Queer Love & Howard Ashman | Dreamsounds
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- čas přidán 26. 08. 2024
- For the last episode of Dreamsounds, let's revisit Howard Ashman's legacy💗🌈
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Stream "Fruits of Love"/"Sheridan Square": open.spotify.c...
This video could not have been done without the incredible archival work of Sarah Ashman Gillespie, Howard's sister. Please check out her website to learn more about his life and legacy: www.howardashm...
My video about Little Shop of Horrors: • The Musical That Chang...
My first video about Howard Ashman: • The Unique Queerness o...
Check out the interactive AIDS quilt here: www.aidsmemori...
All photos from the intro montage are from Howardashman.com, Disney promotional materials, and the documentary Howard. The footage used in the montage is from 60 Minutes and the documentary Waking Sleeping Beauty.
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MUSIC USED:
"Dear Mama" by Megan Wofford
"videung" and "noire" by bomull
"Eye" by Hara Noda
"Fruits of Love" (with "Sheridan Square") is streaming now wherever you get your music🍊💗
open.spotify.com/album/1UNC86yDgWqGaumFnb2zpV
This channel has been, and will continue to be (unless and until you decide to take it down) an archive of wonderful, thoughtful work. 💖🌈🤟🏼 Good luck and Joy to you and John and your future together.
Hang this work of art on the wall with pride.
After nearly five years, I feel like there should be some profound parting words here. I could list all of the wonderful things you've done here and your amazing attributes, but I can't think of anything that hasn't already been said more eloquently by others.
Instead, I simply will say thank you Marlene. For doing what you do and being who you are. I hope you have an amazing and wonderful journey.
_” Don’t cry because it ended, smile because it happened.”_ - Dr. Seuss
Thank you, Marlene.
For everything. 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️💗
"People who got angry out of love" is one of the most powerful phrases I've heard in some time. I wish you the best in what comes next for you, Marlene.
your content these few years has been great and it's sad to see that this is the final video. thank you for the thoughtful insights on disney, music, and queerness.
Seconded emphatically!
Of course you watch this channel if you’re as cool as I perceive you to be in all the comments I’ve ever seen you make (like seriously I see you everywhere)
On this, the last video, I want to share a story. (I genuinely don't mean to sound like I'm focused on me or whatever - I promise this will come back to your work, the importance of all the videos you have done here on CZcams, and the enormous impact of Howard Ashman's music on so many people, but particularly on us in the LGBTQIA+ family. Please bear with me! XD)
As you know, Marlene, I'm an opera singer and musical theatre performer. That's my career, my job, my one true love. Even through all the things I've had the pleasure to perform, and all the venues I've been blessed to sing in, one of the performances I remember most dearly was much smaller indeed: a one-night-only underground cabaret event that I did in a back-room theatre to maybe about 100 people - and I sang only one song.
Many years ago, a small theatre company was presenting an "upside-down Disney" concert as part of a free event during Pride. Performers were encouraged to submit proposals for a song they would perform from the Disney canon, but "with an upside-down twist"; there was lots of fun genderbending, reimagining, burlesque, comedy, and more. It was going to be held in the "gaybourhood" in town, and the host of the evening was slated to be a well-known local drag queen, so lots of wonderful LGBTQIA+ acts were slated to go up. I knew my act was gonna be a weird outlier - and that it could pretty quickly ruin the mood - but they accepted my proposal anyway, and I got to perform it.
All I did was walk onstage, put a lit candle on a small side table, and tell people I was going to sing Beauty and the Beast - but before I sang it, I told the audience very bluntly that while Howard Ashman was writing these lyrics, he was dying of AIDS. I wanted people to think about the words in that context; to hear them anew.
When I got offstage, the host pulled me into the biggest, tightest hug I have ever received after a performance, and thanked me so honestly and deeply for my song. I don't know how to describe what passed between us after that - it felt huge,, and like it was one of the things I have done that affected people the very most. Opera, schmopera; THAT was some of the most important work onstage I have ever done.
I woke up today thinking about this moment, for some reason, and about Howard Ashman's work as a whole. About the end card right at the end of the credits for Beauty and the Beast. About Sheridan Square.
And then I sat down with my morning tea, opened up CZcams to watch as I eat my breakfast as I normally do, and I saw you had uploaded this.
Your work on CZcams on Ashman's oevre and beyond, always inviting viewers to think about Disney and LGBT issues complexly and to view them in a wider context, has really, truly connected with people around the world. It may not feel as important as it has been, but it is. I only felt the real impact of doing this type of work that one time in my life, hugging one person after singing one song - and that you have dedicated so much time and energy and thought into it over these last four years has been an enormous blessing to us all. The world is genuinely, truly better because your channel is in the world, and I want to thank you for it, from the bottom of my heart. Even as it ends, I am honoured to have been here for it.
