Trivia Question: Evita

In the movie soundtrack of Evita, in the song "High Flying Adored," there is a key change as Evita/Madonna takes over the singing from Che/Antonio. I had heard they had to change some of the ranges and music for Madonna, who is generally a weaker singer than most Broadway divas (let the hate mail begin).

I had an original cast recording years ago. Back in the Dark Ages when you listened to music on vinyl. So I can't compare it with the original. It's a sudden and jarring change, I can't see that it makes musical sense, and must have been done to accommodate Madonna's voice.

Anyone?

Oh -- and this came up as the LTR returned from his powerlifting competition in Charlottesville. Powerlifting is for straight men what figure skating is for gay men. Powerlifting is the most red-state, testosterone-laden event imaginable. Most of the guys (who fall in the "bear" category) put on elaborate shows of testosterone before a lift, like flexing and screaming at the weights. Some also snort ammonia before a lift. When I first saw it I thought they were doing poppers. I briefly considered becoming a participant in the sport until the LTR told me what was really happening. Fortunately, the LTR is more low key, and though not the only gay powerlifter out there, he is definately in the smallest of minorities.

He still managed to lift a personal best -- 10 pounds heavier on the bench than last year, when he set the state record for his age/weight class in Virginia. Which means he likely set the record again this year.

At any rate, as we were driving home, we were listening and singing along to the Evita soundtrack. I looked at him and said, "honey, I guarantee you are the only powerlifter driving home from the competition singing show tunes." He agreed.

But that's when I heard the key change and wondered about it.

When My Partner Does Well at the Gym

My partner, my long term relationship of nearly 20 years (a.k.a the LTR) always has an intersting way of expressing himself.

He's a competitive powerlifter and won the silver medal for bench press in his age and weight class in the Gay Games in Chicago this past summer. He set the state record for bench press in VA, also in his age and weight class.

I come home tonight from dinner with a friend to find him elated -- he put up 315 pounds, twice, in the decline bench, the most he's ever done (that's three 45 pound plates on each side of the bar).

So what's he doing to celebrate? Dancing around the house, singing and listening on his IPOD to Shania's "Man! I Feel Like a Woman."

You go, LTR!