Avery Fisher Hall at Lincoln Center presented a one night only event Tuesday, May 20th, featuring Marvin Hamlisch conducting the New York Philharmonic Orchestra in a program entitled “Broadway’s Greatest Showstoppers.” Joining this auspicious group bringing voice to this glorious music were the likes of Raul Esparza, Kristin Chenoweth, Michel Bell and J. Mark McVey.
The evening began with two dancers tapping to a Broadway beat suddenly joined by what appeared to be a third of the orchestra, but in reality, were additional dancers posing as members of this esteemed musical group. They went on to perform a dazzling opener. McVey then offered his rendition of “Bring Him Home” from Les Miz, followed by Michel Bell repeating his Tony Award version of Ol’ Man River from Showboat.
Hamlisch and the Philharmonic brought music to our ears with the My Fair Lady overture, as well as the Chorus Line overture, which had never been played before an audience having been eliminated from the show prior to its Broadway run.
Although these were glorious moments, the night belonged to Raul Esparza and Kristin Chenoweth, both performing at the top of their game in solo and duet performances. Esparza’s version of the “Soliloquy” from Carousel brought the house down, which he then followed with “Being Alive” from Company. Chenoweth’s incredible range was shown with her interpretations of “Vanilla Ice Cream” from She Loves Me and “Glitter and Be Gay” from Candide. “Anything You Can Do I Can Do Better” from Annie Get Your Gun and “Tonight” from West Side Story were perfect duets for an engaging twosome whose chemistry calls for their sharing the stage in a future Broadway production in addition to their current “Pushing Daisies” TV gig.
Esparza revealed he’s currently making a Wes Craven flick playing a serial killer in addition to participating in the Leap of Faith workshop, the new musical scheduled for a 2009 opening. He’s off to L.A. in July for more work on “Pushing Daisies,” beginning its second season in the fall. Quite a busy guy whose tremendous talent seems to be reaching all areas of the biz.
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May 25th, 2008 at 6:42 pm
Raul Esparza rocks.
I just stumbled upon your blog tonight for the first time and spent way more time reading it than I expected to (hence not getting nearly enough of my own writing done). Keep up the good work. I’m eager to read more.