An Evening with Christine Andreas

[where's my shoe?]

Posted: 1/20/06 at 1:09am

I just got back from seeing Christine Andreas' cabaret at The Orange County Performing Arts Center. Through my college's musical theater program, I got the chance to participate in a master class with Christine, followed by dinner and the show. I'm not that familiar with her work, but I figured it was worth it for $10. The master class was very informal, beginning with her singing "They Say It's Wonderful" followed by several students singing and being critiqued by Christine and her musical director and partner, Martin Salvestri. Her advice pertained mostly to letting go of tension in the body, choosing material that you can really internalize, and taking fresh breath for each phrase. The concert was very enjoyable. I only really knew of Christine from "Pimpernel," and I like Rachel York's Margeurite much better. Her voice is very powerful and pure, but it is unique, and I think has a very love-it-or-hate-it quality. Her high notes are definitely beautiful, and she has a good range and a full sound. She has a very strong, fast vibrato, though, which doesn't appeal to me in every song. She also has a cry to her voice, which I personally like, but I can clearly see why people dislike her voice. Her repetoire included a Gershwin medley, "La Vie En Rose," "Storybook," "To Keep My Love Alive," some MFL, and "On A Clear Day." She also sang a few original songs which her partner Marty had written. She shared a few personal stories, but they were a little random, I felt. Whatever, at least she showed some of herself. A friend commented that she wasn't sincere, which I didn't really think about, but her character songs were definitely the standouts. "To Keep My Live" was the best piece of the show; her characterization was hilarious. The few "none-theater" songs she performed were underwhelming for me. Overall, I had a good time, and although it hasn't made me a huge fan, I was entertained.

[John3]

Posted: 1/20/06 at 1:40am

I was there, I sang in the master class. I love her, she is such a lovely person and is very unique. I had a great time and can't wait for the next master class which is with Megan Mullally.

John3

[BroadwayBaby6]

Posted: 1/20/06 at 1:45am

I saw her on Tuesday night and thought she was AMAZING!

[where's my shoe?]

Posted: 1/20/06 at 1:59am

That's awesome, Jon! You have a lovely voice. I was over on the other side, from UCI. I was really impressed with you guys.