The Phantom of the Opera at the Royal Albert Hall on Blu-ray, in Celebration of its 25th Anniversary

Review and Giveaway

25 years ago in the fall of 1986 I entered my last year of high school, being from Ontario that was the now defunct Grade 13. That same fall Rick Hansen traveled through Ontario on the Canadian stretch of his Man in Motion World Tour (he arrived back in Vancouver in May 1987 after 2 years wheeling around the world). And The Phantom of the Opera, composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber, opened in London. Clearly 1986 was a good year.

Phantom debuted at the newly renovated Pantages theatre in Toronto in1989, where it ran for a record setting 10 years. I moved to Toronto in early 1992, and although I am a big lover of musical theatre, I never had an opportunity to see the show before it ended (likely because I was just starting out in my career and really couldn't afford it). It was unfortunate that I moved to Vancouver just as Paul Stanley, from KISS, took the stage as The Phantom for some of the final performances of the show.

So the first time I saw the complete show, the Hollywood movie doesn’t count in my mind, was when the travelling show came to Vancouver in 2006. I already knew most of the music by heart and was thrilled to see it acted out on stage. But unless I plan a trip to New York (it is the longest running show on Broadway) or Las Vegas, it isn't likely that I will get to see another stage performance soon.

But if I was so lucky to see it on stage... what would I wear? Somehow a gorgeous black and white dress seems appropriate.  Hmmm long or short?  And how do I add a touch or red? A rose? Red shoes? 

For the 25th Anniversary of the opening in London they staged an extravagant performance at the Royal Albert Hall in London - and filmed it for Blu-Ray. It is a huge production with a cast and orchestra of 200. So when I was asked if I would be willing to review The Phantom of the Opera at Royal Albert Hall, I jumped at the chance. We have a great home theater set-up and my husband is a HUGE fan. So much so that I had to ask him to stop singing along so I could hear the actual talent singing.

The DVD is like having better than front row tickets where you watch all the action close up and see every little emotion on the actors faces.  All this without the inevitable annoying old guy snoring behind you, line ups for drinks or uncomfortable theatre seats.  Now I do sort of miss the getting dressed up for a night out at the theatre. But since I don't see an opportunity to see this show live anytime soon, watching in this quality in my own home is a fantastic option.  Maybe I'll host a Fans of Phantom night and have some friends over to watch.

I'm a sucker for romance, and this is one of my favourite songs.

You also don't have to worry about leaving early to beat the traffic out of the parking garage, so you won't miss the spectacular final curtain call of Phantoms past.

I have to admit I was a bit disappointed in the bonus materials. There is a teaser of the Love Never Dies DVD and a behind the scenes piece. The behind the scenes is a fantastic look behind the cast, make-up and costumes for the 25th Anniversary performance. It was interesting to know they borrowed costumes from productions around the world to fit the cast which had grown by 3.5 times its normal size. But I would have liked some clips from the original show and interviews with original cast members, like Sarah Brightman who came back for the final curtain call.  More history!! More stories!!

The Blu-ray and DVD come out February 7th, perfect timing for a Valentine’s Day gift. Or perhaps a girls night-in celebration.

5 Epics Songs and The Giveaway

On the topic of musicals songs, which is your favourite EPIC musical song?  Five of the most popular are:

1. "Seasons of Love" from RENT
2. "Don't Cry for Me Argentina" from EVITA
3. "If I were a Rich Man" from FIDDLER ON THE ROOF
4. "Defying Gravity" from WICKED
5. "Aquarius" from HAIR

How Phantom of the Opera or Les Miserables didn't make this list baffles me. What is your favourite musical song?

I'm trying out a Rafflecopter for entry into this giveaway.  It will ask you for some basic info and then track your entries.  The required action for entry is to comment below with your favourite song from a musical.   See the small print in Rafflecopter for more info on this contest.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure - I was given a copy of The Phantom of the Opera at Royal Albert Hall Blu-Ray/DVD to review, and another copy to giveaway to a reader.  I received no other compensation. And all opinions are my own.

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My favourite outfit of the night was Mary Steenburger. The colour was fantastic. The cut showed off her assets. And the accessories were perfect. Nothing could make it better, except...

Source: Zimbio.com

I bet most of you owned, or still own, a pair of Dr. Martens.  Which decade did you wear yours?  Do you still own them today?  I think all Docs have a story. Please tell yours in the comments.

Dr. Martens are an iconic symbol of youth culture and their rebellion against society.  In the early days they were a sign of working class pride.  Later they were worn by skin heads, punks and rockers (Pete Townsend from The Who was one of the first, then there was The Clash, and so on...check this great slide show from The Guardian for more ).  For many years they were a FU to the establishment.  Since Dr. Martens are now over 50 years old, I wonder how many of those rockers, punks and skin heads are now Doctors, lawyers and accountants?

