Review: AUDRA MCDONALD delights and captivates Blossom audience

From the opening, the stirring gay anthem, "I Am What I Am," from "La Cage aux Folles" to the universally beloved "Over the Rainbow" from "Wizard of Oz," the beautiful and multi-talented Audra McDonald held the capacity crowd at Blossom Music Festival captive with her marvelous singing and humorous narrations.

The multi-Tony, Emmy and Grammy winner has the charm and charisma to reach across the footlights and hold an audience spellbound whether singing the soaring "Summertime" from "Showboat" or plaintiff "I Could Have Danced All Night" from "My Fair Lady," or the advice-giving "Children Will Listen" from "Into the Woods," or the delightful "Dear Friend" from She Loves Me."

Weaving songs from Broadway hits and flops, encased with a tribute to 911 and tales of her youngest daughter's disdain for the singer's musical talents, there wasn't a moment during the show that she wasn't emotionally present. She is the consummate entertainer in the mold of Judy Garland, Barbara Streisand, Liza Minnelli and Bette Midler.

Known for her starring roles in "110 in the Shade," "Carousel," "Ragtime," "Master Class," "Porgy and Bess"and "Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill," she was awarded the National Medal of Arts by President Barack Obama and has been inducted into the American Theater Hall of Fame.

Upcoming Blossom programs include:

*RACHMANINOFF'S RHAPSODY, Saturday, August 11, 2018, at 8:00 p.m.

*Yo-Yo Ma PLAYS BACH, Sunday, August 12, 2018, at 7:00 p.m., and

*SIBELIUS SECOND SYMPHONY, Saturday, August 18, 2018, at 8:00 p.m.

*The season ends with STAR WARS: A NEW HOPE IN CONCERT, Friday, August 31, 2018, at 8:30 p.m., Saturday, September 1, 2018, at 8:30 p.m., Sunday, September 2, 2018, at 8:30 p.m.