My Evenings with Ms. Rashad and Ms. McDonald

[sweetiedarlinmia]

Posted: 1/8/05 at 4:48am

Well, I have just had the two most amazing nights of my life. Why you ask? I had the pleasure of seeing Gem of the Ocean Thursday night and Audra McDonald in concert Friday night. Since I have calmed down from my initial combination of numbness and excitement (I didn't know you could actually be both at the same time), I will share my evenings with you wonderful folks here. I must warn you that I am not one for brevity and that there may be some spoilers.

Thursday Night: Gem of the Ocean-
Never before in my life have I had such a rich experience at an event (theatre) considered by many as simple entertainment. August Wilson has developed an incredible text in this play. I felt as though I received a well-needed history lesson in my culture. It is one thing to read books and see documentaries on the facts of the past, and another to see characters and a story that bring it all to life. It was almost otherworldly. I could see people that I was raised around and know now in these characters, making me appreciate both more. The whole play is full of such mysticism, spirituality, and magic. And though Wilson uses many bible verses in his text, it spoke to the secular and non-secular. I am almost positive that my 20 years will not allow me to understand all that is to be understood in this play. I will wait patiently as, over the years, this deep and rich play will fully reveal its dimensions to me.
The design of this show was, in a word, amazing. The lighting and sound designers, Donald Holder and Dan Moses Schreier (respectively), earned my admiration (and hopefully a Tony) in the City of Bones scene. This is also due, of course, to the wonderful performance of Mr.John Earl Jelks. I felt as though I was on the Gem with Citizen Barlow, shackled across from him. I felt the sting of the whip as he was hit. I felt the wonder and the beauty of this city that, without all these elements, I could never have imagined. In Aunt Ester, Ms.Phylicia Rashad presented a character that will forever be ingrained on my mind. I never felt like I was watching Ms.Rashad perform as Aunt Ester, rather I was watching Aunt Ester possess the body of Ms.Rashad. It was not until intermission when someone seated nearby complimented Ms.Rashad on her consistency that I remembered that Aunt Ester wasn’t real. The supporting cast of this great play is masterful. I want to extol the greatness of their performances, but I fear that I would spend all night detailing every aspect that made them superb. All I can say is Bravo!
This show captures everything that great playwriting, acting, direction and design are. I STRONGLY urge all to see it.
I would like to thank JRB_Actor. Because of his kindness, I was able to meet and have brief conversation with a person whom I have enormous respect and adoration for, Ms.Phylicia Rashad. Thank you.

Friday Night: Audra McDonald in Concert-
I don’t think there are truly words that can describe how it felt to see Ms.McDonald, an artist whom I respect, admire, and cherish, in concert. I was blessed enough with front row center seats. How I managed that I still don’t understand. I chalk it up to something good I guess I did in this or another life, or simply God treating me for the rotten semester I just came off of. The moment she walked on stage I felt the air escape from my body and I don’t believe I breathed the entire performance. The concert was all-new, as I’m sure you all have read. I won’t take up space typing all the composers and singer/songwriters she performed, but if anyone is interested just pm me. I would have loved hearing her sing some of my favorites, as I’m sure others in the audience would have as well. However, I realized, that as an artist, Ms.McDonald must explore different avenues of expression. Otherwise she would become stagnant and the purpose of being a performer would cease to exist. Once again, Ms.McDonald combined her talent for acting within her songs perfectly. I’ll just point out some of my favorite songs:

“Damned Ladies” by Rufus Wainwright: A wonderful song requiring knowledge of classical literature, opera, etc.
“Wonderful You” by Jane Kelly Williams: I can fully understand why Ms.McDonald wanted to sing it after the first 4 notes. Beautiful.
“God Give Me Strength” by Elvis Costello and Burt Bacharach: WOW. A powerful song, a powerful performance.
“Hosing the Furniture” by Jonathan Larson: Great, funny song capturing the neurosis that can develop from being an underappreciated housewife. Ms.McDonald’s acting ability shines in this song, as well as in John Mayer’s “My Stupid Mouth.”
“Political Science” by Randy Newman: A perfect song for this political climate.

I’ll stop here because I am starting to feel like I want to talk about every song. Her between song repartee was witty and charming. She was beautiful, as usual, in a lovely red dress ( no black this time). I’m still processing the night here at 4:30 in the morning so this is all I’ll type. I just want to say that tonight was a night I will never forget. It was through Ms.McDonald’s music that I was reintroduced to the theatre I loved as a child and learned that I was ok for me, a young African-American female living in the south, to love theatre and I will eternally be grateful for that. I know my reviews may not have been as technical as others on this board but they came from the heart. That’s the only way I know how to think about theatre and all that it entails, with my heart.

