NY Pops with Adrienne Warren, Jessie Mueller, Christopher Jackson, and Will Chase

[DramaTeach]

Posted: 4/22/17 at 11:54am

What a beautiful night it was at Carnegie Hall as the New York Pops closed our their season with four gorgeous voices singing the songs of singer/songwriters like James Taylor, John Fogerty, and Carole King. Modern songwriters' songs, like Alicia Keys and Adele, didn't go over quite as well, but it was quite something to listen to such meaningful words being sung so expressively and powerfully.  Interestingly, this concert didn't really allow the Pops to shine as much, since many of these songs only require piano or guitar, but there were moments that were certainly enhanced in the songs with the addition of the violin, harp, and others.  

In the first act, Jessie stole the show.  I almost cried listening to her version of "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road," and her "Jolene" was something I didn't know I needed but will not soon forget.  The second act belonged to Adrienne Warren who brought down the house with "Think."  Even Will Chase, who came out after her and didn't seem to keen to follow that up, looked in awe.  Mr. Chase has a really strong voice and "Fortunate Son" was pretty great.  Christopher Jackson, who I really like, was good but seemed to have some lyric or timing issues.  He was the last one added to the program, so perhaps he didn't have enough time to prepare. That said, his "I Love You More Than You'll Ever Know" was a sound that produces babies.  The first act closed with "Sir Duke" which was where the Pops got to shine, and it left us all in the audience feeling pretty jazzed.  Great night!

[OlBlueEyes]

Posted: 4/23/17 at 1:22am

This is the third season that I have subscribed to The Pops at Carnegie Hall and the first time it has ever been sold out. I mean completely sold out as in the balcony. Not even Elvis or the Pope or Kelli O'Hara could sell out the balcony. 

Updated On: 4/23/17 at 01:22 AM

[VintageSnarker]

Posted: 4/23/17 at 6:22am

DramaTeach said: "Modern songwriters' songs, like Alicia Keys and Adele, didn't go over quite as well, but it was quite something to listen to such meaningful words being sung so expressively and powerfully.  Interestingly, this concert didn't really allow the Pops to shine as much, since many of these songs only require piano or guitar, but there were moments that were certainly enhanced in the songs with the addition of the violin, harp, and others."

It's interesting to hear you say that. I got that impression as well about the newer music though personally, that was my favorite part of the night because it was Adrienne. While I enjoyed Jessie's performances, I think the originals or covers were as good or better. But Adrienne was sounded flawless and she seemed like she wasn't even exerting herself. It was so effortless. Also, whether or not the crowd was supporting her, I think she had full command of that stage. Jessie seemed a little unsure of herself, but maybe it was her posture and how much she closed her eyes. This was the first time I've actually gotten to see Christopher Jackson perform live. Wow, does that man have charisma. I think those songs didn't show off his voice that well. They required more of a silkier, honeyed tone and while he wasn't breathy or raspy it just didn't feel that smooth. But he performed the heck out of them. It always interests me in these concerts who actually acts a song and who just sings. Will Chase mostly sounded fine but I find his face dull unless he's contorting it. Maybe he's just not very expressive. 

I think the Pops sounded great. I find that the arrangements tend to make pop songs sound more lush but for some reason, even though they have more musicians than the typical Broadway orchestra, the musical theater material often sounds thin, especially when it should be heavy on the strings. Also, I'm one of those people who spies on the orchestra during concerts and I can't remember the last time I've seen a group of almost 80 people look that bored. The only people who seemed to be enjoying themselves were Steven Reineke and the drummer. I get that they're at work and everyone isn't Yo-Yo Ma but they could look a little happier. 

I thought Kelli's solo show was sold out. 

[DramaTeach]

Posted: 4/23/17 at 8:48am

VintageSnarker said: "Also, I'm one of those people who spies on the orchestra during concerts and I can't remember the last time I've seen a group of almost 80 people look that bored."

 

I completely agree.  I was sitting pretty close to the front, so I couldn't see all of the faces in the back, but there was a man on the left who didn't even smile when they stood for bows.  What original songs are you talking about that Ms. Warren sang?  