Sending so much love for this next chapter of your life. 💖
It was a nice ride love ❤
Ashman is I think the only lyricist I know whose style feels something like Cole Porter. Both of their lyrics have that playful campiness in them. Having the Genie finish a lyric with "You big nabob!" feels a lot like Porter tossing out a phrase like "Goodbye dear and amen!"
Thanks for all this years of great videos
Your rendition of Sheridan Square was beautiful.
Thank you for everything, Marlene. You and your channel have given me the courage to live as myself, as a trans woman, for the first time. Dreamsounds will forever be close to my heart, and I can only hope that what comes next in your life is as satisfying as this channel has been. Best wishes to you and your husband. ❤
As a gay young guy in the 90s “Part of your world” and “little shop of horrors” were some of the most precious songs/films. It felt as though it was a safe place. Thank you Howard Ashman for your contribution and helping this young gay guy. I’m in my early 40s now and those memories are so so vital to who I am. This was beautiful. ❤
I will never not sob when hearing Sheridan Square
Thank you so much for teaching a young little queer so much about music, our history, and hope. I wish you all the happiness in the world. ❤
We're the same!! Learning these things is a blessing; these videos always make me unexpectedly cry.
I’m going to miss your channel, but I’m grateful for everything you shared with us. 💜🌈🏳️⚧️
actual chills when the quilt displayed the lyrics being sung - this channel was an insanely interesting labor of love that personally opened by eyes to wider lgbt+ culture with the assistance of media i never knew had connections to it. im gonna miss these videos so much but im so so glad i was able to find this channel when i did. love and light to you + johns futures endeavors.
Thank you Marlene, for everything
As always, you have been a lovely presence on this site and it has been a privilege to be your friend for over a decade. Hope to see you again someday.
Your rendition of Sheridan Square had me in tears. I'm not a Disney fan, but I love art history and people who are able to put it in a sociological context. I thank you for giving something to think about for at least a few years. Maybe that sounds lukewarm, but coming from me, that is a high compliment. May you keep dreaming and the loveliest of them become your reality. Thank you.
Thank you for this long, strange trip
Thank you for all of the wonderful videos you’ve given us! A lot of the things I’ve learned about queer history and Disney’s queer history has been from this channel, and I loved every topic you’ve covered. Again, thank you❤
Not to be all parasocial, but it really feels like a neighborhood friend you've known for years is moving away out of state. They are not gone in that heavy sense of death but there is still a tangible loss, because things won't ever be the same. Thank you for delighting us with your content, and I wish you the best as you enter this next chapter.
Can't believe we made it to the end, Thank you Marlene!!!! Thank you for not just creating an amazing channel, but also educating millions of fans about your personal life, goals, topics, and the media you admire most. Good luck to you and your husband on where ever the trail leads. 😌😌😌💚🏳⚧
Such a beautiful episode. Gonna miss this content.
Thank you for bringing us all on this wonderful journey
I can’t describe the impact that your videos, your journey, and your outlook have made in my life, and I’m sure many others. My own transition occurred not long before yours, and I was following you before then; it almost felt like someone coming on the journey with me. I know you don’t know me, but I’m very grateful. My deep, deep, heartfelt thank you for all these years - I wish you and John all the happiness and success in the world, you two deserve it 🩵🩷🤍🩷🩵
never failing, marlene for you to make something so beautiful and amazing. i always cry hearing your voice, not just because of the sheer beauty but the amount of love and meaning, it always fills me up with so much feelings. joy, sadness, grief, vitality. thank you, for everything you've done for the community
Thank you so much, Marlene. I turned 18 in 1990, and I remember. Thank you for bringing tears to my eyes, and thank you for bringing joy to my heart.
Thank you, Marlene. I’m glad I got the opportunity to watch your journey and learn so much more about Disney music and history from a queer perspective. It’s so beautiful that you ended with a song that reflects you today. 🌈🏳️⚧️💖🎉
welp, this is it folks. Thank you Marlene, for inspiring me to come out to my parents, for giving me something to think about in my empty head, and most of all, for showing us that anyone can be anything, and that everyone matters 🌈🏳️⚧️🏳️🌈❤️❤️
Thank you Dreamsounds. It’s been a wonderful ride.🖤🖤
I’ll never forgot this channel! Thank you for everything
girlllll you always make me cry, thank you for creating and sharing with us. I've always loved Howard Ashman and I'll always love your channel. if inspiration ever strikes again, please make more videos, I'll miss you ❤️ hope you and your husband enjoy your new life together ✨
Marlene, thank you for sharing your love of Disney music with us, and helping me to learn more about queer culture, and it's relationship with Disney. I wish you luck in any future endeavors.
