Gavin Creel Prom King Review...

[Craig]

Posted: 3/7/05 at 11:34pm

Well the joint was JUMPING all evening as Gavin Creel sang a few covers but mostly original tunes (many of which were featured in the concert he and Laura Benanti gave at Joe's Pub) and it was outstanding. There are few people that put on such an energetic crowd and can get the audience completely fired up.

I'll let other posters who were there write more, but I just wanted to say that it takes a BOLD man to do an encore AFTER one of his backup singers gets proposed to in front of the audience.

In short, Whitney, one of Gavin's back up singers was here on spring break and did Gavin's gig. Not suspecting a thing, Gavin crowned her Prom Queen and then said he was going to pass the crown to someone. He called out for Whitney's boyfriend (Whitney had NO idea he was there - they're from out of town - and he came on stage and she was FLOORED. But the best was yet to come as he got down on one knee and proposed..

Amazing to be there in the audience... and like I said.. after the crowd went completely crazy from the proposal, Gavin closed the show with a rousing finale...

Congrats to all involved!

[NativeNewYorker]

Posted: 3/7/05 at 11:38pm

Argh! I'm so upset I missed it.

Did he sing the "I'd rather drink a glass of Drain-o than be in love with you" song? (not sure of the exact lyrics, but I know there's Drain-o in it)

I LOVE that one!

[TheOneAndOnly]

Posted: 3/7/05 at 11:46pm

As I posted on the other message board, but in case some people don't read that:

"Wow, where to start?! Rather than do a full review (hoping someone else will chime in with one)...let me say I wasn't sure what to expect. I had never heard any of Gavin's original work.

The Spelling Bee set provided the perfect setting for his PROM NIGHT (as Prom King). Everyone who you could think of was in attendence, and the energy at the start and throughout the show was simply electric. There was a full band with 3 backup singers who all kicked it all night long.

Gavin started out with a few original works that were fresh, fun, smart, and full of soul. He talked about how special this was for him, and got, what Michael Benjamin Washington in full spectacular drag referred to as, "a little bit..Maya Angelou", saying that he's living out dreams and that on this, March 7, 2005, he's the happiest man alive and that anyone out there including him, has to "today: put your foot down, claim your dreams, and move forward." It was very sincere and heartfelt.

After rockin out for a while, Gavin said that "you can't have a prom without a little Whitney Houston. Y'kno, like I said, ya love who ya love. And I loved Whitney Houston. I used to sit in my room and scream in her octave..any soul I have in my voice is cuz of her......but I can't sing it..so I'm gonna have somebody come out here and sing it. I think you know who she is...IN HER SENIOR YEAR PROM DRESS, Shoshana Bean!"

Now listen...I am not one to go crazy over just anything. But THAT GIRL BLEW THE ROOF off of the 2nd Stage with "How Will I Know", making you FORGET Whitney Houston. She's aready loved by many, but I think she gained lots of respect tonight. The crowd (of many not easy to impress industry folks) went wild for her. It was one of those times that you just FEEL you are experiencing something shattering and special.

She gave the stage back to Gavin, and he changed the mood to something more low-key and somber, performing a number of songs with just his writing partner on an acoustic guitar. Some of the songs he explained, while others explained themselves. He was very giving in his performances, singing from a place deep inside.

Just when you think things can't get any better and the band & back-up singers rejoin Gavin on stage, he says that it's time to crown Prom Queen. After scanning the audience, "Oh look at you Shayna...you're lookin' fine...but not fine enough. Oh (Jen) Gamby, look at you, you've got a corsage. Nice job, Cheyenne! Hmm...I know some of you boys tonight could be Prom Queen..but...the Queen is gonna be Whitney!" Whitney is one of his back-up singers, a senior at UofM, who skipped class to perform with Gavin. He asked who she'd like to be her Prom King, and she said "My boyfriend Matt..." (I believe it was Matt, maybe Mike, sorry I don't remember. Let's say Matt.) So Gavin goes, "Ok Matt, come on down!" And she says, "No no, he's not here." The boyfriend then proceeds to run to the stage, surprising Whitney. Gavin crowns him PROM KING, and says "Oh, he has something he'd like to say..." The boyfriend puts his hand in his pocket and the audience literally is on the edge of their seats, as he DROPS TO ONE KNEE AND PROPOSES! She flailed and screamed yes, and received a thunderous standing ovation from the crowd!

