Rob and I couldn't be happier with last night - what an incredible evening for everyone involved and in the audience. Thanks to everyone that came out and supported BC/EFA and all the artists. Like with the first Standing Ovations, the performers praised the audience at Joe's Pub for being so amazing.
I'd like to thank Scott Nevins for a wonderful job hosting again. He kept the evening moving and provided his sparkling sense of humor with some great zingers...
Jamie McGonnigal - Your contribution to last night event is priceless. Thank you.
Here's the song/performer list with some comments...
One Night Only (Toxic Audio) - Ending the original standing ovations, they blew the lid off of Joe's Pub. Having them open Standing Ovations 2 couldn't have been more apropos
And The World Goes Round (Billy Porter)
Applause (Alice Ripley)
Both Billy and Alice set the bar for the evening. These two performers gave their spine tingling performances before racing up to other events.
Something's Coming (Cheyenne Jackson)
Cheyenne had the crowd going wild with his rendition. A formidible talent!
Come Rain or Come Shine (Erin Leigh Peck)
Looking at Erin you would never imagine such a belt could come from her small frame. As Rob said, probably one of the best renditions of this standard I have ever heard.
Mine all Mine (Becca Ayers - Miguel Cervantes) * American debut of the new song for Bat Boy
What a treat for everyone to hear this new song which replaced "Inside Your Heart) - Thank you to Larry O'Keefe for not only sharing that with all of us, but also playing for both Becca and Miguel.
Never (Rena Strober)
I'll admit when I heard Rena was going to sing Never (a song Madeline Kahn sang in On The Twentieth Century) I wasn't sure that would come off well. Not because of Rena's talent - of which she has it in spades, but just because I thought there were other songs that would showcase her talent better. She nailed it to perfection and had the audience in the palm of her hand. Major kudos. (Catch her gig at Don't Tell Mama!)
Roxanne (Rob Evan) *original from Neil Berg
Rob has a presence of a voice that captivates you and Neil's song showcased it beautifully.
Wallflower (Mandy Gonzalez)
I have major love for Mandy. Not only is she one of the sweetest people I have ever met, she has talent coming out of every single pore of her body. I am so delighted she participated last night - considering that she's a week away from her wedding and has about a million things going on in her head!
I Am In Love (Matt Cavenaugh)
Singing this Cole Porter favorte, Matt charmed the audience and got several shout outs afterwards, proving he's not just the poster boy for Abs of Steel.
Fifty Checks (Marc Shaiman) from the upcoming Catch Me If You Can
Another great addition to the evening was Marc Shaiman - LIVE! Fortunately for us, he was actually IN NYC after being jet setting around the US. His 50 checks is only a sample of the amazing songs written for this show that I have had the pleasure of listening to.
Sweeney Todd (Michael McKean)
Not enough can be said about Michael McKean. He's incredibly intelligent, funny and can deliver a song in a style all his own. His rendition of this folk song was definitely a highlight of the evening for me.
Somewhere That's Green (Ellen Greene)
Suddenly Seymour (Ellen Greene)
What else can be said about Ellen? If you were there last night, you bore witness to the audibile gasps when Scott began to introduce her. You were witness to the thunderous applause before she sang. And the standing ovation and lengthy applause the followed her numbers. Having her fly out just to be a part of our evening was an incredible treat.
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Popular (Jai Rodriguez)
Sung towards our director, Jai had the crowd in hysterics giving advice to Jamie - complete with his Zanna Don't wand to perform some magic!
The Boy Next Door (Jenne Leigh Green)
Jenna proved once again how wonderful her range and voice truly is.
I Believe In You (Eddie Varley and the Varlettes)
The never disappointing Eddie Varley held the audience captive with this great number from H2$. And the Varlettes? WOW!
As If You Never Said Goodbye (Josh Young)
A stirring rendition of a great song. Josh nailed it perfectly!
Forever Mine (Jenna Leigh Green - Michael Arden)
It's been so long since I heard this song and both Jenna and Michael were fantastic
How Not To Be With You (Randy Redd) *Original, Brian Lowdermilk
Brian has a true gift for lyrics and this song performed by Randy was an excellent addition to Standing Ovations 2. I'm looking forward to hearing Randy perform somewhere again - and soon!
Banjo Daddy (Annette O'Toole - Michael McKean) *Original MM/AO
The married duo performed this diddy which was filled with double entrendres - simply hysterical and beautiful too. Annette was so humble as to imply she might not deserve to be sharing the stage with so many divas... rest assured, she deserved to be there in spades! I can't wait for them to finish the musical on which this song came from...
Goodnight (Liz Callaway) * Original, Scott Alan
A beautiful song sung by a true theater legend/icon/fill in the blank. We were so blessed to have Liz perform this evening too. Like Alice and Billy, she was at the Kerry benefit, but raced down to pull double duty at our concert...
How Glory Goes (Michael Arden)
A beautiful voice singing a beautiful song. Let's hope he and Jenna (and the rest of the BARE cast) get back on the stage where they belong - and soon!
Elephant Love Medley (Jai Rodriguez - Cheyenne Jackson)
Also a major highlight of the evening. What could possibly be said about this medley topped off with an onstage kiss that made Scarlett O'Hara and Rhett Butler look like they were just sharing a peck...
Meadowlark (Liz Callaway)
The perfect ending to an amazing evening. Thank you again Liz for sharing your gifts with us, you are a treasure...
I could write pages upon pages, but I think I'll stop here. Thanks again everyone.. see you at Standing Ovations 3!
"A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men" - Willy Wonka
Updated On: 10/11/04 at 12:59 PM
