Concert

While the premise sounded great -- "a new concert experience that brings together classical and Broadway music with some of the greatest rock and roll ever written" -- I wasnt sure if it would be quite as fulfilling in the execution. But I neednt have worried. It was definitely one of the MOST ASTOUNDING shows Ive ever seen! The musical talent of these performers was just out-of-this-world.....I simply cant find enough superlatives to describe it though Ill try!. The music was a wonderfully eclectic mix combining classic and hard rock with classical, opera, Broadway, and indie music maybe even a couple country tunes thrown in for good measure ;-. Some of the songs were sung straight through, but most were a remarkable melange of 2 or 3 different styles/genres intertwined in absolutely novel, imaginative ways. Some of the stand-out pieces although every number was truly exceptional included: a fusion of Puccinis "Nessun Dorma" with the Led Zeppelin classic "Kashmir", a spectacular performance of "The Devil Went Down to Georgia" complete with dueling electric violin and cello, a unique blending of "Bring Him Home" from Les Miz with Daughtrys "Home", a sultry and sensual "Besame Mucho" infused with the Polices "Every Little Thing She Does is Magic", Bocellis majestic "Time to Say Goodbye" Con te partiro, a totally rockin "Life is a Highway", and 4 sublime voices singing Jeff Buckleys hauntingly divine "Hallelujah". I was moved to tears on a couple occasions by the emotional beauty and clarity of some of the classical pieces.....while alternately feeling that I should be on my feet, pumping devil horns in the air like at a rock concert for some of the other songs ;- By the end of the first act, which probably lasted about an hour, I felt that I had completely gotten my moneys worth -- and after a 15 min intermission, there was almost another hour of equally mind-blowing performances. I wish I could remember every piece that was orchestrated; I was at one of the preview performances and they didnt have the programs ready yet. But you will recognize just about every one of these hits, and want to sing or jam along with this energetic group! plus I bet youll love even the ones that youre not familiar with! The show starred the amazingly accomplished tenor Rob Evan, and he was the glue that held everything together. Very theatrical and expressive -- and just wait until you hear the pipes hes got while singing those tenor arias! He captivated us right from the start with his a cappella "Hey Jude" intro. As a featured artist with the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, I expected Evan to be terrific. What I did not anticipate was the sheer brilliance of the exquisite soprano, Morgan James. This young woman was utter perfection and her vocal expertise was almost painfully beautiful. She could sing every style and genre of music flawlessly.... from a raspy, soulful rendition of Hearts "Alone" to the crystal clear purity of an operatic aria, hitting notes that I could only dream of in my wildest fantasies. Equally believable as a gritty punk rock chick, an elegant classical diva, or a Broadway leading lady...shes without a doubt one of the most talented, versatile female vocalists Ive had the pleasure of hearing. There were 3 other fantastic singers covering all the vocal ranges with skillful precision and shading, plus several wildly talented musicians playing the keyboard, piano, drums, classical string instruments as well as electric guitar, violin and cello. Almost everyone had their own solo spot....like the moving rendition of "Blackbird" sung by Aaron Lavigne, the humorous Meat Loaf duet with Alexandra Keiper, or Dustin Brayleys touching piece "Johanna". The two young women playing the strings were so gorgeously masterful! It was an afternoon filled with lush, dynamic, electrifying, poignant, extraordinary, melodic, breathtaking and harmonious enchantments. While I hesitate to recommend certain musical adventures for everyone given the varied preferences we each have, I would honestly find it hard to believe if anyone wasnt completely blown away by this production! I unequivocally and STRONGLY URGE YOU to go check this out while you have the chance; it would be tragic to let this opportunity slip by! Its sooooooo incredibly good. Really. REALLY!!! It will be worth every penny = [Some notes about the Wilma Theater if you havent been there before....it is a rather intimate venue. I think theres only something like 12 rows with close to 30 seats in a row no break in the middle....just straight across. I was in row E and picked seats a bit toward the side so I didnt have to climb over a lot of people getting to the middle...but in actuality it wasnt cramped or difficult to move through the rows. Really, because the theater is small, I dont think theres a bad seat in the house no matter how far back you go. And the intimacy of the venue truly enhanced the experience.]

rating: no rating  ·  posted on 7/16/2009 at 10:25 AM

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