Master Class by a Master: Seth Rudetsky’s Broadway 101
Marking a return engagement, New World Stages presented Seth’s “Broadway 101 — a Master Class in Belting, Divas and Hostile Opinions” on Monday night. This love song to Broadway featured a bevy of talented singers and dancers including headliners Andrea Burns, Jen Cody, Jonathan Groff, Norm Lewis, Andrea McArdle, Julia Murney, Pamela Myers and Lillias White. The program, conceived, written and hosted by the one and only Seth Rudetsky, combines great musical numbers with interesting facts about the biz presented with side slapping humor and overt affection. We were treated to an insider’s view of what works and what doesn’t in the magical world of Broadway musicals.
For instance, a singer’s “head voice” and “chest voice” each have their place, but when the two are misused it’s not pleasant to the ear, as humorously demonstrated by McCardle and Burns. That particular bit culminated with a terrific performance by McCardle of “Tomorrow.” Lillias White turned it on with a rendition of “Don’t Rain on My Parade” and Pamela Myers, recreated her Tony-nominated turn from the 1970 original production of Company and performed her signature song “Another Hundred People.” Groff did ”Morning Glow” from Pippin with an inspiring chorus who demonstrated the beauty of having a ”bed” of background melodies. And Norm Lewis led a delightful finale of “Lullaby of Broadway” from 42nd Street to show how a few simple dance steps done in unison by a large chorus is sometimes all you need for a big finish.
Following the show, Broadway Undercover mixed and mingled with cast members enjoying some good wine and tasty delights. McArdle told us about her 20-year-old daughter – yes 20!– who is preparing for the role of Eponine in a production of Les Miz. McArdle herself would love to get back on a Broadway stage and says we could see her in Mama Mia one day soon. She just finished up a run of Evita in Florida and has been performing her own show on the cabaret circuit. Sadly, Jonathan Groff will be leaving Spring Awakening shortly, but don’t dishearten since he can be seen this summer as “Claude” in a free production of Hair in Central Park. This sounds like a perfect fit! And sweet Robin De Jesus was there to cheer on his In the Heights chum Burns. He told us he is thoroughly enjoying performing in the new hit show and feels particularly lucky and privileged to be working alongside Priscilla Lopez.
The real star of the night was the lovable Rudetsky. He used anecdotes from his childhood to drive the narration, which was wildly funny, with just the right amount of honey-filled moments. He is a Broadway musician, performer, reporter and writer and the most lovable Broadway know-it-all you’ll ever meet.
We are happy to say that we passed his class with flying colors and are anxious and ready for “102.”