Once Upon a Time; Musical Review

I have no doubt that a large number of Oncers were singing and dancing last night.
Why?
Because last night, Once Upon a Time's first ever musical episode aired. There were high notes, catchy lyrics, impressive choreography and stunning harmonies.

Considering that the episode was only made because of us nagging fans, the episode was incredible. The actors who sung were brilliant and although only a couple of the actors involved have musical backgrounds; including Jennifer Morrison and Colin O'Donoghue - every cast member sung their hearts out and produced a powerful and unforgettable episode.

The songs, which were written beautifully by Alan Zachary and Michael Weiner, were specific to each character and really emphasised the storyline.
The storyline this episode centred around the power of song and began when Goodwin's Snow White made a wish upon a star to protect her unborn child, Emma. With the wish, Snow paired up with Prince Charming and tried to use song to defeat the Evil Queen.

The first song to be sung in the episode, was by Ginnifer Goodwin and Josh Dallas. Their song, entitled 'Powerful Magic' was beautiful and touching. The song was very Disney, theatrical, and perhaps a little cheesy. However Dallas and Goodwin sung beautifully together and sound fantastic, although it is not a song that I would listen to everyday, it is one that made me smile.

The second song was entitled 'Love Doesn't Stand a Chance' and was sung by Lana Parrilla as the Evil Queen. This was one of my favourite songs in the episode and not just because it was sung by Parrilla, but because the lyrics are so loud, energetic and fun. Parrilla - who announced in an interview that she was 'terrified' to sing, has a great voice that is so high and distinctive. I felt that the lyrics were perfect for the Evil Queen, and Parrilla's distinct vocals fit the character so perfectly. Parrilla managed to slide the Evil Queens personality into her singing voice and made the Queen sound determined and angry as she sung. The Queens choreography was also perfect; displaying the Evil Queens anger and frustration through aggressive twirls, swinging arms and a knee-slide, whilst also making her sexy and playful.

And just like the Evil Queen, O'Donoghue also manages to make Captain Hooks voice distinct and powerful. Although Colin has some musical background due to experience in a band, his voice was smooth and gentle and the lyrics to his song, 'Revenge is Gonna Be Mine,' are so catchy and memorable. I've literally had the lyrics buzzing around in my brain all day - the song is just hypnotising.

Rebecca Mader's song is also memorable. Zelena singing 'Wicked Always Wins' was just so fitting with the character and her background story. Maders' voice is so soft and adorable, and to be honest, I expected the Wicked Witch of Oz to have a much more distinctive voice - like Parrilla as the Evil Queen, who made her characters vocals angry or O'Donoghue's Captain Hook, who sounded determined and authoritative. Although the lyrics of the song were perfect for Zelena, I feel like I didn't 'feel' Zelena within the singing voice or much of her personality. Although Rebecca's voice is beautiful and so enchanting that I can't stop listening to the song - I feel like she was singing the song amazingly, but without meaning the lyrics.

Morrison's voice was beautiful too, and as she sung 'Emma's theme' - I realised just how strong and powerful her vocals were. I did not expect Emma to sound so theatrical, but Jennifer Morrison really expressed Emma's emotions through her vocals and it sounded so good and emotional.
I loved how, once she hit the high notes, her family began to unfreeze from the spell that Rumple had put them under - squishing the Black Fairy's hope of victory.

The whole storyline was beautiful; the singing and the CaptainSwan wedding was dazzling and I would be lying if I said I wasn't fangirling. However, it would have been interesting to hear Rumple and Belle in a duet, and I really wish that this would have happened.

This show has taught me so much; to believe in love and hope, to love yourself, and to trust those around you and last of all; to trust what your heart has to say and embrace your emotions; hence Emma embracing who she is and releasing her emotions through the song buried within.

I am so excited for the Final Battle and the two-hour finale that accompanies it. I'm sure that our heroes will come out on top; escape the Dark Curse and defeat the Black Fairy.
However, it was announced by Jennifer Morrison earlier today, that after 6 years, she is stepping down as Emma Swan in Once Upon a Time. I wish Jennifer Morrison the best of luck with any future projects and will be devastated to see Emma Swan leave the show...

On a brighter note, all these beautiful songs from the musical episode are available on iTunes for £6.99 and I will definitely be purchasing them to add that extra musical joy into my life. These songs and their vocalists are definitely worth it!