BWW Reviews: Cast of ABC's NASHVILLE Returns to DC, Ignites DAR Constitution Hall

Last night, Washington, DC area Nashville fans who made the trek to DAR Constitution Hall were once again treated to the musical stylings of several cast members of the popular ABC television series. Whether one was looking for original tunes by the artists and those closest to them, covers of popular country or R&B music, or songs they performed on the television series, the DC stop of the nine-city concert tour offered a little bit of everything.

The selection of cast members participating in this tour, which kicked off on April 29, varies from city to city. In DC, we had the opportunity to hear locals Chris Carmack and Charles Esten along with Clare Bowen, Aubrey Peeples, and Lennon and Maisy Stella, in addition to a special guest (more about that later). Their diverse musical talents shined in abundance - as did those of the incredible Nashville-based band that accompanied them - and gave way to several memorable moments.

Charles Esten made the strongest first impression with "Whiskey Lips," an original tune about addiction. After being treated to a warm welcome home from his family and friends in the audience, as well as the thousands of other fans present, he made the case that's he's - put simply - not only a wonderful showman (he commanded the stage like few others), but a talented writer and technical musician. Navigating a variety of tempi and dynamics with enviable ease, his rich voice filled the auditorium and then some as he accompanied himself on guitar. Later in the show, he took on another song he co-wrote, "I Know How to Love You Now," which showcased his more tender and vulnerable side quite well. As Deacon Claybourne, he performed that song on the television series, but it comes across even stronger live.

Chris Carmack (Will Lexington) was also treated to a nice welcome home from his family, friends, high school drama teacher, and local fans when he opened the show. Like Esten, he was at his best when performing his original music. He may have - as he explained - debuted "Being Alone" in front of a small bar crowd when he was trying to find his way in show business, but the song - as well as his smooth and largely pleasant voice - is powerful enough to fill an arena and engage everyone in it. Another strong moment emerged in his duet with Aubrey Peeples on "If Your Heart Can Handle It." Their voices are vastly different (Peeples is much more of a belter, while Carmack is more of a crooner), but they achieved a nice blend and obviously enjoyed singing the song together.

If I were to call out the performer with the most ambitious and eclectic song selection, it would have to be Aubrey Peeples. She tried her hand at some Aretha Franklin, rocking out to "Do Right Woman." Contrasting her cover of The Allman Brothers' "Whipping Post" with her performance of "Blind" (a number that her character Layla Grant sang on the show, modeled after a song that Peeples wrote herself), it was quite easy to see how comfortable she is with a variety of styles. Of all of her numbers, I appreciated "Blind" the most. She was emotionally engaged in the song and it allowed her to show off her wonderful lower register and rich vocal tones.

Like Esten, Clare Bowen is also a performer that shines even more so live than via audio recordings. Her performance of "Black Roses" (written by Lucy Schwartz) - a popular favorite that her character, Scarlett O'Connor, performed on the show - proved not only technically perfect, but also emotionally transcendent. Another strong solo moment emerged in her fun anthem to individuality, "Drum." Backed by guest artist Brandon Young (a Nashville-based singer-songwriter that Bowen described as her "love") on guitar, she enthusiastically made her way through the crowd and had the audience in the palm of her hand. Bowen explained that like her character Scarlett, she's had the opportunity to write in Nashville with a fellow musician and find friendship/love. Bowen and Young reinforced the rewards of that professional and personal partnership as they performed an impressive original number informed by their own story.

Last - but certainly not least - were the incomparable Stella sisters, Lennon and Maisy. Their naturally interesting voices, ear for harmony, as well as their natural connection with each other while performing make them impossible to resist. During an a cappella number, you could easily hear a pin drop, which was no small feat considering several members of the audience near the front appeared more interested in their beverages and texting/Facebooking rather than the show itself. There was not a misstep to be found as they took on their popular cover of "Ho Hey" as well as "We Got a Love" - both of which they performed on the show as country superstar Rayna James' daughters. At one point, Charles Esten was added to the mix and the trio performed "Believing," also sung on the show. The end result was a veritable highlight. Impeccable harmonies (including on the part of younger sister Maisy who more than holds her own), and equally matched vocals made this number quite memorable. The joy all three exhibited over performing together made it even more special.

The cast closed the show with the popular "A Life That's Good" and "Friend of Mine," both of which showcased their genuine camaraderie and left the audience wanting more.

Running Time: About 2 hours with no intermission.

This review covers the May 3, 2015 tour stop. The NASHVILLE LIVE IN CONCERT tour continues through May 10, 2015. For information on upcoming concerts, visit the tour page.

To post a comment, you must register and login.