Review of Broadway in Bryant Park 8/14/03

[BillyLawlor]

Posted: 8/15/03 at 2:46pm

Wow! This was the best Broadway in Bryant Park concert I've attended. I loved it! Here is my review:
1) The concert started off with the Chicago gals singing "The Cell Block Tango". I loved seeing Sharon Moore. She's amazing. The women did a great job. Next up was Camille Saviola, I believe singing "When YOu're Good To Mama". Now I'm not trying to be rude, but she's not young- she looks pretty old, but this woman is a damn powerhouse. I couldnt believe that voice coming out of that woman! Now- the highlight of the Chicago portion for me was the next song- Brent Barrett and the ladies singing "All I care About is Love". Someone before suggested that someone should write a musical for Brent Barrett, and I wholeheartedly agree. The man creates magic onstage. All eyes are on him, and that voice is heaven, I'm telling you. Than, Donna Marie Asbury and Camille Saviola sang "Class". I laugh at this song every time I hear it. They did a great job. That was the end of the Chicago section.
2) Rent was the next show to perform. Frenchie Davis and Maggie Benjamin sang "Take Me or Leave Me"- holy crap, were they good. Maggie was my Maureen when I went, and I forgot how incredible she was. In my opinion, she did better than Frenchie, although Frenchie is a fabulous performer. Next up was Matt Caplan and the new Roger- Cary Grant, I think? Whatever-singing "What You Own", and they were great. I didn't get to hear the new Roger sing solo, but I did hear Matt and he's awesome. The both of them sounded great together. Than. the cast came out and sang "Seasons Of Love". I love Frenchie's solo- she was in great voice that day. I think that finished up Rent.
3) Next was my favorite part of the concert- Millie. First up was Emily Rozek singing "Jimmy". WOW! She has the sweetest voice ever. She really impressed me, because she can sing. She's a gorgeous blonde- and I can see that she's great for the role. Than, Cheyenne Jackson sang "What do I need With Love?" What I loved about him so much was his stage presence. He commanded that entire park when he belted out that song. He has a beautiful singing voice. I was really impressed with him, but not with Terry Burrell who came out and sang "Only In New York". I don't know- compared to Sheryl Lee Ralph and Leslie Uggams, she's very average. I didn't like her so much. The next number was the best part of the whole concert. Megan Campbell sang "Gimme Gimme". I was floored. I was so shocked that this girl was so young. She came out and belted the hell out of that song. I fell in love with her voice. As much as I love Sutton- the show does not rely on her starring in it. She has to fantastic understudies, who I would pay to see perform.
4) And last, but definitely, not least, AIDA. Mandy Gonzalez was there, and Will Chase and Saycon Sengbloh, who performs Wed. and Sat. matinees, so she would be the performer I would see, since I usually see shows on Sat. matinees. First, they sang "A Step Too Far". They sounded good. I wanted to hear Mandy a little bit more, though. I did when she sang "My Strongest Suit", and she blew me away. This woman can belt, and she is so adorable. I hope I get to see her as Amneris soon. Will Chase and Mandy Gozalez sang "Written in The Stars" which sounded pretty. I don't know, Will Chase just doesn't cut it for me. He's boring- there's nothing special about him, I think. He just doesnt catch my attention. Saycon, on the other hand, has a powerful voice, and also has great stage presence. She finished up the concert with "Easy As Life" which I loved. She sounded amazing. I really wanna see the show soon!
And that was it. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Anyone else go? What did you think?

Posted: 8/15/03 at 2:55pm

wow, thanks for the run down and critique of the show!

as for brent barrett, i saw him as billy and he was awesome, amazing! he's got a powerhouse voice. he deserves more. he wasn't bad in KISS ME KATE on PBS either! I have his solo cd with Ruthie Henshall and Jane Krokowski, it's good too!

[BillyLawlor]

Posted: 8/15/03 at 2:57pm

I LOVED him in Kiss Me, Kate- I loved Rachel York, too. I need tobuy his CD's, because I love that man's voice. Billy is too small of a role for him, I think.

[BwayTheatre11]

Posted: 8/15/03 at 2:59pm

Is Frenchie an understudy for Joanne or did she just perform the song?

Posted: 8/15/03 at 3:03pm

Brent's in many things, many cds as well, you should listen to some of his stuff, he's got a great operatic voice as well as musical theatre.

Don't forget his recording of Brigadoon!
BRENT BARRETT

[ChristineDaae]

Posted: 8/15/03 at 4:20pm

I wanted to go soo bad!!!!!!!! =-(

[broadwayguy2]

Posted: 8/15/03 at 4:22pm

LOL. Billy, I believe you mean Cary SHIELDS who played Roger.

He is also kniwn "Damn no normal person looks that adorable when they smile"

[CJR]

Posted: 8/15/03 at 6:31pm

What girls from Chicago? Did Roxane Carrasco perform? Did you take pictures? So glad I didn't go yesterday -- I'd still be stuck in the city!

Posted: 8/15/03 at 6:35pm

no i think i read it before CJR and Roxanna didn't perform, but good for you cuz u weren't there to cheer your girl on!

[CJR]

Posted: 8/17/03 at 9:36am

Actually, I just found out from a friend who went that Rox *was* indeed there as Annie in CBT and as one of the girls with Brent.

Anyone with pictures, please PM me. I'd love to include them on her website!

Updated On: 8/17/03 at 09:36 AM