Play Esq:
Happy to answer that, but keep in mind that while I'm a fan of k.d. lang's, I haven't seen her in
After Midnight and I'm not a particular fan of Toni Braxton or Babyface. From the clips I've seen, from the audience reports on her, and from the new reviews in the NY Post and NY Magazine, it appears that k.d. lang is a great addition to the cast and offers a unique take on the four classic songs she sings. But that's something worth noting as well--the guest star sings
four songs. In an evening that features more than 25 songs. Even if the guest star was a total dud (and I don't think that will be the case with any of the upcoming talent), it would be pretty close to impossible for him/her to ruin the evening because there is too much talent up on that stage. Practically every other number is an and out and out showstopper. It's the first show I can recall seeing and wanting an encore of every single number. Like, that second. It's like an injection of pure liquid joy.
Fantasia, bless her, was something else. When you see Fantasia in this show, you are witnessing an artist rising to the challenge and being the most extraordinary vessel for this music. She is undeniably connected to this material on a cellular level. She somehow manages to be authentic to the period while feeling viscerally raw and contemporary. The YouTube clips, as well produced as they are, don't do her performance justice. If you
had to choose one guest star, I'd say wait for Fantasia's (reported, but unconfirmed) return.
But, if you enjoy jazz, the music of Duke Ellington, Harold Arlen and Cab Calloway, great dancing, exquisite musicianship, I think you'd want to see this show more than once. And as you know, this business is unpredictable. There's no guarantee that this show will end up being a hit and running for months and years to come. If it ends up tanking at the box office, perhaps there won't even be a return of Fantasia. I would not risk missing it. If you can afford it, I'd say go see it now with k.d. and then come back when Fantasia returns.
Updated On: 2/19/14 at 11:31 PM
