Chenoweth/Lippa "Harvey Milk" Concept Concert

[Steve C.]

Posted: 4/11/16 at 10:37pm

Has anyone seen or heard anything of this "concept opera" with Kristin Chenoweth and Andrew Lippa? The photos I've seen show tuxedoed dancers and says, "full orchestra and cast of 140". I don't know how the lives of Anne Hutchinson and Harvey Milk's struggles for equality, can be juxtaposed into a song and dance show, but I don't know enough about it.

It premieres at Strathmore at the end of April. (Strathmore is close to DC/Bethesda). 

[gypsy101]

Posted: 4/11/16 at 11:46pm

There's a live recording of the score from 2013 featuring Laura Benanti, I have it though I've never listened to it. The title off the recording is I Am Harvey Milk and was recorded for the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus 35th anniversary.

Updated On: 4/11/16 at 11:46 PM

[JBroadway]

Posted: 4/12/16 at 12:16am

I was lucky enough to see the San Francisco production with Laura Benanti, as well as the Lincoln Center production with Kristin Chenoweth. The "cast of 140" is a actually a choir, not a big dancing ensemble. The music is quite beautiful and insightful in my opinion. I enjoyed it more the 2nd time (at Lincoln center). 

 

You do a disservice to it by calling it a "song and dance show." You make it sound like they're putting on a glitzy vegas show about Harvey Milk, with kick-lines and glitter. It's not even really a traditional musical. It's billed as an "oratorio"

Updated On: 4/12/16 at 12:16 AM

[Steve C.]

Posted: 4/12/16 at 12:45am

Thanks guys, I'll have to check those out or check Youtube.

[_IrisTInkerbell]

Posted: 4/12/16 at 10:24am

I Am Harvey Milk has been performed a few times now, most notably like mentioned the world premiere in SF with Laura and the Lincoln Center one with Kristin (Lippa is singing the lead, Harvey Milk, the soprano role is pretty small). It's described as a kind of oratorial piece, and yes, the big "cast" is a huge choir, usually a gay mens chorus.

I Am Anne Hutchison is a new piece to go with Harvey Milk from now on (they are each about 1h long), and Kristin has described it as a concept opera. Given that this will be the world premiere there isn't much about it out there yet. I imagine it will be similar in style though.

 

This production seems to be the first one with costumes, Kristin tweeted a photo from her fitting yesterday.

But it really is anything but a "song and dance" show, it's more of a concert with legit music and little choreography.

[theateraddiction]

Posted: 4/24/16 at 6:47pm

I went to this show last night and was absolutely blown away!! So beautiful, powerful, and uplifting—and what incredible performances! I'm crossing my fingers a cast album is produced—the music was gorgeous!!! Was anybody else there? If so, thoughts?

Updated On: 4/24/16 at 06:47 PM

[bruzson]

Posted: 4/24/16 at 8:51pm

Was there this afternoon. Both are orAtorios with a rather forced connection. The Harvey Milk part was definitely better and more varied. The First half featured Chenowith more but to little avail as the piece was rather one-note. I applaud the effort but the result was half-baked. 

[TweetyPie2]

Posted: 4/25/16 at 8:29am

Positive review in the Washington Post.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/arts-and-entertainment/wp/2016/04/24/chenoweth-as-a-puritan-shines-in-strathmore-premiere/

[_IrisTInkerbell]

Posted: 4/25/16 at 12:06pm

I was there and thought it was absolutely incredible! Lippa has outdone himself with the music for I Am Anne Hutchinson, pure genius. I had heard I Am Harvey Milk before, but hadn't seen it yet, and it's definitely much more powerful when you experience it life. Again, stunning music. But I have to admit that I loved Anne a bit more, and if just in the way the story in told (linear, while Milk is unlinear). You can follow the story better and are connected more to the characters, while Milk really is all about the message.

This piece is also such a good vehicle for Kristin, who was just superb. I love it when she plays funny, I really do, but I adored seeing her in such a different role, and because Lippa wrote this for her, and knows her voice so well, she could really shine vocally as well. Not that she doesn't always, but it was possibly some of the best I've seen her do.

 

The reviews are great, thank goodness (DC Metro even more glowing than the Post: http://bit.ly/1VO5soJ), and hope this will have a long life, as well in future performances, and perhaps even being filmed for PBS or something.

[JackiesBroJoe]

Posted: 4/25/16 at 4:54pm

hope they record this!

Updated On: 4/25/16 at 04:54 PM

[AngelEyez]

Posted: 4/26/16 at 11:16am

I saw it, as well, and LOVED it. I also preferred Anne, though Harvey was also powerful.  I'm not religious, but the themes in Anne Hutchinson really spoke to me. I really enjoyed seeing Kristin in a dramatic role and she was superb. I really hope they release a recording or film it for something.

 

[Zimmy]

Posted: 4/26/16 at 4:30pm

Inside info that I'm hearing is that it will continue on in some form or fashion. Whether that means another concert, a tour, a brief NYC engagement is yet to be seen.
Either way I'm looking forward to seeing it, as the music is on a whole some of Lippa's best work IMHO.

 

[batchels]

Posted: 4/26/16 at 4:41pm

I am so happy I saw this on Sunday.  Definitely preferred the Milk Act, which was one of the most powerful and moving pieces I have ever seen, simply amazing.  I am tempted to download the San Francisco recording but will hold out for a while hoping that there is some future for the Strathmore production.

I certainly enjoyed Kristin's performance more in the Anne Act, but overall was not nearly as moved nor did I think the songs were as strong and memorable as Milk.