BWW Reviews: American Music Theatre Celebrates the Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber in MUSIC OF THE NIGHT

The newest show at American Music Theatre is MUSIC OF THE NIGHT. This show highlights all the great music of Andrew Lloyd Webber who wrote the music for shows such as CATS and THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA. This newest show at American Music Theatre is a wonderful way to commemorate Andrew Lloyd Webber, and a reminded of why Webber is one of the great musical composers of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. This show celebrates the enchanting music of Andrew Lloyd Webber.

Andrew Lloyd Weber is best known for writing the music for musicals such as CATS, EVITA, and THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA. Andrea McCormick who wrote, directed and choreographed this production, successfully portrays the essence of the music of Andrew Lloyd Webber in this show. Timeless songs such as "Memory," "Don't Cry for Me Argentina" and "Music of the Night" are all featured in this show. The thing I love about the shows at American Music Theatre is their productions are a jubilation of music, this year it is the music of Andrew Lloyd Webber. If you like musicals, then you will love this performance that highlights some of Webber's best music in one show. Those who love the magic of the music of Broadway, especially Andrew Lloyd Webber shows, do not want to miss MUSIC OF THE NIGHT at American Music Theatre.

There are many highlights in this production, and one of the sequences in the show is THE PHANTOM ON THE OPERA arrangement. In these numbers, the cast sings a selection of songs from THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, and the cast has strong vocals, stunning costumes, and the staging is beautiful. This part of the show is stunning to watch. One of the best duets in the show is a duet between Michael J. Austin and Ric Zimmerman, "I am the Starlight" from STARLIGHT EXPRESS. Both these performers are full of fervor in their vocals and stage presence. In addition, Austin's passion comes through in each of his performances, but particularly in his vocals in "The Phantom of the Opera." One of the younger performers in this show, Austin Nedrow, who is the "magical guide," is full of enthusiasm and energy in this production. He is the character who takes the audience on a journey throughout the show, and he is a very talented young man. One of his solos, "Any Dream Will Do," is full of warmth and excitement. One of the best solos is the show is Randy Jeter in "Close Every Door" from JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT. Another strong solo is Michelle Rajotte during "Buenos Aires" from EVITA. Rajotte is full of energy in this number. Another thing I really liked about this show is that McCormick was able to find music fit for everyone's vocal style. Sarah Timm shines in the song "Whistle Down the Wind." In addition, Kristen Brewer is strong on "Memory" and Wess Cooke is equally as good in "Jesus Christ Superstar."

The visual and lighting design done by Michael Smith, Andrea McCormick, and Sean Williams is incredible and adds to the splendor of this show. Andrea McCormick and Matthew V. Gotwalt designed the costumes, and Andy Roberts serves as the musical director for this production.

MUSIC OF THE NIGHT runs at the American Music Theatre through October 11, 2014. For more information and tickets, call the box office at 800-648-4102 or online at www.amtshows.com.

Photos courtesy of American Music Theatre