...timberbrit

Yeah, that's what I said when I saw this in the New Haven paper. And well, as Shirley and I were trying to find things to do before I had to catch the train, we decided to head back to Yale to check out this Yale student production called Timberbrit. It premiered in NYC, so I figured we might as well check it out. Well I mean if it's based on Justin Timberlake and Britney Spears, at least the story is familiar and the music is likable. Hmmm...

Well we got in for free, so that was good. We walked in while Britney's song then JT's My Love. But they started handing out ear plugs. Like we needed it, right? We sure did. Okay, first and foremost, I will applaud the effort at creating a musical, as that is someone's art. Don't get me wrong, that's great. However, this thing wasn't for me. And knowing most of my readers, I don't think it would be for anyone else I know! The best way to explain it was that it was just noise. It had nothing to do with JT or Britney. It wasn't singing at all. It was screaming. And at least get the wardrobe down. Nope. It sounded like fingernails against the blackboard. It was the worst sounds I've ever heard. It made me want to punch someone in the kidney. It made me die inside. It made me lose 5 years out of my life. I now am culturally dumber for having sit through that.

I apologize to Shirley for even suggesting that. She wanted to leave the first minute we sat down, but was too shy to just get up and leave. So after 15-20 minutes of the worst thing in New Haven, we had enough and just walked out of there (after a few text messages to each other even though we were sitting side by side).


Dear Timberbrit,

I would like my soul back.

Thanks.

XOXO,
Craig
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UPDATE. I would like to respond to the comment by the actress Melly that played Brit.

First, thanks for reading my blog.

Second, don't get me wrong, I applaud the effort of Timberbrit. Art is art no matter what form it is - music, paintings, sculptures, etc. It's a form of expression that the artist uses as a vessel to convey a message. Will everyone understand it? Nope. I can see that all those involved in Timberbrit put in a lot of effort, and I appreciate it. However, it wasn't for me. And yes, if leaving at least one (if not two) people confused or agitated is the mark of a job well done, then you job was done.

Third, I will admit, I'm a fan of both JT's and BS's music. Being a DJ, I played their music a lot, and I can recognize lyrics. So changing the lyrics does throw one off. I did also notice the SexyBack experimental version before I bailed. Again, the musical was based on the events and didn't intend to copy it in any way. So for the experimental side, I applaud the effort again.

Fourth, just as the musical is someone's art, so is my blog. I thank you for not taking offense to my review. I'm sure the musical will get a lot of praise around the world, but it will also get some criticism. Best of luck to the production. Keep making music!