Anyways, somewhere along the way, Docs became more main stream.  But unlike many other shoe brands they continue to be a bit of a rebellious brand.  And they never really seem to go completely out of style.   They continue to get adopted by each new generation of youth. 

While Docs continue to produce their classic styles, they have also evolved some of their designs over time.  But I always found it really easy to identify a pair of Docs. The stitching usually gave them away, even if the colours or patterns were new.  So I have to admit to being really surprised to see some of the shoes in their spring 2012 collection.  Some great classic Docs and some real surprises - they even have a collection of shoes still manufactured at their original factory in English. 

Now I find myself coveting (and I mean wake up in the night dreaming about level of coveting) this black current wedge suede Mandy shoe. Part of the new "Elevate" collection, the Mandy is a desert style shoe boot.  But never a desert boot I've ever seen. And the suede is water resistant. Perfect for Vancouver weather.

I can  immediately see myself wearing these shoes with skinny pants, cuffed at the bottom (of course), with a long purple cardigan, and maybe a Who t-shirt for lunch with girlfriends. Or maybe with a pair of long shorts, and a pair of scrunchy socks - but never for hiking. 

Or check out these other Spring options:

With a spring collection this awesome, I'm expecting to see many more Docs on the streets this spring.

Tell me your story behind your Docs in the comments.   I know you have one. 

And be sure to check out the new Spring Collection at DrMartens.com.  

Update - I figured out how to import photos into Polyvore, so here is my imagined outfit with the Mandy wedges.

Source - All pictures care of Lotus Leaf Communications, except for the Jessica boot which I borrowed from the website.  And the polyvore set is obviously from Polyvore.

My Top 10

I  had a hard time picking my top 10.  There are several more in the "Looking Good" category that could easily slide into the top 10.    What I knew for certain immediately though was that once again Helen Mirren, in Badgely Mischka,  was going to be my top pick.  She looks dignified, chic, on trend and sexy all at the same time. 

See my earlier posts for slide shows of the Looking Good,  Not So Fabulous and The Couples.

The remaining 9 ladies, in no particular order.

Octavia Spencer

The colour of this Tadashi dress seemed so quiet on the red carpet. But when I saw it on TV it was such a lovely soft purple.  Loved it.

Tilda Swinton

Tilda always takes risks on the red carpet. And I loved this Pal Haider Ackerman's skirt suit and her look as a whole.  Even the hair seems to work in context of the rest of the outfit.

Nancy O'Dell

Nancy always seem to make the top of my lists.  But she always looks elegant, sexy and understated.  Considering she is always interviewing the stars she has a knack for looking fantastic, but not taking the limelight from her interviews.  Tonight she wore THEIA.

Laura Linney

Who says strawberry blonds can't wear purple?  Laura looked fantastic in this one shoulder purple J. Mendel dress.

Madeline Stowe

More purple.  Madeline's version is a Vera Wang dress that combines an on trend peplum with a great detailed skirt.

Jodie Foster

Jodie Foster doesn't walk the red carpet very often. And she manages to look beautiful and still like herself.  The dress is lovely and glamorous, but I think what I liked most was how she looked so comfortable and happy in that dress.  She got into my top 10 for being a fabulous version of herself.

Elle MacPherson

Elle looked like a tall glass of cotton candy water in this Zac Posen gown.  And it works.

Diane Lane

Diane looks so Classic movie star pretty in this blush coloured Reem Acra dress.  It looks even better when she adds her husband Josh Brolin.  No better accessory than a handsome husband in a tux.

Debra Messing

To me Debra was a great  example of how to do black well.  This one shouldered Monique Lhuillier dress fit her well, and made her look like a grown up without being overdone. Loved the effect of the skirt.

Up Close and Personal

Can I also point out how fantastic both Glenn Close and Helen Mirren looked up close.  They both are embracing a few wrinkles and their foreheads move too. 

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Amanda Peet

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Check for my other Golden Globe coverage of My Top 10, Not So Fabulous and The Couples.

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Amy Poehler

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This dress puts the fabulous and funny Amy in a boring corner.

Check for my other Golden Globe coverage of My Top 10, Looking Good and The Couples.

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Owen Wilson and his mom Laura

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Love this picture of Owen with his Mom Laura. She wore a bold orange dress and looked fantastic.

Check for my other Golden Globe coverage of My Top 10, Looking Good and Not so Fabulous.

Images

What to wear on that imaginary beach?  Why a cute and colourful dress, of course.   So why not throw a dress giveaway!?!   So I'm giving away the Nothin' Like a Dame dress from Shabby Apple.   Shabby Apple makes fantastic women's dresses that are actually designed for women.   Take a tour through their online store and you will see fabulous dresses with simple cuts and unique vintage inspired details.  

