TV Fans, Do You Need More Music in Your Life?

Okay, I’m going to level with you - I’m not a musical theater purist. I don’t know every line to West Side Story. (Although, it might be kind of funny to watch me try, especially since my voice? Not so great.) But I do have a great appreciation for musicals. I remember being in 7th grade, having sleepovers in the dark basement of my best friends house - and seeing A Chorus Line for the first time. I don’t know if it changed my life, but it certainly was an amazing experience, and I’ve since watched that particular musical at least half a dozen times. (Yes, I sing along, and no - no one’s ever called the cops on me for a noise complaint. Yet.)

While there are so many wonderful musicals from the past, and even from the more recent present (I’m talking about Rent, Wicked, and Spring Awakening, people) - my favorite musical, hands down, is one that was made for a TV series.

You can stop re-reading the above sentence, because the words aren’t going to change unless you’ve taken some sort of mood-altering drug, in which case, you’re grounded - go to your room! I have a sneaking suspicion that some musical theater purists might want to start throwing things at me now that I’ve told you where my favorite musical originated. But I stand by my claim. My favorite musical is Once More, With Feeling - the Buffy Musical.

It premiered on November 6th, 2001 - in Buffy the Vampire Slayer’s sixth season. The idea of a musical episode for his hit TV series had been percolating in creator Joss Whedon’s mind since season one, and he was encouraged to follow through on his idea by some of his cast - like Anthony Stewart Head who plays Giles. I think James Marsters (Spike) probably encouraged this too, as he is a singer.

Now, some of the cast was not so enthusiastic about having to sing, but they all stepped up the plate for the fans. When I checked Wikipedia’s page on this musical, I read that they were going to have Jewel dub Sarah Michelle Gellars (Buffy) voice for one of the harder songs to sing. And even though she is not a professional singer and (from what I’ve read) I don’t think she particularly wanted to, Sarah still sang for us. Which was great. Because if you ask most Buffy fans, I think they’d tell you that they’d much prefer the real Buffy singing, than an impostor (even though Jewel’s voice is beyond beautiful).

Plot-wise, you can enjoy this musical whether or not you’re a fan of the show. I personally think that if you see this, and you’re not already a fan, you’ll become a fan. And you’ll be welcomed into the open arms of several Buffyverse fans. This isn’t a show that aired and went away and people are like, “Oh man no more episodes, bummer, oh well - hey, let’s watch that show on the CW about a hill!” To many people, including myself, this show (and others, often including Whedon’s other creations: Angel and Firefly) are more than just TV shows.

Speaking on Buffy, in particular, it was more than just a cultural phenomenon. It was more than a show with a creative and hardworking cast and crew. It was more than a show about vampires. It is an entire world to submerge yourself within, to delve deep and explore. There are so many levels! Layers! Designer shoes! (Okay, lost my L-theme, and veered off course, but I’m a girl, and I appreciate shoes.)

This is a fandom to love, to cherish, and to demand your friends and relatives watch (by force, if necessary). But, I seem to be going on a tangent for my love of the show, and not for my love for the musical. (Neither of which I can fully and adequately express in words, but perhaps in a musical number…)

Back to the musical…

Something that so many critics/viewers/robotic chipmunks have pointed out is how well this episode manages to be a brilliant musical while also advancing the plot of the show/season. Once More, With Feeling showcases not only the talents of the cast and the crew (the writers, the costume designers, etc.), but it showcases the plot - giving the viewer some very tasty moments to savor.

I highly recommend getting the CD, which has liner notes from Joss, pictures from the episode, all the lyrics, the entire score, plus the demo track of Joss’s wife Kai Cole singing Something to Sing About, and some additional score pieces (of other episodes) by Christopher Beck who was the main composer for the show.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer - “Once More, With Feeling” CD

You can purchase the script of the musical at Amazon.com. “Once More, With Feeling”: The Script Book To view the episode, you can purchase season six, or just get all seven seasons! The episode is in letterbox format, and it runs approximately eight minutes more than normal episodes, which translates to eight extra minutes of utter awesomeness.

For Buffy fans, this is a great gift to give them for the holiday’s because it is full of juicy stuff, like David Fury (executive producer and writer for the show) singing about mustard stains. For anyone else there’s got to be appeal in angsty romance, kleptomania, and some passionate singing about accusing bunnies of evil (like Anya, I’ve known for quite some time that they’re up to no good).

Some people do live show sing-a-longs (either with just the DVD on a large screen, or with a full cast on a stage) and I suggest you check out Buffy Musical info here at uncoolkids.com

Que le Spectacle Commence! (Let the show begin!)

It may not be Tuesday, but you can enjoy Buffy anytime:

Sofachip.com does post links for you to purchase DVDs, but with the WGA strike - this is an interesting issue. (Some are pro, some are con, and some probably smell - make them shower!) I plan to cover this issue in an upcoming article, to be featured here! Look for it soon.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer - The Complete Sixth Season

Buffy the Vampire Slayer Deluxe “Once More, With Feeling” Buffy Action Figure

Buffy the Vampire Slayer Anya “Once More, With Feeling” Limited Edition 3,500 Action Figure

Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Tara “Once More, With Feeling” Bust

Some creative people even make their Sims act out scenes:

Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Chosen

Buffy The Vampire Slayer: The Album (1999 Television Series)

Buffy The Vampire Slayer - Collector’s Set (40 discs)

Buffy the Vampire Slayer Slayer’s Cross Necklace Prop

Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Chaos Bleeds

Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season Eight, Volume 1: The Long Way Home

Music for Elevators by Anthony Stewart Head aka Giles