Very nice review of the Philharmonic concert in the New York Times today. Here are the important parts:
Singing the soliloquy from “Carousel,” Mr. Esparza became his character, Billy Bigelow, projecting a volatile mixture of bravado and insecurity as he contemplates parenthood. His dramatic force was enhanced by the timbre of his voice at the top of his register, where the rapid pulse of his vibrato signals a hotheaded temperament.
His rendition of “Being Alive,” from “Company,” sung with recorded bits of dialogue, narrowed in on the character of a troubled bachelor voicing successive moods of panic, petulance and defiance. As in the soliloquy, dramatic coherence overrode the impulse to show off musical chops that were already self-evident.
The two stars came together for “Anything You Can Do,” the vocal duel from “Annie Get Your Gun,” in which Ms. Chenoweth, the ultimate competitor, won handily. As long as Broadway produces performers of this caliber, these songs will continue to live.
Make It Proud and Loud, With Strings
Sarcasm is an allergic reaction to stupid people.
Updated On: 5/22/08 at 11:19 AM