"Once More, with Feeling" is the only episode of the fantasy television show Buffy the Vampire Slayer performed as a musical. It was written and directed by the show's creator, Joss Whedon (pictured), and first aired in the United States on November 6, 2001. The episode explores changes in the relationships of the main characters, using the plot device that a demon compels the people of Sunnydale to break into song at random moments to express hidden truths. All cast members sang their parts, although two were given minimal lines by request. It is the most technically complex episode in the series, as extra voice and dance training for the cast was interspersed with the production of four other Buffy episodes. It was Whedon's first attempt at writing music, and different styles—from 1950s sitcom theme music to rock opera—are used to express the characters' secrets. The episode was well received critically upon airing, specifically for containing the humor and wit to which fans had become accustomed. It is considered one of the most effective and popular episodes of the series, and—prior to a financial dispute in 2007—was shown in theaters with the audience invited to sing along. (Full article...)
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