Here's my review of the day:
Megan Hilty: Reliable performer who consistently knocks it out of the park. Why is she not a bigger star? She is a true belter who plays up the "blonde" shtick, and it works for her. Saw her with the Pops recently, and it was pretty much the same thing. I'm a fan.
Titus Burgess: Way more versatile than I expected. His voice is straight out of the church, but he did a rendition of "Summertime" that was jazzy and smooth and a powerful version of "What's Goin' On" after urging everyone to vote.
"Stranger Things" boys: Not a whole lot to report. They came out and did "Fugue for Tinhorns" with Darren Criss and then each did their own numbers with their sisters. It was cute for what it was, and the boys have nice voices.
Corey Cott: Adorable and goofy when speaking, but when he sings, he exudes confidence. Of course "Santa Fe" was great, but he did "One Song" from Rent, and I think that was personal favorite.
Julie James: She has a nice voice, but she attempted to scat in her soprano, and it was a very bad decision. I like her, but her constant peppiness is a bit much and we know by the fifth time she mentions it that she is on Sirius; no need to state it another five times.
Todrick Hall: Bizarre going from Julie James to Todrick. I had never heard him until tonight, and I'm sold. It was high energy, fun songs, and a beautiful romantic duet with Darren Criss. Won me over.
Rebel and a Basketcase: Oy. This lasted way longer than it should have. I understand that they're Darren's friends and he wanted to have an eclectic group of performers, but at a musical theater festival, there should be musical theater songs performed. I'm fine if you want to mix in one or two of your own, but their entire set was their own alternative indie rock music. And it didn't end. I actually didn't hate the music, but this was entirely out of place and tedious.
Pasek and Paul: This was the highlight of the night for me. They sang some of their own songs and brought out Lindsay Mendez and Cynthia Erivo for some of the others. I cannot wait for Dear Evan Hansen, especially after hearing Pasek sing "Waving Through the Window" and Cynthia Erivo singing the act I closer. Their music is so melodic.
Jason Robert Brown: Well, he seems like an interesting one. Clearly a fan of himself. The man is talented, so I get it. He sang a bunch of the songs including "Moving Too Fast," "I Love Betsy" and "It All Fades Away." Cynthia Erivo came out to do one from Last 5 Years also.
Lena Hall: Similar to Rebel and a Basketcase (although not to the same extent), she and her band sang lots of their own rock tunes. She did a couple of radio-friendly songs including "I Believe in a Thing Called Love" and of course sang "Origin of Love." The girl's voice is sick, but way too much rock for me.
Darren Criss: He is so enthusiastic about musical theater and it's infectious. Liz Callaway came out to sing "Journey to the Past" with him, and he sang a bunch of other great ones including "Cabaret" (couldn't pass up the "Elsie" lyric nod). Have to hand it to him for putting a wonderful day together.
Overall, the day was lots of fun. There were some great performances at the piano in between sets including Laura Osnes and little Alison from Fun Home doing "Ring of Keys." The place was easy to get to and the seats were fine. Food and bathrooms didn't have long lines either. I'd go again next year.