 

[mpkie]

Posted: 4/23/17 at 1:28pm

While I'm a fan of the Pops, I originally bought a ticket at the box office nearly a year ago, and it was billed as "The New York Pops with Jonathan Groff." They added Adrienne Warren a couple of months later. I was frustrated to find out this past week by looking up the concert that J Groff backed out since Sept '16. Frustrated because I'm subscribed to Pops mailing list and get tons of emails but never received one about the new line-up. At least then I could mentally prepare to be at a concert I never would've purchased a ticket to in the first place (I don't like Mueller, Chase, and don't care about Jackson). I went anyway (no refunds), but I wish there had been a way to exchange to another Pops show or refund due to drastic line-up change.

Adrienne Warren was definitely the highlight for me. She's flawless. I purposely didn't read the program so the set list could be a surprise. Her rendition of "If I Ain't Got You" was wonderful, and I don't even like Alicia Keys. Right before she came out for her second set, I thought they should do some Adele... and then she did "Hello". I felt my jaw drop, it was so effortless. Everyone else was fine but I was most 'curious' to hear Christopher Jackson after missing him in Hamilton. I was unimpressed, maybe it was due to the song choices. Jessie Mueller, while a huge vocal talent, I just don't like her voice or delivery and thus no way for me to enjoy her. I did admire her wardrobe though, haha. Will Chase is Will Chase, decent singer but I don't care for him at all.

About the bored orchestra... it sounded unenthused. Not sure, maybe it was the arrangements and song choices, but I was bored throughout most of it. I remember feeling like my face was being blown off by the sheer awesomeness during the 33rd Pops Gala. I felt none of it here. I truly enjoyed Adrienne's performances, as well as the Beatles tribute by the Pops, but I felt like the arrangements needed a little more 'pizzazz'.

The parquet, first tier, second tier, and a majority of the dress circle were *already* sold out when tickets went on sale, during the time J Groff was the only billing. I guess between subscribers, people who bought the ticket for J Groff, general fans of the NY Pops, and fans of any one of the 4 in the new lineup made it a more likely scenario that it would sell out. I'm fairly certain the people around me (also around my age) wanted to see Groff too, since those seats were sold out during the first weeks of tix on sale.

[JustAFan3]

Posted: 4/23/17 at 5:16pm

I was there, sat in the center orchestra, around 10th row. It was amazing.  I never saw Adrienne perform  before and she was a natural and seemed so at ease on the stage.  I, too , thought Jessie Mueller seemed a little uncomfortable on the stage.  She was barefoot for Jolene, that is neither here nor there, just adding that in (and I like when performers do that.) I also saw her in Chicago (we split our time between NY and Chicago)  for the Chicago Voices concert, and she seemed so much more comfortable on the stage there but the only solo song was She Used to Be Mine, all others were with other artists.  Chris Jackson was excellent and Will Chase was good too but not my favorite. 

I absolutely enjoyed the entire concert at the NY Pops and the reception afterwards was lovely as well.  It was all in all a great evening!

[NYadgal]

Posted: 4/23/17 at 5:36pm

I've had a subscription to the NY Pops for a few years, but haven't renewed for next year.  

I enjoyed 2 of the concerts in my series this year but the others left me flat, and each of them had questionable choices for guest artists.   

I will keep an eye on the concert line-up next year, but think I'll just buy single concert tickets as the program details are announced.  

Updated On: 4/23/17 at 05:36 PM

[smidge]

Posted: 4/23/17 at 6:50pm

mpkie said: "While I'm a fan of the Pops, I originally bought a ticket at the box office nearly a year ago, and it was billed as "The New York Pops with Jonathan Groff." They added Adrienne Warren a couple of months later. I was frustrated to find out this past week by looking up the concert that J Groff backed out since Sept '16. Frustrated because I'm subscribed to Pops mailing list and get tons of emails but never received one about the new line-up. At least then I could mentally prepare to be at a concert I never would've purchased a ticket to in the first place (I don't like Mueller, Chase, and don't care about Jackson). I went anyway (no refunds), but I wish there had been a way to exchange to another Pops show or refund due to drastic line-up change.

Adrienne Warren was definitely the highlight for me. She's flawless. I purposely didn't read the program so the set list could be a surprise. Her rendition of "If I Ain't Got You" was wonderful, and I don't even like Alicia Keys. Right before she came out for her second set, I thought they should do some Adele... and then she did "Hello". I felt my jaw drop, it was so effortless. Everyone else was fine but I was most 'curious' to hear Christopher Jackson after missing him in Hamilton. I was unimpressed, maybe it was due to the song choices. Jessie Mueller, while a huge vocal talent, I just don't like her voice or delivery and thus no way for me to enjoy her. I did admire her wardrobe though, haha. Will Chase is Will Chase, decent singer but I don't care for him at all.

