BWW Reviews: Incomparable LINDA EDER Brings Showstopping Talent to The Vets

Veterans Memorial Auditorium in Providence may not always get the same level of appreciation or respect that is bestowed upon its big brother, Providence Performing Arts Center. Underappreciated or not, The Vets, as it's called, brings in its fair share of wonderful performances and fabulous productions. This past weekend's holiday concert with Linda Eder was easily a highlight of the season for everyone in attendance. From the first moment to the last, Eder proved why she is one of the most talented and beloved professional songstresses of our time.

Although the concert was billed as a holiday event, Eder actually balanced the seasonal carols with quite a few other American standards and Broadway show tunes. This may or may not have gone over well with some members of the audience. Those hoping for a concert of only holiday tunes may have been annoyed that they had to sit through the Broadway musical fare.

Having said that, it really didn't matter if it was a Christmas carol or Broadway melody, Eder knocked absolutely every one of them out of the park. As for the former, she provided an up-tempo and jazzy version of many of the season's most popular carols, from "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year" to "Have a Holly, Jolly Christmas," "Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow," and "O Come All Ye Faithful." She also slowed things down a bit with stunning renditions of "Silent Night," "The Bells of St. Paul," and "O, Holy Night." Every one of them was a rousing, outstanding rendition of a Christmas classic.

Just as rousing, and maybe more so, were Eder's versions of a number of Broadway hits. She gave the crowd exactly what they came to see with "Someone Like You," the song she made famous when she sang it in the original Broadway production of Jekyll and Hyde. In addition, she sang "Don't Cry for Me, Argentina," from Evita, "Climb Every Mountain" from The Sound of Music and "I, Don Quixote" from Man of La Mancha. Getting to sink her teeth into these kinds of amazing power ballads, Eder absolutely brought the house down every time.

While she showcased a voice and vocal ability beyond impressive, Eder also proved to be a down to earth and easy going person, happy to just sit and chat a bit with the audience. She told a number of stories, all of them heartfelt and sincere. She also cracked a number of jokes, proving herself as talented with a joke as she is with the high notes.

Speaking of talent, special mention must also be made of the Providence College Choir, who joined Eder onstage, under the direction of T. J. Harper. It was a surprise to me, at least, that a group of local talent would be getting the chance to back up Eder for most of the concert. They did a fantastic job, proving to be a group of young people with very bright futures in music, if they choose to follow that path. Eder was also joined onstage by five musicians, each one also highly talented, who provided her with perfect musical accompaniment and support throughout the entire delightful show.

For more information about upcoming shows at Veterans Memorial Auditorium in Providence, visit their website at www.vmari.com.