Gerard Alessandrini (creator of Forbidden Broadway) Hosts Broadway Close Up - "Sing for Your Supper"

[Thenardier]

Posted: 5/3/05 at 9:20pm

Merkin Concert Hall
Monday, May 2, 2005 at 8 pm

Kaufman Center
presents
Broadway Close Up
_____________________________________________________________

"Sing For Your Supper"
Ensembles in the Spotlight

Hosted by
Gerard Alessandrini

Starring
Dann Fink
Lynelle Johnson
Margaret Kelly
James Sasser
Erica Schroeder
Todd Thurston

Musical Director/Pianist
Richard Danley

Stage Director
John Znidarsic

Artistic Direcotr
Sean Hartley

Last night I went to Merkin Hall (67th and B'way/Amsterdam) to see "Broadway Close Up." Last night's theme was, as stated before, "Ensembles in the Spotlight." Merkin Hall also hosts a special called "Bound for Broadway," which parades songs from shows that will soon appear on Broadway (and as Alessandrini said, "Will be in Forbidden Broadway in 2 years"). Avenue Q was one show that performed during that special. A quick note, September 26, 2005 "The Music of Alan Menken" will appear at Merkin Hall.

Now, a review of the actual show:

The show was absolutely amazing. Some of the best voices I have ever heard appeared on the stage. It just makes you think how difficult it must be to star in a Broadway show. Most of these performers were better than some of the people on Broadway right now. The three men (Todd, Dann, and James) were amazing. Each had their own special type of singing that was pure entertainment. It seemed like Dann, who had more emotion in his voice, was the star along with Lynelle Johnson - who also has an amazing voice. Nevertheless, the other two women (Margaret and Erica) were also amazing. Margaret was also very funny in some of the songs.

The show began with everyone singing "Quintet" from West Side Story. This was done very well and was a great start to the show. Then Alessandrini came onstage and introduced the show. He basically said that they would be performing ensemble pieces from different shows. He made the point that ensemble pieces are not often performed because they require some knowledge of the book. After "West Wood Story...I mean Side" (Alessandrini), the full cast sang "The Telephone Hour" from Bye Bye Birdie, with James as Harvey Johnson. This was also done very well, or as well as it could be done out of context.

Next came the great vocals of the three men in a great rendition of "Fugue for Tinhorns" from Guys and Dolls. The three women then sung a great song from a very underrated and underused show. This was "The Tea Party" from Dear World. The song was very Jerry Herman, but still sat well on its own.

Lynelle was able to brightly shine in "And This is My Beloved" from Kismet. Erica, Todd, and Dann sang as well. It is a very operatic piece, if you did not know, but still retains roots in Broadway-type show music.

Between each song, Alessandrini made some very funny remarks about each show. To introduce the next song, he told a nice story that I will re-tell here. I don't know how many know this "legend" (or even if it's true) but as Gerard said, "It's nice to believe it." The next song was sung beautifully by James and Margaret. It was Irving Berlin's "You're Just in Love" from Call Me Madam. The story is that every one involved with the show left for lunch and only the assistant stage manager was left in the room. The phone rang and it was Irving Berlin who had just composed a new song for the show that no one had yet heard - "You're Just in Love." Berlin asked to speak to the director, actors, etc. (all of whom were, as I said, gone). Finally, Berlin asked to whom he was speaking, and the man replied, "Harold Prince." Berlin said, "Well, Hal, listen to this..." Berlin played the song and, well, "Hal" must have liked it. Who would guess "Hal" would become "THE" Harold Prince?

How could you do an ensmeble show without singing a Sondheim score? Well, they ended up doing two - and did both beautifully. The first Sondheim score performerd was "You're Gonna Love Tomorrow" from Follies. Then the cast performed a beautiful "Journey On" from Ragtime, a nice "Friendship" from Anything Goes, and a rightfully called "Sextet" from On the Twentieth Century.

The next section included songs from Off-Broadway shows.

As you know, my favorite show is, obviously, Les Mis. I was extremely happy that Gerard performed his "Thank Heaven" from Forbidden Broadway based on a song from Gigi. The song is about Les Mis and provided a perfect segueway into "Ten Years More" from Forbidden Broadway based on a song from Les Miserables. The cast brought the house down with this song. It was full of life and energy (and taunting). Afterwards, Gerard sat up and said, "Oh, it's over. Sorry, I fell asleep. Songs from Les Mis always make me do that." - That comment did not make me too happy. After the next song, however, I said to myself, "Wow, Les Mis really isn't the best." I quickly washed that thought out of my mind. Les Mis will always be No 1 in my book .

This next song was Sondheim's "Pretty Lady" from Pacific Overtures. This number was one of the most beautiful of the night. This was obviously performed by the three men.

Next came the title song, "Sing for Your Supper" from The Boys From Syracuse.

The night concluded with a beautiful "Some Other Time" from On the Town. It was a beautiful closing to a great show.

As you can see, the show was amazing. The performers were great and the song selection was also nice. There was some minor direction which fit nicely with the overall show. Also, I must give special recognition to Richard Danley who played the piano beautifully - even the Sondheim score.

The worst part was when it ended. Yeah, I know, that's too cliché.

[This review can be found in my blog]