The Songs of U2: Birdland
The Songs of U2
Birdland, NYC,
March 16, 2015
Reviewed by Ron Forman for Cabaret Scenes
I am not a U2 fan. In fact, I had lived my entire life until last night somehow avoiding their music. How could I possibly enjoy a U2 tribute show? Well, I did, because co-producer (with Scott Siegel) Maxine Linehan (pictured) brought 10 other spectacular performers to the Birdland stage for this pre-Saint Patrick’s Day tribute and a benefit for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. Linehan hosted the event and magically performed four songs, including the opening “Beautiful Day.” Her commentary between numbers made even a novice like myself feel a part of the U2 history.
Each of the vocalists (Jeremy Morse, Ryan Silverman, Brad Simmons, Bob Stillman, Brian Charles Rooney, Eric Yves Garcia, Carole J. Bufford, Lauren Fox, Tiffany Gray, Scott Coulter) performed brilliantly, but even by that standard there were standout performances. Rooney first performed a dramatic “With or Without You” then a stirring and moving “Sunday, Bloody, Sunday.” Silverman’s luscious baritone worked wonders with “Running to Stand Still” and “All I Want Is You.” Newcomer Gray made her mark with “Every Breaking Wave.” Bufford thrilled with a song originally intended to be for Nina Simone, “Love Is Blindness.” Coulter hit high notes never reached before with “Pride (in the Name of Love).” The closing number had the audience singing along with the entire cast to “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Were Looking For.”
Category: Cabaret Reviews, New York City, New York City Cabaret Reviews
