Let It Be

Generally speaking, unless I'm parked in $100 Broadway theatre seat, I am not a fan of the musical. But this one was recommended by one of my new Houston friends and he was quite accurate - fantastic.

The plot is trite and predictable but who really watches a musical for innovative plot details. You should definitely watch this one for its 1960's psychedelica, the trauma and protest of the Viet Nam war and the renovated Beatles homage, most of which I thought was better delivered than the originals (no offense to Beatles purists).

There is one scene early on that is set against the backdrop of the Detroit riots. I thought it was one of the most moving scenes I've seen this year. The track accompanying the riot footage is "Let It Be", but rather than its Beatles rendition it was done in chicken-fried gospel. This one hit a chord with me since I was lucky enough in my single digit years to visit an all black church in southern Alabama to hear this kind of gospel first-hand. Its one of my most favorite memories. Not that I saw anything mind you, you know black ladies and their big-ass, ornate church hats block every view, but the powerful vocals and raw energy still stick with me today.



Across The Universe
10/10