By Sandi Durell, Times Square Chronicles
The father of American popular music was celebrated big time at Carnegie Hall on October 14 as the 2011-2012 Season opened honoring songwriter Irving Berlin. The baton was passed to Guest Conductor Jack Everly for the occasion.
When Berlin came to the U.S. he taught himself how to speak English and to play the piano. Information has it that Berlin wrote about 1500 songs in his lifetime, passing away at the age of 101. The rest is history.
Some of Broadway’s beautiful voices were brought together to celebrate the great Berlin music including Ashley Brown, who originated the role of Mary Poppins on Broadway, her perfect pitch vocals delightful to the ear on “What’ll I Do?” and a fun-filled “Heat Wave.” James T. Lane (The Scottsboro Boys), song and dance man, added spice to a Steppin’ Out Medley, looking big time dapper in white tails and top hat. Hugh Panero, currently starring as the Phantom in The Phantom of the Opera on Broadway, was a showstopper with “Blue Skies,” while NaTasha Yvette Williams’s (featured singer with the Indianapolis, Naples and Baltimore Symphony Orchestras) became a hot mama, her rich contralto vocals turning to sexy innuendos on “You’d Be Surprised.”
Not part of the Broadway circuit, Tony DeSare, young virtuoso singer-pianist- songwriter who can be seen regularly at boites around town such as Bemelman’s Bar at the Carlyle and Algonquin’s Oak Room, is a saloon-singer of note showing off his crooner-style wares on “I Love a Piano” and much more.
The eye-popping knock outs were the costume changes, especially for the ladies who emerged for each song in a different colorful gown. Guest Conductor Jack Everly was responsible for several of the arrangements including an early entry to the Christmas season of a Holiday Medley, the iconic “Alexander’s Ragtime Band” and the poetic “Remember.”
The series continues on November 18 welcoming back Steven Reineke, principal Pops Conductor, with Cheyenne Jackson’s Cocktail Hour: Music of the Mad Men Era sure to please many. www.carnegiehall.org
Noteworthy is the Kids in the Balcony program that gives school children the opportunity to become part of the audience, for free.
