I am going to have to disagree with some of the above views. Although overall this was a thrilling evening of music, I didn't like Alice Ripley all that much. I thought many of her vowels were off and/or harsh (her "are" at the end of "Flagmaker" sounded like "uuhhhhhh"), and she was really flat at the end of "Surabaya-Santa." Laura Griffith did a really nice job with such a short rehearsal period. She and Brian D'Arcy James were very well matched on "I'd Give It All for You", and she outsang Ms. Ripley on the female duo harmony in "Hear My Song." Her "Christmas Lullaby" was quite lovely.
I felt that the men -- including JRB -- stole the show. I think that Brian D'Arcy James was the most consistent of the performers, both vocally and in the emotional performance of his songs. "She Cries" was a highlight for me. Although I didn't necessarily like the quality of Tituss Burgess' voice, his range was very impressive and his characterization of the songs was fantastic -- by far the best of the group. His performance even got me to like "Steam Train."
The songs that invovled the entire ensemble were by far the strongest.
JRB on the piano was, as expected, the true highlight of show. I had a clear view of his hands -- what I wouldn't give to be able to play piano like that. I was thrilled that he did an encore, and his "Moving Too Fast" did not disappoint. I also waited around for autographs and a picture, which I will now add to my growing collection.
Overall, a great night of music.
On the road of life, do not pause for suicidal chipmunks who freeze in your headlights, seeking death by your tires...
