BWW Reviews: The Ongoing Concert Series at the Engeman - Always A Dazzling Night

Attending the ongoing concert series at the John W. Engeman Theatre of Northport, Long Island is always a treat. During their dark week between shows, host and producer Stephen DeAngelis rounds up Broadway's best for an evening of song and stories from their careers. This time the fantastic line up included Daniel Jenkins, Adriane Lenox, Mark Jacoby, Dee Hoty, and Alton Fitzgerald White.

To officially kick off the evening, Jon Balcourt, music director and piano accompanist, performed an overture from Annie to celebrate its upcoming return to Broadway in October.

First up was Daniel Jenkins, who gave a hilarious performance of “Deep Into The Ground” from Billy Elliot as if he drank a bit too many before the show. (Some people were questioning this after intermission and Stephen later explained this was how the character performed it in the show.) He also sang “River In The Rain” from Big River: The Adventures Of Huckleberry Finn, a show from which he received a Tony nomination in the original 1985 Broadway production. Additionally, he was well received with his rendition of “Good Thing Going” from Merrily We Roll Along and finished his performances with “Feels Like Home”.

Tony winner Adriane Lenox was stunning as she began with a beautiful Cole Porter medley. Afterwards, she joked about the irony of winning her 2005 Tony win for Featured Role in a Play when she was a singer at heart and Doubt has been the only play she’s done. Highlights also included her renditions of the standards “Woman Be Wise” and “Love For Sale” which were received very enthusiastically from the nearly sold out audience. For her final number of the evening, she selected to sing “Stormy Weather” done by notables such as Lena Horne, Frank Sinatra, and Etta James.

Broadway vet and Tony nominee, Mark Jacoby wooed the crowd a great rendition of “Song On The Sand” from La Cage’ Au Folles. He also chose to sing the wonderfully quirky “Little Choo Choo" and "Only With You” from Nine. He closed the show with the spectacular "Anthem” from Chess.

For her first song, Dee Hoty did a rousing rendition of “I’m Leavin’ Texas” from her Tony nominated role in the short lived The Best Little Whorehouse Goes Public. One of the most well received performances of the evening was Dee’s rendition of “Could I Leave You?” from Follies. Another fan favorite was her performance of the Gershwin’s “Someone To Watch Over Me”. To end her wonderful performances, she selected the title song from “Anything Goes”.

Playing hooky from The Lion King where he currently starring as Mufasa, Alton Fitzgerald White started off his set with a beautiful rendition of “Can You Feel The Love Tonight”. He also gave a powerful performance of “Make Them Hear You” from Ragtime (He was part of the original Broadway production.). Alton also beautifully sang the standard “Rain”. And to finish his performances, continuing his Disney theme, he sang “A Whole New World” from Aladdin to celebrate the upcoming release of his album, Disney: My Way.

For an intimate evening of song and the chance to get to know your favorite Broadway performers a little better, the Engeman's concert series is a must see. Stephen DeAngelis continues to put together a wonderfully diverse cast that is sure to entertain all audiences. Information about the next incarnation will be announced soon via their web site www.engemantheater.com.

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