Blog Archives
The Rise of Notre Dame Will Be Cathedral’s Next Episode
When the unthinkable happens, the equal and opposite reaction should also be unthinkable.
(CNN)
Yesterday’s devastating fire to the more than 800-year-old Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris was heart-wrenching to watch as a fire–reportedly related to the most recent $6 million+ renovation efforts–took down the famous spire and roof, causing additional damage inside. Having visited Notre Dame, like so many people around the world, it was difficult to witness the destruction on live TV.
Just a day later and the latest developments are encouraging given the circumstance.
French President Emmanuel Macron reaffirmed his heartbroken citizens (and global community mourning in solidarity) earlier today.
“We will rebuild Notre Dame within five years.”
–French President Emmanuel Macron
Rebuilding Notre Dame Cathedral inside of five years seems unthinkable. But the good, inspiring kind of unthinkable. And it’s a grand challenge Parisians and the world will be watching, supporting and praying for in the years to come.
After a massive fire engulfed Notre Dame, the popular cathedral deserves a lasting vision in the future that honors and celebrates its decorated past.
Thankfully, that process appears to be underway.
The Sound of Something Familiar
“The Sound of Music” is widely considered to be one of the best (if not the best) musicals ever written and performed, both as a play and as a major motion picture in 1959 and 1965, accordingly. Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer both gave unforgettable performances as Maria Rainer and Captain von Trapp in the film adaptation (plus we can’t forget about all the von Trapp children!). The movie received great acclaim with an Oscar for Best Picture.
It’s a beautifully entertaining classic now and forever into the future.
Last night, NBC attempted to revive the magic of “The Sound of Music” with a live 3-hour performance (with a commercial here and there). Favorite scenes and songs were portrayed and sung by the cast, led by Carrie Underwood, who took on the iconic task of Maria. Of course, there was “Sixteen Going on Seventeen” and “Do-Re-Mi.” However, let us not neglect for even another second about all of us universally recalling “My Favorite Things.”
Did Carrie Underwood do well? Was the high-pressured production worth the extraordinary effort? That answer will likely vary depending on one’s allegiance to the masterful film and Julie Andrews herself, but I found myself thinking of a different adaptation last night. Well, maybe just one specific scene 20 years after the sensational release of “The Sound of Music” movie.
It came to me like a dream…
Julie Andrews vs. Chevy Chase: It’s a toss-up (not really, but both give classic performances, just for different reasons)
Jimmy's Daily Planet 