A Dirty Job, Bloodsucking Fiends, You Suck

Rating:	★★★
Category:	Books
Genre:	Literature & Fiction
Author:	Christopher Moore

First of all, let me say up front: I'm a sucker for twisted fiction stories. So when officemate, Kristen, told me about a humorous book called "Lamb, The Gospel according to Biff," I was intrigued.

I wanted to borrow "Lamb" as airport read during my recent trip but Kristen, who loved the author so much, wanted me to read "A Dirty Job" first as this was the Moore's usual style and he was afraid I wouldn't read the other books after reading "Lamb."

So I brought "A Dirty Job" and left "Lamb" at home thinking I might not be able to read it and I didn't want to be carrying it around during my 3-wk vacation. It was an easy read. You can say I enjoyed Moore enough that after I finished the book, I bought the two other books on the condition that it was on sale. :P

Generally I like the way Moore weaves the unreal into the modern day world as he does in "A Dirty Job" where normal guy Charlie Asher discovers his new role as sort of Death's little helper; "Bloodsucking Fiends" where Jody wakes up one day a vampire, her journey as she discovers her powers and falls in love with her minion, aspiring writer Tommy from Indiana; and "You Suck" a sequel to "Bloodsucking Fiends." (Good thing, I read Bloodsucking Fiends first too.) I found it clever how he infuses characters and sometimes events from these different books in the same way that Buffy made a cameo in Angel (the series spin-off from Buffy the vampire slayer) or how he turns some characters into regulars (as in the case of the Emperor and Inspector Rivera) while changing the character leads.

I like that Moore's writing is light and easy to read. His plots are sometimes predictable but somewhat intriguing and with enough twists to make one stick to the end and leave you wanting to pick up another of his stories. Most of all, I like how Moore also surprises you with quips that will make you laugh-out-loud.

Wicked

Rating:	★★★★
Category:	Other

I only had a few days in the LA area so I was really glad to catch the staging of Wicked. I've heard raves about it so I knew it was going to be good.

Wicked is truly a clever piece of work.

The story mainly revolves around the Wicked Witch of the West. How she came to be. It answers the question: was she born wicked or was wickedness thrust upon her? The musical also tells us where the ruby slippers came from, how the Tin Man, Scarecrow and winged monkeys came to be, where did she get that black pointed hat and flying broom etc. Most of all, it is also a story of hope, friendship, love, discrimnation and how greed for power begets lies, oppression and fear. But don't get me wrong, Wicked is surprisingly funny and witty amidst serious themes.

The production was quite impressive. The lighting particularly set the tone and the mood of each scene. Smoke machines, remote controled props (like the wheelchair), harnesses and trap doors completed the magical effect of the show.

The strong vocals of the actors and intensity of their performances gave me goosebumps especially during "Something Bad", "Defying Gravity" and "No Good Deed." Not to mention, the catchy score, which makes this musical truly successful, leaves you humming to the inspiring music and lyrics as you exit the theater with a smile.

I was also glad to get autographs from the performers, Laura Woyasz who portrayed Glinda and D.J. Gregory who played Fiyero that matinee performance on Aug 3, 2008 at the Pantages Theater, Hollywood Blvd. Sayang I didn't have a camera, D.J. Gregory is quite a cutie. :P
Thanks to good friend Aby for reserving the tickets for me, Candy and Dennis. Much thanks to her also for gifting me with a copy of the original soundtrack.