Kiss Today Goodbye...

I came home from the gym today to hear that Marvin Hamlisch had passed away. Such sad news. He was an amazing composer and musician. Being a Broadway fan, he impacted my life.

I know that he did a lot more than A Chorus Line, but that's what I am most familiar with. I remember the first time I experienced that musical. My mom had told me about it, and the movie was about to come out. Okay, so the movie's not the best representation of such an awesome show, but I enjoyed it. Terrence Mann, Michael Douglas... Yeah. I liked it.

I then got to see a production at a local high school. I imagine it probably wasn't the very best, but at the time, I was completely enamored. A friend played one of the dancers, and his monologue was quite powerful.

"I'm watchin' Sis go pitter-pat....said 'I can do that!'"

"Everything is beautiful at the ballet..."

"Hello, twelve, hello, thirteen, hello, love..."

And who can forget the finale? Deck in gold suits and top hats. Beautifully synchronized. Multiplied with mirrors. Beginning with a couple of simple keys on the piano - much like "New York, New York" - then building into a memorable showstopper...

"ONE singular sensation! Every little breath she takes..."

Another beautiful song for which he is responsible is "Through The Eyes Of Love," from Ice Castles. Look him up. You'll find a whole list of movies and musicals that are familiar.

Thank you, Mr. Hamlisch, for the music. Thank you for the wonderful things you did. I know you probably didn't know how much you affected my life, but I hope that you do now.