Broadway Boys' Toys for Tots Benefit Review: Who else went?

[Juliet2170]

Posted: 12/13/05 at 1:19am

Seasons greetings, Broadway community! I just returned from one of the most enjoyable, intimate, heart-warming and uplifting benefit events in town. I must confess that every year I remember one unmistakable moment that makes me feel the holiday season is truly upon us and if ever there was such an event to bring about the moment, it is this. The Broadway Boys opened the evening with a five part harmony of “Hark! the Herald Angels Sing” and wrapped up with “Silent Night” but the juiciest numbers, sandwiched within, were what filled me with delight. Before I go on to describe it, I want to shout a happy holidays to my more-than-stellar company tonight who graciously furnished me with a VIP seat. I have been away from the theater scene this entire semester and what a reminder of what I’ve been missing!

I think there was 19 songs altogether but my personal favorites where “O Holy Night” sung by Apthia Jenkins, Michael McElroy, and Shayna Steele, “I’m Not Alone” (a la Carrie) by Chelsea (forgot her last name, oops! But what a voice on that pretty girl!) and “There’s a Place Called Home”, a duet performed by the ever sensational Daniel Torres and his dashing partner, Matthew Tweardy. Their voices are in such perfect harmony that I can’t believe it was their first time performing together. I must say, if I were them I’d break out into song every so often just in my daily life so as not to let that sound go to waste, lol! This was the only romantic-duet type song of the night and the magnetism these two possess for each other and as performers absolutely radiates from the stage. If there is love and devotion in the world, I felt it then. Love (of course), along with a sense of faithful companionship --now that I think about the song list-- are probably the themes of the night.

One song that stood above it all was a piece called “There Is Love” written and performed by Tituss Burgess with support from the Broadway Boys. I regret that I could not adequately describe how it felt to hear it! Every eye in the room glistened with tears, every chest heaved with tender emotion, and every soul was shaken to the core of its humanity. It was truly a song to touch the heart of every man and instill a sense of brotherhood all at once through passion and reflection. I hope he continues to sing this piece throughout the holiday season whether or not the Broadway Boys throw any more official events together.

And to conclude with the piece de la resistance, the toys! The house was packed and everyone brought at least one toy so a great many deserving little boys and girls are unwittingly about to receive the gifts of surprise, cheer, amusement and laughter. What more can you ask for? Maybe an encore presentation. Oh and by the way for everyone who couldn’t make it to the even tonight, I hear the Broadway Boys have something else in the works soon so watch out for it! Props to everyone involved in this charitable and enchanting evening who poured their hearts and souls into making it a success! Cheers!

[FriedmanFan]

Posted: 12/13/05 at 2:14am

I got to attend this concert tonight and I agree with everything you wrote. The benefit really succeeded all of my expectations! I had never heard of the Broadway Boys before seeing the event posted on Daniel Torres' website. I'm an avid THE WOMAN IN WHITE fan in case you hadn't gathered that from my screen name. I'm jealous you sat VIP! I didn't get the VIP seats but on afterthought I really wish I had. My seats were OK but if I had known the show was going to be that amazing, I would have sprung for something better.
Juliet was right when she said this concert was heart warming and uplifting! I had a smile on my face from start to finish. It is hard to point out my favorites because everyone was so good. I agree with everyone Juliet mentioned but I would have to also toss in "All I want for Christmas" with Marty Thomas. That boy can sing up a storm! It's definitely one of my favorite Christmas songs and was so fun to hear it sung by a guy. I too think Daniel Torres and Matthew Tweardy's duet was the most beautiful song of the evening. Both have fantastic voices and a commanding stage presence. I've never heard of "There's a place called home" before and I pride myself in knowning Christmas music. Is it an original? There were many original songs in the show and all really blew me away. There is so much talent out there. I'm just glad that they don't mind sharing it with all of us who really appreciate it. Bravo to the Broadway Boys. I brought a few toys to the event and it seemed like they had large bag fulls as they left the building. What an inspirational night. I hope they do another concert soon.

[Juliet2170]

Posted: 12/13/05 at 1:48pm

I'm glad you feel the same FriedmanFan! I am also puzzled by the origins of "There's a place called home." It sure isn't one of the ones I know off the top of my head either. hmmm
Updated On: 12/13/05 at 01:48 PM

[theatregirl340]

Posted: 12/13/05 at 2:18pm

The benefit sounded amazing, I wish I could have been there! "A Place Called Home" is actually from "A Christmas Carol, the musical." In the media section of Daniel Torres' website he has a recording of himself singing it.

[FriedmanFan]

Posted: 12/13/05 at 4:15pm

Thanks for filling us in. Oh my god, how did I miss that. I've listened to all his sound clips many times already. But its very different in the musical then it was at the concert. Both are beautiful. What a great song.

[dancingthrulife04]

Posted: 12/13/05 at 6:17pm

Whee. Sounds good. Who else sang?

[bwaybabe85]

Posted: 12/13/05 at 10:11pm

The benefit concert last night was amazing. I had never heard the Broadway Boys sing before and I was blown away. Their voices are beautiful and blend effortlessly.

The highlight of the evening for me was Daniel Torres and Matthew Tweardy sing "There's a Place Called Home" from A Christmas Carol. The duet was gorgeous and the love between those two shone through.

[Juliet2170]

Posted: 12/14/05 at 12:25am

I've just been graced with a song list!

"All I Want 4 X-Mas" (Marty Thomas)
"There Is Love" (Tituss Burgess)
"Hark!" (Darius de Haas)
"Such a Time" (Tracee Beazer, Suzanne Fiore, Asmeret Ghebremichael, Sara Kramer, Chelsea Krombach)
"I'm Not Alone" (Chelsea)
"One Kiss" (Michael Longoria)
"There's a Place Called Home" (Daniel and Matt)
"The 12 Days After Christmas" (Julia Murney)
"Since I Gave My Heart Away" (Anthony Galde)
"River" (Jenny Fellner)
"Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas" (Mandy Gonzalez)
"What a Wonderful World" (Schele Williams)
"What Child is This" (Lauren Molina)
"Live Out Loud" (Andrew Lippa, Mackenzie Mauzy)
"O Holy Night" (Shayna Steele, Capathia Jenkins, Michael McElroy)
"Hero" & "Silent Night" (Broadway Boys) Updated On: 12/14/05 at 12:25 AM