One of the best things about the "Broadway Highlights" concert series at the John W. Engeman Theater is that there is something for everyone. It is a great way for someone new to theater to get exposed to classic songs. At the same time, it is enjoyable for the seasoned theater goer who wants to relive some amazing Broadway moments. And it is all in their backyard in Northport, Long Island.
As I looked around the audience, the broad age range was apparent and everyone was excited to see the performers. Someone in the row behind me was telling her friend the shows she had seen Bradley Dean in (they mentioned "Little Night Music" and "Spamalot") and how fantastic he'd be tonight. At the same time, there was a young girl who had seen Krysta Rodriguez in "The Addams Family" and I saw her excitedly applaud when she sang "Pulled" from the show.
It always astonishes me when a young artist can pull off a classic. Lauren Molina won over many with her rendition of "Glitter and Be Gay" originally performed by Barbara Cook. Also, Darren Ritchie gave a spectacular performance of a Sondheim mash-up of "Giants in the Sky", "Not While I'm Around", "Being Alive", and "Another Hundred People". I think it also excites the older crowd to hear selections from newer shows. Darren Ritchie and Elizabeth Stanley's duet of "Suddenly" from "Xanadu" was well received.
This concert series is particularly meaningful because the performers reminisce about their time in the business and tell interesting little antidotes. Before Bradley Dean began to sing "Guido's Song" from Nine he mentioned how much he enjoys the song and how he would love to be in a production on Nine, but has yet to be. Krysta was actually in New York on her way to Istanbul. And, later, Darren went into his beautiful story about this proposal during the final curtain call in "Wonderland" to Janet Dacal.
Of course, the evening would not be complete without the incredible Eugene Gwozdzon on the piano and serving as Music Director. Eugene and host Stephen DeAngelis make such an entertaining team. At the beginning of the show, Stephen has Eugene perform an overture, but Eugene doesn't know what it will be until Stephen hands him the music. This time it was from "Man of La Mancha". Despite the page turning giving him a little trouble, he did a brilliant job.
As a regular occurrence during their "dark" weeks, the "Broadway Highlights" concert series is a great time at the John W. Engeman Theater of Northport, Long Island. The cast even does a meet and greet in the lobby afterwards. For more information about the next showcase will be announced on their website www.engemantheater.com.
