Review: SONGS OF BROADWAY at Wang Gungwu Theatre

The third collaboration between Musica Viva and the University of Hong Kong Graduate House boasts a one night only 'Songs of Broadway' concert. Musica Viva is a non-profit charity devoted to the promotion of music and the performing arts in Hong Kong.

Four local singers Phoebe Tam, Carol Lin, Samuel Huang, Sammy Chien join together to waltz through a dreamy repertoire from the Golden Age of Broadway. Beginning with a bang at Annie Get Your Gun, the girls dressed in bright red dresses signaled the vibrant energy they were about to bring to the stage.

Phoebe Tam, a strong soprano, shone in We Kiss in a Shadow with her long dark hair an uncanny resemblance to Tuptim's. Her high notes seem almost effortless as she soars off. Most in her element when singing love songs and ballads, her sugar-sweet smile and chirpiness makes it difficult not to smile back.

Carol Lin, mezzo-soprano, is a joy to watch. Where her enunciation might be rushed at times her facial expressions accompanied with little jigs and dances are infectious with charm. With a broad range she was the darling of the spotlight in the performance, bringing gusto onto the bare stage of a concert setting with two microphones and a piano.

Samuel Huang, tenor, was a stable performer, taking his time in conveying the emotions of each song. His highlight was Maria from West Side Story, able to imitate the lilting performance of Tony in a mastery of dynamics of his voice.

Sammy Chien, baritone, has a calm aura and a stable vibrato. In the group performances his stage presence is slightly dampened but in his solos of Some Enchanted Evening and Edelweiss, all eyes and ears are on his calm demeanor and strong voice.

Anna Ngai, the pianist, was faultless and composed throughout the performance.

The Four Singers' opera backgrounds shone through their enunciation, tripping over their own tongues in the ambitious number of 'America' from West Side Story. While the technique was strong, the carefree belting and playful staccatos that we love on musical stages have yet to grasped naturally. Overall, the night was an enjoyable affair packed with students and Broadway lovers. A concert themed around musical theatre in Hong Kong is rare, and our hats are tipping to see if Musica Viva can incorporate mores of the Great White Way in this concrete jungle.

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