"Lenny's Lyricists" at 92nd Street Y is strongly recommended

[Shakespeare to Sondheim]

Posted: 2/25/18 at 12:30pm

A delightful example of this wonderful series, with exciting surprises for musical theatre aficionados -- for instance, a chance to hear the Prologue to West Side Story with Sondheim's lyrics (which he apparently wrote under duress, since Bernstein was alone among the creative team in insisting that the Prologue not be instrumental).  The company was terrific, with Mikaela Bennett and Darius de Haas particularly well-suited to the material.  If you enjoyed Bennett as Penelope in The Golden Apple at Encores!, you will thrill to hear her singing Maria and Cunegonde (I only wish they'd had her perform "Duet for One" from 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue!), and the under-appreciated de Haas is outstanding throughout.  The second act is much stronger than the first, so don't let the uncomfortable seats keep you from staying for the entire performance.  Amanda Green was a warm and appealing host, whose insights and stories were very enjoyable, particularly relating to the touching relationship between Adolph Green and Bernstein.  Rob Fisher and the excellent musicians were as terrific as you would expect.  There were even some video snippets of Bernstein himself.  There are 4 more performances (matinees and evening shows today and tomorrow), so get there if you can!  (I'm not a schill and have no association with the organization other than as a very satisfied subscriber.)