Tuesday, November 29, 2022

Need a little angel

Today’s, uh, Advent offering is from the musical “Mame”. I’m sharing it to change up the music a bit—the last two days have been solemn. And in Advent we’re allowed to anticipate joy.

If you're unfamiliar with the Auntie Mame story, a freewheeling Manhattan socialite finds her life changed when the orphaned son of her tight-assed brother shows up on her doorstep. Mame’s motto is “Life is a banquet and most poor sons of bitches are starving to death.” There’s a turn-up when she loses her fortune post-1929 stock crash; she cycles through several unsuccessful attempts at earning a living, culminating in a disastrous stint in the Macy’s toy department at Christmas.

So when the cast sings “We Need a Little Christmas”, it’s about shedding fear and seizing the spirit of the season. This is certainly applicable for a lot of people who may not have lost fortunes but are worried about any number of things. Finances, hunger, healthcare, missile strikes, power outages, freezing weather…

This recording features Angela Lansbury, who originated the role on Broadway. Since we lost her this year, seems appropriate to have her voice ring out loud.

May all who are in need feel Christmas before our spirit falls again.

 

 

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