After a few moments, Gavin said "Ok get back up there we have to finish the show!". He did a duet with Shoshana, and one or two more roaring and jamming songs to close the show....but not before he crowned the entire audience his Prom Queens by having his dancers hand out 288 tiaras for everyone to wear. "Don't be embarassed, don't pass them along like you don't want to wear one, EVERYONE gets to wear one!"

For all of the above reasons plus many more, this is the type of show that reminds you why we love music, how it moves us, how it brings people together, and how lucky so many of us are to be involved in something that breathes so much passion into our lives, no matter what part of the journey we may be on. Love love loved it. "

Thanks!

[touchmeinthemorning]

Posted: 3/7/05 at 11:51pm

Now THAT is a review. Thanks, OneandOnly!

[Blue J]

Posted: 3/7/05 at 11:52pm

Awesome review! The night sounds amazing. Thanks!

[Phantom2]

Posted: 3/7/05 at 11:55pm

Rumor has it Gavin looked phenomenal, safety pins and all!

[DickonDefysGravity]

Posted: 3/8/05 at 12:29am

pictures???

[MissNY]

Posted: 3/8/05 at 12:35am

TheOneAndOnly- I could not have said it better myself. Was that a fun night or what. I was really amazed with Gavin's original material. Great songs, especially the fast ones. I havent seen La Cage yet, so this was my first experience seeing Gavin and he really impressed me. Great voice, sweet and funny. He had the crowd constantly laughing. I was sitting 2nd row center so that was really cool. Shoshana Bean was incredible as usual, and the proposal at the end...I almost cried. (BTW-If anyone took pictures of Whitney and Mark during the proposal and would like to send them to her, please send me a PM, I know she would love to see them).
And yes, Gavin looked great, falling off safety pins and all :)
And how cool was it that so many theatre people showed up to support Gavin. Most of the La Cage cast was there, along with countless other Broadway names.

[MadeofGold]

Posted: 3/8/05 at 12:44am

This was the first time I had ever heard Gavin Creel sing anything before and I was so unbelievably impressed. What a performer! His original work is stellar and I'm amazed that he hasn't put out a cd yet. Energetic, funny, humble and most of all, supremely talented. I will most definitely be checking him out in the future.

And I bawled like a baby during the proposal. That was so sweet!

Thanks to my "prom date" AndyF for the gift he bought me beforehand - you know me so well! And umm...I'm sorry I didn't recognize Stephen Sondheim - forgive me?!

[MissNY]

Posted: 3/8/05 at 1:17am

If anyone wants to see some photos I took, mostly of Shoshana, but she is with Gavin for some
http://unexamined-life.com/gallery/thumbnails.php?album=48

They came out kinda blury cuz they were constantly moving, but for those of you who missed it, it may be interesting to see

[LaCageAuxFollesFan2]

Posted: 3/8/05 at 1:36am

Gavin Creel gave his fans something to cheer about last night at Second Stage theatre in the heart of midtown. And speaking of heart, there was enough love to go around - from the greatful Gavin, to the gushing funs, and the surprise engagement - it was a night that will long be remembered.

Not only was affection in the air, but with PROM KING, Creel annointed himself a bonofied star! Having already delighted and established himself with praise, accolades, and nominations for THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE & LA CAGE AUX FOLLES, Gavin is doing something that has not been done in decades - Becoming a true blue star! In the day and age of pop sensations hogging the lime-light on Broadway - Gavin is doing the oposite - taking what he has learned in the trenches and spreading the wealth in other outlets.

His latest venture is a colaborative effort of light rock vocals with himself as the lead. A soothing mix of sweetness with a biting edge gives his music a unique sound not to me matched. The tall and muscular Creel is a true teddy bear at heart and his trancendent tenderness shines through in his performing.

