On, Girl with Jennifer Holliday at Ars Nova

[touchmeinthemorning]

Posted: 12/6/06 at 2:57pm

Saw this last night. The music, while not groundbreaking, is tuneful. The performers were all in top voice. FYI, this wasn't a reading of a show, per se, but more of a concert showcasing the writings from a young team.

A few notes about Ms. Holliday -- mostly spiritual notes: Jennifer Holliday can comand a room and use the power of the universe to wrap her voice around a song. With that sort of power at her fingertips, it is astonishing to me that she doesn't realize that she gets exactly what she asks for from the universe. If she'd start with being grateful and humble herself, she would see no end to her power as a performer. Last night, she was powerful for what she was -- and she needs to feel and see what she is, and be grateful. I think everyone in the room saw a woman who doesn't need to be hurting as badly as she is.

With that said, I'm excited to see what happens with this songwriting team -- whose lyrics aren't particularly novel, but fit the music (which isn't novel, either). Now, they just need to tell a story worth telling.