Broadway by Guitar
Broadway by Guitar
Feinstein’s/54 Below, NYC, April 23, 2016
Reviewed by Marilyn Lester for Cabaret Scenes
Sean Harkness & Karen Akers
Photo: Takako Suzuki Harkness
Here’s the equation: a guitar virtuoso + classic songs of Broadway + five top-notch singers = a thrilling evening of entertainment at its finest. The guitar virtuoso in question is Sean Harkness, who served as musical director and provided the arrangements for Broadway by Guitar. Maxine Linehan, with her powerful and resonant voice, started things off with a beautifully rendered and inspiring “The Sound of Music.” Her performance kicked the evening into high gear, with successive contributions by Brian Charles Rooney (“Corner of the Sky”) and Karen Akers (“Hello, Young Lovers” and later, “Love, Look Away”) equally satisfying, particularly with her ability to reach into the lyric of a song and profoundly touch its deepest meaning.
What becomes apparent with guitar accompaniment is that the tempo of the song slows slightly and vocal ability comes to the fore—completely in the spotlight. With performers of this caliber, the result is glorious. Harkness also is greatly attuned to his singers. This sensitivity was especially apparent with Bob Stillman, who, with a natural manner and ultra-pleasing voice, offered “The Surrey with the Fringe on Top,” “My Romance” and “If Ever I Would Leave You” with a fresh folk-jazz style. Special guest Laila Robins performed a tender “It Never Entered My Mind” and a very personal “Sleepy Man.” Linehan returned with “I Dreamed a Dream” and “Tell Me It’s Not True,” showcasing her dramatic training in tandem with her magnificent voice. Harkness played a creative “My Favorite Things,” leaving little doubt why he’s one of the most in-demand guitarists performing today. It was up to Rooney to wrap us this fresh revelation of music with “Can You Feel the Love Tonight.” This number, with Harkness on ukulele, spurred spontaneous clapping in the audience, which quickly led to a happy, sing-along ending. Producer of Broadway by Guitar, Scott Siegel, served as host of the show with his usual prowess and flair.
Category: Cabaret Reviews, New York City, New York City Cabaret Reviews, Regional
