Mullets Over Broadway recap

[Craig]

Posted: 9/20/04 at 10:22am

I'm sure Rob will be posting a wonderful entry in his blog later today, but I wanted to share my thoughts about last night's Front and Center concert featuring members of the cast of Hairspray.

The evening kicked off with Leslie Kritzer who, if you haven't heard perform, you are missing a voice to be reckoned with. She would easily make the list on those threads of people who should be featured more on Broadway.

John Jeffrey Martin (who helped coordinate the concert on the Hairspray end) performed two emotionally charged songs of his own and was met with a rousing applause.

Then the audience whipped into an incredible frenzy when Sabrina took the stage. Singing a song (and someone can correct me if I am mistaken) that the girl wrote herself she tore the house down. Sabrina is the youngest member of the cast, playing Little Inez. There is NOTHING little about her powerhouse voice. My only regret is not hearing her sing another song

Next up was Leslie Goddard singing one of my favorite songs, "I Think I May Want to Remember Today". Leslie is one of those reasons I am so happy we are producing these concerts featuring many ensemble members from shows. It really gives them a moment in the spotlight to showcase what they can do and Leslie (who also split a duet with Kevin Hale - more on him later) truly has the right stuff.

Adam Fleming - never fails to entertain the crowd at Joe's pub and last night was no exception. Both his numbers were great - especially the song about his perfect woman called "That's All".

Kevin Hale. I will be the first in line when he records a solo cd because I could listen to him sing for hours. Not only a versatile singer, but a great sense of humor and charisma on stage.

The same could be said by Michael Longoria who shared three songs he wrote. He gave a great introduction to them all explaining how and why he wrote them - and where (all backstage because as Michael put it "there's a lot of time waiting for someone to..you know.. break a leg or something". Ah the life of a swing...

Peter Matthew Smith sang the bittersweet "She's Always A Woman" with a great level of pathos.

Next up was from one of my favorite shows, "City of Angels" The always impressive Jennifer Gambatese and Michelle Kittrell (who both are leaving hairspray to get All Shook Up) sang "What You Don't Know About Women". A great female duet and the audience ate it up!

Then there is Chester Gregory - also no stranger to Joe's Pub having performed his own solo show there not too long ago. He knows how to work a crowd and get them going. Incredible energy, and like his onstage little sister, worked the crowd into a frenzy with Higher And Higher (Your Love Keeps Lifting Me)

Todd Michael Smith performed "River In The Rain" from Big River with Keven Hale and did an amazing job. I could easily see him as a Huck Finn...

Capping the evening off was the current reining Edna her/himself - Michael McKean. He sang two original songs which had the crowd eating from his very hand. The second even had audience participation. It is easy and clear to see how he won a grammy and his work has been nominated for just about any music award available. One can only hope that he decides to make a solo cd himself one day. He also spoke honestly and opening about his time at Hairspray, his cast mates and about his departure in two weeks.

So overall, it really was a fantastic night. Thank you to all who came - I hope you enjoyed it as much as Jamie, Rob and I did.

Updated On: 9/20/04 at 10:22 AM

[EddieVarley]

Posted: 9/20/04 at 1:19pm

Leslie Kritzer opened the show with an emotional ballad that showcased her vocal and acting talents, she is one of my new faves, and her "Tell Me On A Sunday" later in the evening was a standout!

John Jeffrey Martin showed that he has a powerhouse voice to match his amazing dancing skills, he's one of the best on Broadway now as far as I'm concerned...and let's not forget that he wrote both songs himself, his first number, "Heaven" was a complex and raw performance by a major young talent.

Sabrina as Craig said is the youngest member of the HAIRSPRAY cast,yet gave a mature and dynamic, showstopping number that brought the house UP and DOWN! I was in awe, I mean at that age I could barely walk! She made me jump up and down like a lil' baby!


Leslie Goddard's "I Think I May Want to Remember Today" was the very model of how a musical story song should be performed, funny, well and full of emotion, she's a treat!

Adam Fleming never fails to impress, he just has that "it factor", (actually everybody on stage did)but it's always a thrill to see him perform. He is one of those performer who always suprises too, his second song "That's All" got non-stops laughs, he has a true gift.

Kevin Hale really ruled the stage in both his solo and duets, full of rich vocals and great energy, he is a standout, and one to watch.

Michael Longoria is a superb storyteller, his three original tunes were all heartfelt and engrossing, and from the first note he had the entire audience along with him on his musical journey.

Peter Matthew Smith brought newfound richness in "She's Always a Woman", simple, vocally pure and clear.

Jennifer Gambatese (Who is my favorite Broadway performer hands down-she is a GIFT to musical theater) and Michelle Kittrell (Who is amazingly HOT and full of that "it" stuff I mentioned)gave "What You Don't Know About Woman" such a thrilling performance that somebody somewhere should be funding a revival of City of Angels for them!

Chester Gregory = STAR, nuff said, AMAZING!

Todd Michael Smith did wonders with "River In The Rain" from Big River with Kevin Hale backing him up and gave one of the best theatrical performances of the night.

Michael McKean brought his sure and inspired touch to the finale of sorts and sent the entire house out with a smile, and his witty banter was a hightlight and most welcome.


Kudos to the whole BWW creative gang Rob,Craig and Jamie, not to mention Linda with her ever ready camera clicking away and Dale bringing an air of class to the event as always!

Bravo to all! Updated On: 9/20/04 at 01:19 PM

[Craig]

Posted: 9/20/04 at 1:21pm

Rob's thoughts..

https://www.broadwayworld.com/robsblog/

[steve444]

Posted: 9/21/04 at 10:16am

Wow! The talent of those connected with this show is outstanding. Myself, and those with me, enjoyed all of the performances - great diversity of music...and for an incredibly reasonable $20! Looking forward, even more so, to Standing Ovations. Thanks, Rob, Craig and Jamie.