Aspects of Andrew Lloyd Webber: 54 Below
Aspects of Andrew Lloyd Webber
54 Below, NYC, October 26, 2014
Reviewed by Joel Benjamin for Cabaret Scenes
Andrew Lloyd Webber is so prolific that 54 Below has had to dedicate several programs to his songs in a series called Aspects of Andrew Lloyd Webber featuring fine singers, most of whom have appeared in his shows. As usual, host Phil Geoffrey Bond told some deliciously bitchy behind-the-scenes stories, accompanied by videos, on which the music was artfully dangled.
From Starlight Express, Lennie Watts sang “One Rock ‘n’ Roll Too Many” (lyricist: Richard Stilgoe), wittily emphasizing that the character was frazzled. He also got the humor of “Herod’s Song” (Tim Rice), puffing up his chest in mock arrogance. Of course, Evita, Cats and The Phantom of the Opera supplied much of the program’s song list, but Song and Dance (Tell Me on a Sunday), Jesus Christ Superstar and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat were represented. Heather Mac Rae’s “Everything’s Alright” and “I Don’t Know How to Love Him” (Rice) were lusciously sung. Raissa Katona Bennett’s “Another Suitcase in Another Hall” (Rice) had poignancy, while the always dependable Scott Coulter gave “High Flying, Adored” (Rice) excitement and “Tell Me on a Sunday” (Don Black) a deeply felt sadness.
From Joseph…, the very young Jacob Hoffman made a fine impression with “Close Every Door” (Rice) and Kelli Rabke, using her gorgeous head of curls as dramatic emphasis in “Jacob and Sons,” was delightfully energetic.
Also performing on the program were: Rob Maitner finding all the penetrating world-weariness of “Macavity, the Mystery Cat” (Eliot); Sarah Rice in an operatic “Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again” (Charles Hart, with additional lyrics by Stilgoe); and Lorinda Lisitza who found the desperation in “You Must Love Me” (Rice, written for the film version of Evita).
The band was led by Musical Director John Fischer on piano and included Chris Biesterfeldt on guitar, John Convertino on bass and Dan Gross on drums.
Category: Cabaret Reviews, New York City, New York City Cabaret Reviews
