2024 Maven Scholar for The Broadway Maven, which publishes StageStreams.
What’s the buzz? Join The Broadway Maven for a FREE deep dive into Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s blockbuster rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar Monday, February 3 at Noon and 7 pm ET.
Also, consider joining The Broadway Maven. Membership is $18 a month and it includes 5-15 classes and other expert-led Broadway experiences, plus access to the Clips Archive, and occasional drawings for Broadway and off-Broadway shows, including some opening nights. Upcoming Members-only experiences include a Watch Party of A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder with its co-lyricist and book writer, Tony winner Robert L. Freedman; a four-part Sondheim Under the Hood series with Gail Leondar-Wright; “Hamilton from the Top” with Juilliard Prof. Edward Barnes; and a Trivia Party.
The Broadway Maven YouTube channel has more than 450 videos, including more than 70 on Stephen Sondheim alone. The most recent additions include:
a video about the funky time signatures in CATS,
a quiz on the B-sections of Broadway hits,
an analysis of West Side Story’s two “I Want” numbers,
a comparison of seven performances of “Sit Down You’re Rocking the Boat” from Guys and Dolls,
a masterclass on counterpoint in musical theatre by Juilliard Professor Edward Barnes,
and this collection of Hollywood parodies of West Side Story:
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