Nothin' Like a Dame

Enter to win this lovely Nothin' Like a Dame dress.  Love the simple sheath style with the fun detail around the scoop neck. Plus that red is perfect for spring. Or a Hawaiian vacation.  It is available in sizes from XXS to XL

How to Enter  - Required

This contest is only open to residents of Canada or the United States.  To enter please leave a comment below about which of the many Shabby Apple Dresses on their website you like. AND you also need to like Shabby Apple on Facebook.   Please indicate in your comment that you have liked them on facebook. 

The contest will close at 9pm PST on Friday, January 20th.  I will randomly draw the winner and notify them via email on Saturday, January 21st.   Both the comment and the like are required for entry.

You can receive an additional (optional) entry by tweeting the following:

I just entered @fashion_frwd40 contest  to win a vintage inspired Nothin' Like a Dame dress from @shabbyapple. 

Good luck!

Update - January 22, 2012 - Winner announced

• @theknowitallmom won the Nothin Like A Dame Dress from Shabby Apple.

 Disclaimer - Shabby Apple offered a free dress to giveaway to one of my readers on this blog. I did not receive any payment or free product in exchange  for running the contest.

Looking Good

I'll be honest I didn't really LOVE any of the outfits worn by the ladies 40 and over tonight.  And a lot of the actors seem to dress down a bit for this night. Which, for me, takes some out of red carpet fun out of the night.   But Carrie Preston, from True Blood, has some great legs and showed them off in this short black lace outfit.   I also discovered this week she is married to the wonderful Michael Emerson, from Lost and Person of Interest.  Check out EW article on them here.

Faith Hill wore a lovely red dress, and I loved the retro feel of her bow neckline.   But it felt like she was attending a nominees lunch or tea and not a red carpet event.

Best Cast over 40 awardgoes to the ladies from Cleveland Cast of Valerie Bertinelli, Jane Leeves and Wendie Malick.  All 3 of these gorgeous, and funny, women looked great.   I was a bit concerned about Jane's shoes, but you will see in the 2nd shot they look better when shot from another angle.  Next time ladies, be sure to bring your best accessory - Betty White.

Not Loving It

I always hate to say anything bad about Shannon Tweed's attire, because honestly her husband scares me just a bit. But while this blue dress was a lovely colour on her, it also felt just a bit beauty queen/bridesmaid-esque.  Particularly with the matching shoes.

Sharon Osbourne also scares me a just a bit. Not her husband. Her.  I have absolute faith she could hold her own in any fight.  I hope to never be on the wrong side of her. And while she may be fearless and  fabulous. This dress is not. It does not seem to fit her properly, the colour doesn't work for her and she did not look comfortable in it - at least not in any of the pictures I saw.

Angela Kinsey.  I have to say that this bandage dress, while it shows off her fab figure,   feels a bit 90s and sort of ages her.

Honourary Mention

My honourary, not yet 40 award goes to, Alyson Hannigan, on the arm of her hot husband Alexis Denisof .  I'll be honest I'm a huge Buffy the Vampire Slayer fan, I'm currently re-watching on Netflix (I'm on season 6).  And Alyson is only the third person (after Neil Patrick Harris and my friend Alexis) that can make me laugh so hard I pee just a little bit.  So I might be a lotbit biased.  But I thought this red flapper-esque dress made her best looking pregnant woman I've seen on the red carpet in  a long long time.  Although a smidgen of red lipstick might have made it even better.  I can't wait until she is 40 and I can feature her here all the time.

Over 40 Hottie Award

This was a tie between Ewan McGregor and Nathan Fillion.  Feel free to place your vote for your favourite in the comments.  Ewan got on the list for those eyes, and for sporting a scarf.  Nathan cause he is my geek god, and for wearing both a purple tie and purple pocket square.  Be still my poor geeking heart.

Stay tuned for a dress contest from Shabby Apple in the next couple of days. What better way to start off January, and red carpet season, but a dress give-away.

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Errand Day

For a day running errands I started with the shawl cardigan &  t-shirt, adding dark wash skinny jeans and flat black  boots - always useful in the rainy Vancouver weather.  Then I added some colour with a red infinity scarf - SOOOO easy to wear and warm too.  And a matching watch - I know we rarely wear watches anymore but they can be a great accessory.  Then I mixed it up a bit with a teal shoulder bag. 

Casual Friday

Then I took the same sweater and dressed it up a bit with dark wash wide leg trouser jeans and black wedge boots. Then for colour I added a teal scarf - looser and dressier fabric than the infinity scarf, the same red watch and a red bag.

Work Day Version

Here I added a grey pencil skirt and my favourite black and grey fluevogs as the base.   The colour comes from the red watch (I know I love this watch), a long red neclace and a teal bag. 

I have to say it is so much easier to style outfits on Polyvore than from my own closet. No messing around with my camera, no worrying about my bad hair day, no worrying whether something is clean or wrinkled. And I never have to leave my office chair to find new items to show.  I can see a lot of time spent here in the future.