About the bored orchestra... it sounded unenthused. Not sure, maybe it was the arrangements and song choices, but I was bored throughout most of it. I remember feeling like my face was being blown off by the sheer awesomeness during the 33rd Pops Gala. I felt none of it here. I truly enjoyed Adrienne's performances, as well as the Beatles tribute by the Pops, but I felt like the arrangements needed a little more 'pizzazz'.

The parquet, first tier, second tier, and a majority of the dress circle were *already* sold out when tickets went on sale, during the time J Groff was the only billing. I guess between subscribers, people who bought the ticket for J Groff, general fans of the NY Pops, and fans of any one of the 4 in the new lineup made it a more likely scenario that it would sell out. I'm fairly certain the people around me (also around my age) wanted to see Groff too, since those seats were sold out during the first weeks of tix on sale.

I'm surprised the box office didn't work with you. I went in person when I found out a couple of months ago that Groff wasn't participating and got a refund. I also thought they should have notified ticket buyers of the line-up change. I know the tickets said performers may change but he was a big selling point for me.

 

 

[mpkie]

Posted: 4/23/17 at 9:09pm

smidge said: "I'm surprised the box office didn't work with you. I went in person when I found out a couple of months ago that Groff wasn't participating and got a refund. I also thought they should have notified ticket buyers of the line-up change. I know the tickets said performers may change but he was a big selling point for me."

Thanks - helpful to know for future reference. The problem is that I found out on only on the week of, when I suddenly remembered I had a show to go to (one that I had been very excited about). I think if Pops had mentioned it to their mailing list, or even on their Twitter that I follow (literally no sign of it, even on the day of, when they normally heavily promote their events nonstop), I would have went to get a refund immediately. It was such late notice to get a refund, and I don't live or work in the vicinity and I have been slammed at work, leaving at 8-10pm, even working weekends, there wouldn't have been time... It was the one thing I was super looking forward to, and it felt like such a crappy way to end up spending a decent sum of money. Something that was going to make me feel better about my current situation made me feel worse. What are you gonna do? Sometimes you just gotta roll the dice on these things and just grin and bear it when it doesn't pan out. On the plus side at least I still very much enjoyed Adrienne Warren.

[VintageSnarker]

Posted: 4/24/17 at 1:48am

DramaTeach said: "What original songs are you talking about that Ms. Warren sang?"

Sorry for the confusion. I was just comparing the performances at the concert to the original versions of all those songs. 

@mpkie I've just gotten used to it. I've only been subscribed for a few years but Steven Pasquale, Jonathan Groff, Joshua Henry, Jeremy Jordan... I'm just getting used to the fact that the big names that get me to subscribe are probably not going to be there that night. They did send an email about Tony Yazbeck and Will Chase replacing Joshua Henry and Jonathan Groff fairly early on because I've known for a while. 

I do think having Adrienne and Christopher helped make up for a diversity problem the Pops has. I'm not interested in policing anyone but there was one year when it felt jarring. 

[OlBlueEyes]

Posted: 4/24/17 at 1:03pm

 (I don't like Mueller, Chase, and don't care about Jackson). I went anyway (no refunds), but I wish there had been a way to exchange to another Pops show or refund due to drastic line-up change.

I think that the box office would have been sympathetic, especially with a concert that was going to be sold out anyway. For a swap, at least.

Kelli's memorable concert, as with Kristin Chenoweth's a couple of years ago, sold out all reasonable seats, but the seats in the rear balcony are very far from the stage, and I think that they have to give away 40 or 50 seats to achieve a full house.

I have good subscription seats, fifth row Parquet, Usually I sell off a couple of concerts and, if fortunate, can almost pay for the subscription. In fact, I sold my tickets to this and never had such a fast response at a high price. That's why I thought that there had to be something special about this show and I thought that it was probably Jesse, a fast-rising Broadway star.

Oddly, to me, if you have $100 or even better $160, there are still lots of seats for the Pops Gala next Monday. When they announced the initial performers, I hurried to get my ticket. They are honoring Bartlett Sher and Kelli O'Hara (like they really need more honors) and initial guests were Paulo Szot, Steven Pasquale, Danny Burstein, Laura Osnes (of course), Ruthie Ann Miles and Jason Robert Brown,  Then they started adding. This figures to be a fairly short concert since the dinner dance is supposed to start at 8:30 and I don't want to waste any of the time seeing Matthew Broderick. (Sorry Broderick fans, but you know he's not much of a singer.)