Night!
Updated On: 1/8/05 at 04:48 AM

[marincrazy11]

Posted: 1/8/05 at 10:25am

I'm glad you had such a great time!!!!!!!!!!!

[DottieD'Luscia]

Posted: 1/8/05 at 10:53am

Thank you for your wonderfully written review. I like that Audra McDonald is diverse in the types of performances she gives.

[MagicToDo82]

Posted: 1/8/05 at 1:52pm

Thanks for those accounts. I wasn't sure if I wanted to see "Gem" but now, based on your review, I do!:) Audra is incomparable. Glad you had a great time!

[MatureDignity]

Posted: 1/8/05 at 2:06pm

She sang Rufus and Randy Newman? Ugh, I hate being geographically impaired!

I wouldn't mind it if you talked about every song. Thanks for the write-up.

[bta212]

Posted: 1/8/05 at 2:15pm

Audra singing Rufus, Elvis and Burt....I can't believe it.
I received the "Songbook" schedule/order form just at a moment when I had gone on a ticket-buying frenzy and made a budget-based decision to refrain. Aaargh!

The lesson? ALWAYS buy tickets for Audra. Always.

Well, I'll always have the memories of the Joe's Pub fundraiser--she sang a great set and I had the chance to hang out with her afterwards. >sigh<

Updated On: 1/8/05 at 02:15 PM

[jmnpublications]

Posted: 1/8/05 at 2:36pm

You have so eloquently expressed my exact experience in seeing "Gem of the Ocean." I saw it in Boston months ago and still feel its power. The audience is truly transported. Everyone should see this play. Everyone.

And what a thrill for you to have that experience followed the next evening with Audra MacDonald in concert. I so wanted to see her and Ms. Rashad together in "A Raisin in the Sun," but it closed before I could get to NY. I wish I wish I wish more shows were recorded for airing on PBS, even if video pales in comparison to live theater. At least great performances would be preserved for posterity.

Very well written, sweetie. You helped me relive a great night of theater. Thank you.

lc

[Unknown User]

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

I'm going to the McDonald concert this evening, but now from what I've learned of the songs on the program I can't say I'm looking forward to it.

Please tell me she sings some standards. Well, I'll start hearing for myself in about 4 hours.

[MasterLcZ]

Posted: 1/8/05 at 3:25pm

I saw the song list posted on ATC and I think you are outta luck, José. She is singing all contemporary songwriters - nothing from HAPPY SONGS.

Alas.

Updated On: 1/8/05 at 03:25 PM

[sweetiedarlinmia]

Posted: 1/9/05 at 12:47am

I found it refreshing to actually not hear standards. I know I may receive a tounge-lashing for this. Please do not mistake, I LOVE standards. That is what made me love Ms.McDonald. I just like seeing an artist flex the other muscles they have.

Some other songs she performed:
"Cigarettes and Chocolate Milk" by Rufus Wainwright- another great Rufus song

"Life is but a Dream" by Adam Guttel- beautiful song that was cut from Saturn Returns

"When Lola Sings" by Michael John LaChiusa specifically for this performance. The most amazing opener! It contains references to Audra, her husband, and daughter. Lively and wonderful song.

"I Wanna Get Married" by Nellie McKay- This song and "Hosing the Furniture" were performed as a set of marriage songs and were a great pairing.

"Cradle and All" Words by Jessica Molaskey, Music by Ricky Ian Gordon- A beautiful lullaby for written not for a child, but for one's parents.

"Happier than the Morning Sun" by Stevie Wonder- Light and Beautiful.

"Where Would I Be Now" by Dan Lipton- Love, Love, Love this song! I could just imagine Lipton sitting on a train writing these words.

"Departure" Words by Edna St. Vincent Millay, Music by Jeff Blumenkrantz- Being a huge Blumenkrantz fan, I must say that this song made me once again fall in love this great composer.

"Bein' Green" by Joe Raposo- Yes, the song made famous by Kermit. A favorite of Ms. McDonald's since age 9. I was glad she sang it, it brought back fond memories.

"Tom Cat Goodbye" by Laura Nyro- WOW! I am soo glad that she heeded the advice of the three people who recommended this to her. Amazing!

"I Think It's Going to Rain Today" by Randy Newman- A fitting Closing Number.

Encore: "Heaven" Words by Langston Hughes, Music by Ricky Ian Gordon- I've loved this song since I first heard it.

Again, Wow!

[MargoChanning]

Posted: 1/9/05 at 12:56am

Thanks so much for your wonderfully expressed opinions. I must say that the moment I heard that had Audra cancelled the night before, you were the first person I thought of. I'm SO glad that you got to see her and were so affected by Gem of the Ocean. I'm very happy for you.

[sweetiedarlinmia]

Posted: 1/10/05 at 6:01pm

For anyone interested, The NY Times has their review of Audra's concert up. You have to log in to see it, but it's free. They loved it!