Thank you for everything.
I started with that first Part of Your World video you put out, and I loved it. At the time, I was writing my graduate thesis about animated musicals, queerness, and the major cross section between those two things. Howard Ashman's quotes definitely appeared in my paper, and watching your videos on the subject only cemented further the passion I've always felt for these subjects too. To this day your video essays and music have such passion, Marlene, and I hear so much contentment in the way you sing now. I've loved watching you go on this journey, and I'm sure wherever you head next will be amazing. Thank you for sharing your life and thoughts with us, Marlene! I wish you and John all the best!!
Thank you, from the bottom of my GNC heart.
It'll probably be a while before I watch this video, but I wanted to say thank you. Your journey has been wonderful to witness and I wish you the best with whatever the future has in store for you, Marlene 💖💖💖
This was a beautiful goodbye 💖💖💖
Aw, Marlene-- your absence is going to be greatly felt. I know I wasn't great at keeping up with your videos this year, but I've always valued your voice and insight. I'll miss seeing new essays from you ;-;
Thank you Marlene, your music and writing has given much comfort and education. Bon voyage darling, the sun glitters on the horizon to guide you home.
Thank you for everything
Thank you for existing❤🩹
Gonna miss this channel.
I'm going to miss dreamsounds dearly. This channel has filled such a specific hole in my heart, as a queer person and longtime disney fan. Your thoughts have been incredible to hear, and I've learned so much thanks to this channel. Thank you for everything you've done, and I wish you the best in whatever you decide to do next ❤
BROOOO😢 MARLENE ISTG IM
GONNA MISS YOU SM……🫶🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼 THANK YOU FOR ALL💝
Marlene this was so beautiful! What a beautiful journey Dreamsounds has been to go along with you. I wish you and John all the best in Germany! I'm so happy you shared your voice and talent with us and I'll always treasure these videos and songs ❤
Today (August 14th, 2023), is the first time I’ve heard of your channel through Sabersparks mentioning you. This is the first video of yours that I’m seeing and realized through the comments that this is your last video.
This video was beautifully done and I plan on binge watching your other videos. I’m sad to hear you won’t be posting anymore but thank you for all of your years of educating and sharing your experience. I wish you nothing but the best for your future ❤
Thank you for all your research, production, music, and soul. I wish you the best in all future endeavors!
Thank you for all your content, Marlene. Its been an honour to see your journey and passion over the years. I've learned so many things, I've seen music and the queer history of it in a new light. Wishing you the absolute best going forward.
Absolutely wonderful video! As always, incredibly thoughtful, moving, and full of so much hope (something we really need right now, especially us in the LGBTQ+ community). Thank you for all the years of hard work, and I hope that you and John live happy, fulfilling lives together! 🥰💖
Thank you for your work Marlene! Best wishes❤️🧡💛💚💙💜
this Video is heartbreaking, Farewell, and i hope that someday in the future you will return
Thank you for all the years of beautiful music and insightful videos. Thank you for sharing your journey with us. This video was a beautiful send off and I wish you the best of luck in the next journey of your life. :)
Beautifully done 🎶🎶 I only discovered your channel recently, but I can see the amazing impact you've had on all who watch your videos. Thank you for everything. I wish you all the best in life ❤️
happy to have gone on this ride, loved dreamsounds from beginning to end!! best wishes to you, marlene!!
Thank you for all you've done over this channels lifespan, its been very lovely to see your queer journey unfold and i hope you and John have a great life together ❤
Thank you for everything 🥺💜✨🌌
You'll be missed. Have a good life. Thank you.
Goodbye Marlene for the years of videos you given us.
this video is so beautiful
I hope you and your husband have a wonderful time in your new chapter of life
Just wanted to say again that your work has meant a lot to me over the past few years and I'm grateful that you shared it with us. I hope whatever comes next for you after Dreamsounds is full of beauty and love and happiness.
Thank you for the fantastic content about Disney and Broadway. You’re one of my favorite channels. I’m nonbinary and Disney helps me find who I am inside.
Thank you, Dreamsounds.
Thanks for everything that you've done. I know I'll still be rewatching all your past videos if given the chance. I'm glad I could be here to see them, and wish you the best in all future endeavors.
Thank you for everything you’ve done on this channel, Marlene (and John)! I will return to these videos often
I wish you all the luck ❤️
thank you, marlene
Thank you for the videos over the past few years and I wish you and john the best!
