Max Von Essen at "Broadway Spotlight"

[Sunfish]

Posted: 1/7/04 at 10:11am

The short review is WOW! What a show! He showed all facets of his vocal abilities. A real powerhouse when he chooses, but when he goes "tender" it's time for the tissues. And he has great comic abilities, which he used well throughout the show.

I don't want to ruin the experience for those who will see him on the 19th...Some bits though: His introduction was very funny, with a personal specialty intro number, written just for this appearance. He handled his "Dance of the Vampires" experience VERY cleverly, while still showcasing his "signature song" from DOTV("For Sarah") which is absolutely beautiful.

Stephanie J. Block joined him for a jazzy/swingy number, and Adam Fleming and Robb Sapp contributed to a running joke throughout the show, but also joined Max in a very touching number he sang to his two ADORABLE nieces, who joined them on stage. (The younger one already knows how to work an audience!)

(There wasn't a program so I don't know all the names of the songs he sang.) His renditions of lesser-known "standards" (if there is such a thing) from the Sinatra/Bennett genre were stylish and fresh.

I also have to mention that he has an excellent range, hitting some stunning high notes.

I don't know if he will perform the same encore on the 19th, but just let me say that I doubt there was a dry eye in the house, including his.

I am really surprised no one has posted about this yet, as I KNOW there were some broadwayworld folks at the show. Heck, the OWNER of this website was there, the incomparable Rob. Maybe there is a feature in the works (please? with pictures? )

And for the fashion hogs, he was dressed casually but neatly. Black long sleeve shirt (tail out) and lighter pants. He looked great.

And I do have to mention his Fabulous Musical Director/Accompanist, Randy Redd, who contributed so much to the style and class of the show. I would really like to see him in his own right. Kudos also to Director Jamie McGonnigal (who was seen absconding with a major prop, a liquor cart, which apparently (ahem!) had real scotch in the decanter).

A fabulous evening. I so envy those of you who will see it again on the 19th.

SOMEBODY GET MAX INTO A SHOW...NOW!!!

[Phantom2]

Posted: 1/7/04 at 10:35am

Fabulous review! I also adore Stephanie J. Block.
Tail out? That's very un-Max. He's usually all tucked in, but this guy is a Supermodel and would look good wearing only dental floss. Did I mention, total stud?

Updated On: 1/7/04 at 10:35 AM

[broadwayguy2]

Posted: 1/7/04 at 1:01pm

Adamness!!!!!!!!!!!

[Cyndy]

Posted: 1/7/04 at 2:56pm

Thanks for the great review Sunfish! I was at Max's concert Monday night too and agree with everything you said. Max is such a talent. I flew 5+ hours to be able to go to his concert and would do it again in a heartbeat. If you have tickets for the 19th encore, you're in for a treat.

[Rob]

Posted: 1/7/04 at 4:26pm

Sunfish said it all quite well - Max was fantastic... We'll have some photos up from that night Friday/Saturday.

Rob

[Phantom2]

Posted: 1/7/04 at 6:03pm

Woohoo!!!!!!!!!!!

[broadwayguy2]

Posted: 1/7/04 at 6:05pm

YAY!

[JoizeyActor]

Posted: 1/7/04 at 7:03pm

Ahhh! I can't handle this anymore. I want January 19th to come right NOW!

I hope all his guests are back, but it might even be better and surprising to have new people help him out as well. Glad to hear it went well.

[Musetta1957]

Posted: 1/7/04 at 7:07pm

Hmmm...please, more details on how he talked about DoTV? :)

[Cyndy]

Posted: 1/7/04 at 7:21pm

Musetta,he didn't really talk much about DOTV, but how he dealt with it....well...after the 19th let's get back to that...don't want to spoil it for those who haven't been yet. But it was fun and brought back some great memories from the show.

[DottieD'Luscia]

Posted: 1/7/04 at 7:45pm

This guy needs to record a CD.

[Elphie]

Posted: 1/7/04 at 7:46pm

Or be cast in a big upcoming show. I've only heard good stuff about him- I want to see it!!

[DottieD'Luscia]

Posted: 1/7/04 at 7:59pm

I can't believe he was only the Marius understudy in Les Miz. I bet he was great whenever he went on.

[Musetta1957]

Posted: 1/7/04 at 11:19pm

"Musetta,he didn't really talk much about DOTV, but how he dealt with it....well...after the 19th let's get back to that...don't want to spoil it for those who haven't been yet."

Thanks. I understand.

[Rob]

Posted: 1/7/04 at 11:20pm

I don't think he got the chance to go on as Marius to the best of my knowledge, but I could be wrong.

[Sunfish]

Posted: 1/8/04 at 1:52pm

Gald y'all enjoyed the review. Rob, I'm looking forward to the pics. I realize there are extenuating circumstances.

Cyndy is right, we'll all want to talk more about the specifics after the 19th. Personally, I don't mind another go 'round then.

For how well Max is known, there are remarkably few recordings of his voice. He needs (WE need him)to record a CD AND get into a good show! Soon! I know he was in the Lestat reading, but that's not scheduled until 2005 or something like that. Too long.

[CherylA928]

Posted: 1/8/04 at 2:07pm

..I don't think he got the chance to go on as Marius to the best of my knowledge, but I could be wrong.


You’re right Rob. I don’t think Max ever had the opportunity to go on for Kevin Kern (Marius) in the Broadway production.

HOWEVER, the company did offer him the role of Marius on the National Tour. Max was very proud that they had asked him but if I remember correctly, after MY FAIR LADY in Pittsburgh and JOSEPH in Sacramento, it was time to be back in New York for a while.

[Phantom2]

Posted: 1/8/04 at 4:27pm

The Great White Way is definitely for Max!