Rob Gardner My Kindness Shall Not Depart From Thee

Okay, let's talk Rob Gardner. Specifically, My Kindness Shall Not Depart From Thee. Buckle up, buttercups, because I have some thoughts.

Is it just me, or does everyone act like this piece is the pinnacle of musical theatre perfection? Don't get me wrong. It's good! But "life-changing"? Mmm, I'm not so sure.

The Hype Train

Look, I get it. It tells a beautiful story. The orchestration is gorgeous. And Rob Gardner clearly knows his way around a melody.

But sometimes, I think people are more in love with the idea of being moved than actually, you know, being moved. It's like going to a sad movie just so you can cry and say you "felt something."

Unpopular opinion alert: I've heard better. I've felt better. There. I said it.

Let's Talk Structure

Okay, let's be real. The structure can feel a bit…predictable. You know the crescendo is coming. You brace yourself for the soaring vocals.

It's like watching a Hallmark movie. You know exactly what's going to happen, but you watch it anyway for the warm fuzzies. Fine. I do too sometimes.

But sometimes, I crave a little more...edge. A little more surprise. A little less, "I saw that coming a mile away."

The "Cry Factor"

I feel like My Kindness Shall Not Depart From Thee is engineered for tears. And hey, I'm not against a good cry! Catharsis is great!

But sometimes, the emotional manipulation feels a little too…obvious? Like it's deliberately pushing your buttons to get a reaction. And that feels, well, a bit manipulative.

Give me subtle emotion, give me nuance, give me something that sneaks up on me and punches me in the gut. Don't just hand me a Kleenex and say, "Cry now!"

Don't Get Me Wrong!

Before you sharpen your pitchforks, let me clarify. Rob Gardner is talented. My Kindness Shall Not Depart From Thee is a moving work. It's clearly touched a lot of people.

It's just… maybe a tad overrated. Maybe a smidge overhyped. Maybe I'm just a cynical jerk who can't appreciate beauty. (Probably.)

And who am I to judge a musical work that means so much to so many? Let the people cry! Let the soaring vocals soar!

The Choir Effect

Maybe part of the allure is the whole "choir experience." Singing in a choir is amazing. The harmonies, the camaraderie, the sheer volume of sound…it's a powerful thing!

So, maybe some of the love for this piece comes from the memories associated with performing it. The late nights rehearsing, the friendships forged, the feeling of being part of something bigger than yourself.

That's valid! I totally get that! But let's be honest with ourselves: is it the music, or the experience surrounding the music?

Alternative Opinions

I bet if you asked Rob Gardner himself, he would have some things to say about his own work. Artists are their own worst critics, right?

And maybe that's the point of art. To spark conversation, to provoke emotion, to make us think. And boy, does this piece do that!

So, while I might not be completely on board the "this is the greatest thing ever!" train, I can still appreciate the artistry and the impact of My Kindness Shall Not Depart From Thee.

Maybe. A little bit. Okay, maybe more than a little bit. But I'm sticking to my guns! It's good, but not God's Gift to Musical Theatre good.

"My kindness shall not depart from thee…"

Alright, I've said my piece. Now, someone pass the tissues. I think I feel a little something coming on…

Just kidding! (Mostly.)