I'm sad that you're finishing, but I always have issues with endings. I hope that things go well for you as you move!
Thank you for taking us on a beautiful journey
This was so cute! a very nice ending
Wow. Thank you, Marlene 💜💜💜
Wishing you lots of luck and love. Thank you for sharing your work, your vision, and your life with us.
Loved all of your videos and i was drawn in by your videos not too long ago. I dont know if i wish you come back, but i wish your influence continues to spread and make the whole community a better place. Your spirit and light will continue to shine where ever you choose to go. Marlene, much love to you 💕💕
thank you Marlene for the love and care you shared with us all, thank you for helping me and so many others learn a bit more about the world and themselves ❤
I found your channel some years ago, while I was studying animation in college and in the early stages of my transition. Seeing the queer side to the work I had for so long admired and was currently learning about did so much to make me feel less alone, both in my field and in my transness. Thank you so much for sharing your work and your self with the world, and I wish you luck in this new chapter of your life.
this was beautiful, I'll really miss your work
Thanks for everything Marlene!
Thank you, Marlene. 🖤
Thanks for everything. Glad to learn about Disney, music and queer life through your videos
❤ safe and wonderful journeys to your husband and you, thank you for all you've done and given ❤
Tearing up. It’s been a privilege to be here for your journey. Here’s to whatever comes next. May you continue to bloom and grow.
Thanks. I'm crying. Gonna miss you.
Thank you, Marlene. Your content these last several years has been beautiful (and your Little Mermaid coming out video resonated with me deeply as a trans woman who also has a deep connection to the character of Ariel) and I wish you so much success and happiness in the future. thank you.
Thank you so much, Marlene. I have gained and learned so, so much from your thoughtful, beautiful, heartfelt, well-researched videos. Best of luck in your future endeavors. Hope to see more of you and your work again someday soon.
I know it's not the overall point of the video, but something about seeing the Houston part of the AIDS quilt struck me in such a profound way. Seeing the names and tributes to queer people who lived their whole lives and died in the place I grew up in - discovered who I am and came out in - just a couple years before I was even born (1990) because of rampant homophobia and cruelty from the hetero world really hit me in. These are the people that pioneered the way for me to exist today. Even then, homophobia and transphobia were still everywhere in the Houston area when I was first discovering myself, my heart feels so heavy thinking about what they had to go through to even get it to the point that I felt safe coming out as a queer teen in 2003, a decade and a half past what they could have seen. I owe my life to them and every other LGBTQ person who came before me and weathered so much, even if we've never met.
Thank you for all these videos, Marlene. They've meant so much to me and I can't wait to see what you do going forward. All the love, hugs, and support! ♥🏳⚧🏳🌈
I very much loved this, I will miss this channel, it's really been a source of joy and reflection for me.
Thank you for everything! ❤
I will say that at the end of this journey these videos have assisted me in coming around to my own gender identity as a pansexual. I just see you, even in the older ones. And that's kind of helped me in ways that I didn't think I needed. So thank you and cheers to what your future holds.
Thanks for all of it Marlene!
Thank you for everything, Dream.❤
Well that just made me cry multiple times! What a beautiful way to end an absolutely beautiful channel - thank you for all the hard work, passion and love you've put into this channel. May the next part of your journey be a joyful one - all the best Marlene!
This is so beautiful, i am crying. Thank you for your videos
I'd been putting off finishing this video, maybe because I didn't want it to be over, but also but I turned into a complete mess when you began singing Sheridan Square. I finally buckled up and watched the whole thing this morning, and sure enough I cried hard through the last minute. Thank you so much for your work on this channel, and I wish you the best of everything going forward!
(And now time to stream your music a million times as I continue to cry
Its been an absolute pleasure this past year or so watching this channel. A shame to see it go, but I'm glad i got to come along for the ride!
Thank you, for everything.
Thank you so much for sharing your voice with all of us these past few years, Marlene.
thank you for all the insightful videos and sharing your journey! 🏳🌈🏳⚧💞💕
What a beautiful, personal note to end Dreamsounds on. I'm a bit late, but it just wouldn't feel right to not leave a sort of "goodbye" message to this channel. I have learned so much from this channel, and not only have your videos taught me, but they've touched me too. I will miss you uploading so much, but I really admire your choice to do what is right for yourself. I had never heard "Sheridan Square" before, but your rendition gave me chills and I teared up. It was really something beautiful. You are a beautiful and wonderful-seeming person, Marlene, and I wish you all the best in life.
Also, Chris Fleming showing up in that final montage? We love to see it.
Thank you for everything 🧡