Also along for the ride of the evening was Gavin's cast mate Michael Benjamin Washington and "WICKED" Witch Shoshana Bean. Both delighting in what they do best, belting and beutifying! Gavins band and dancers added to the delightful evening, but the biggest moment came when a backup singer and shool mate of Creel's was surprised with a marriage proposal from her boyfriend that only Gavin knew about.

Gavin should also know now that his genuine nature and loving spirit, not to mention his awsome voice and original music are gifts to be nurtured. That alone will give Gavin droves of fans, friends, and well wishers. Creel proved last night why he is no longer the prince, but should be the King of not only Broadway but pop culture for years to come!

[WhatDoINeedWithLove?]

Posted: 3/8/05 at 2:49am

SIGH...thats all I have to say for those of us who couldn't be there...

[WhatDoINeedWithLove?]

Posted: 3/8/05 at 2:50am

SIGH...thats all I have to say for those of us who couldn't be there...

[MadeofGold]

Posted: 3/8/05 at 2:58am

WhatdoIneed, I thought of you though. Does that help? :/

[Mamie]

Posted: 3/8/05 at 4:02am

Which "La Cage" cast members were there?

[LaCageAuxFollesFan2]

Posted: 3/8/05 at 10:00am

Most of the Cagells and for sure I definitly saw Ruth Williamson and some of the MILLIE ensemble, there could have been more that I missed.

[freelancer]

Posted: 3/8/05 at 10:15am

Daniel Davis was also there, and a guy who looked to me like he could be Adam Pascal. I don't know him well enough to tell. The two girls sitting next to me pointed at him and whispered, so I at least know he was someone. Was I going crazy, or was he there? Gavin's parents were also sitting right behind me. There certainly was a HUGE Broadway crowd there. I seemed to be one of the few people there who didn't know anyone. Kinda uncomfortable sitting on the fourth row, but worth it! Great show . . .

[BoxFive]

Posted: 3/8/05 at 10:35am

Gavin made the jump from beloved Broadway performer to beloved Broadway ICON last night, so much POSITIVE ENERGY in that boy, he makes you swoon and cry all at once, here's to a shining rocket of a performer.
And what a house, packed to the gills with the best and brightest, a truly special event!!!!!!!!

[mirramar]

Posted: 3/8/05 at 11:19am

Yes, last night was INCREDIBLE! I'm so glad that I decided to go! I can't wait to see Gavin in La Cage, like BoxFive said, he exudes so much positive energy, I wish that I could bottle it up and tap into it when I need it.

That was the only proposal I've ever had the honor of witnessing and it was the most beautiful thing I've ever seen. I cried sooo hard.

Definitely a night I'll remember for a long time!

[junglered]

Posted: 3/8/05 at 12:44pm

Thanks for the reviews on this event. Gavin Creel is an extremely special and talented performer. I'm sorry that I was not able to see him in this performance. I did catch his intimate show of mostly original material at Ars Nova last June and was very impressed by what I heard. Gavin has a great career ahead of him. I'm looking forward to seeing him perform in La Cage later this spring.

[Lynnespock2]

Posted: 3/8/05 at 1:06pm

How were the dancers and the back up singers? I know Gavin was major, he has always been!

I know one of the dancers and one of the back up singers. Sorry I missed this performance!

[Lynnespock2]

Posted: 3/8/05 at 1:06pm

It posted twice. Once is enough!

Updated On: 3/8/05 at 01:06 PM

[ChildofDestiny]

Posted: 3/8/05 at 3:48pm

Broadway.com just put up photos!!

I also went to the show and echo what everyone else has said. This man is one to watch (and boy is he a nice one to watch!).
Prom King Pics on Broadway.com

[ShiksaGoddess2]

Posted: 3/8/05 at 4:26pm

My GOSH he looks sooooo HOT in the picture with Shoshana(lucky girl), though he looks hot in all of them IMO. :)

[Johnnytoc]

Posted: 3/8/05 at 4:26pm

Sounds (and looks) like it was a lot of fun!