I wonder how they're going to move all those remaining unsold seats.

[NYadgal]

Posted: 4/24/17 at 6:51pm

I wonder about that, also.   

I grabbed two tickets as soon as I heard about it - and can't wait for what I'm sure will be a glorious evening!  PalJoey and I are so looking forward to it!  

[Bwayfan12092]

Posted: 4/24/17 at 9:04pm

Would any of the attendees be so kind as to comment as to how long it was? Supposed to go next Monday (and am psyched!!) but have big day Tuesday and just wanted to gauge time. Thanks! Much appreciated!! 

[smidge]

Posted: 4/24/17 at 9:11pm

Bwayfan12092 said: "Would any of the attendees be so kind as to comment as to how long it was? Supposed to go next Monday (and am psyched!!) but have big day Tuesday and just wanted to gauge time. Thanks! Much appreciated!! 

Confused about this. Attendees of what? The Pops gala is a one night event, correct?

 

 

[Robbie2]

Posted: 4/24/17 at 9:52pm

A Star in the making Adrienne Warren

[Bwayfan12092]

Posted: 4/24/17 at 9:53pm

smidge said: "Bwayfan12092 said: "Would any of the attendees be so kind as to comment as to how long it was? Supposed to go next Monday (and am psyched!!) but have big day Tuesday and just wanted to gauge time. Thanks! Much appreciated!! 

Confused about this. Attendees of what? The Pops gala is a one night event, correct?

 Yes. Pops Gala is One night only. I know it's not the same thing. Just wanted to use the runtime of the Adrienne Warren, Jessie Mueller, Christopher Jackson, et al. concert as a "barometer" if you will as to how long it might run. Appreciate it! Thanks! 

 

 

"

 

[DramaTeach]

Posted: 4/24/17 at 10:08pm

Bwayfan12092 said: "smidge said: "Bwayfan12092 said: "Would any of the attendees be so kind as to comment as to how long it was? Supposed to go next Monday (and am psyched!!) but have big day Tuesday and just wanted to gauge time. Thanks! Much appreciated!! 

Confused about this. Attendees of what? The Pops gala is a one night event, correct?

 Yes. Pops Gala is One night only. I know it's not the same thing. Just wanted to use the runtime of the Adrienne Warren, Jessie Mueller, Christopher Jackson, et al. concert as a "barometer" if you will as to how long it might run. Appreciate it! Thanks! "

 

Our night was a solid two hours (8-10), but in the program it said that the gala performances start at 7, and there is a dinner/reception at 8:30, so it seems like that show is only an hour and half.

 

[OlBlueEyes]

Posted: 4/25/17 at 12:23am

With all the performers that they invited, I think that it will go past 8:30, but not by much. The dinner dance people have the real money to be donated.

Right now there are three seats together in row 11 of Center Parque. Better than I got calling in on the first day. The tickets are expensive, but if you really enjoyed what Bartlett and Kelli have done over the last ten years with Steven, Paulo, Danny, Ruthie Ann, Laura and Jason Robert Brown, might be a cause for a splurge.  

Here is what Bartlett Sher said about the Gala in the last BroadwayBox:

What number are you most looking forward to hearing performed at the New York Pops Gala?
There’s two I’m waiting to hear. My friend Nico Muhly, who is a wonderful composer, has written a new piece for the orchestra that I’m looking forward to hearing. I’m excited that Marin [Mazzie], Judy Kuhn, and Rebecca Luker are going to sing one piece together for Kelli, and I think it will be extremely special. Oh, and if we are lucky and we can get Kelli to do a number, I’m hoping she will do “Fable” from Piazza, but we are still trying to talk her into it.

[NYadgal]

Posted: 4/25/17 at 11:17am

I think it's going to be a special evening!  

[OlBlueEyes]

Posted: 4/26/17 at 12:38pm

I guess to help sell those remaining tickets, I received an Email from the Pops this morning announcing that 

Kelli O'Hara will be performing a once-in-a-lifetime selection at the Pops Gala.

What could be her once-in-a-lifetime selection?

"Hound Dog"

"My Way"

"Mrs. Brown You've Got a Lovely Daughter"