Review: Renee Elise Goldsberry Performs a World-Class Concert at BYU

Tony Award winner Renee Elise Goldsberry, who starred as Angelica Schuyler in the original cast of HAMILTON, opened the Brigham Young University BRAVO! season on Friday, September 8, 2017.

Supported by flawless musicians (a four-piece band and three backup singers) and sleek, stunning scenic and lighting design, the production was world-class. Renee Elise Goldsberry's dynamic performance and personality were more than worth the fuss.

The set list was filled with an eclectic mix of soul, rhythm and blues, gospel, and Broadway. Goldsberry's versatility was on constant display as her voice seamlessly morphed into the requirements of each genre. The energy in the room was electric as she partied, praised, and employed her powerful, rich vocals.

The most fulfilling section of the concert was the final third, which was entirely devoted to songs Goldsberry had performed on Broadway, giving her the opportunity to showcase her incredible acting. The lush "Shadowlands" from THE LION KING and an uplifting medley from RENT were highlights, as was a crowd-pleasing three-song set from HAMILTON. She took on the challenge of reinterpreting "It's Quiet Uptown," "The Schuyler Sisters," and "Satisfied" as solo renditions that strayed from the originals while still maintaining familiarity and the emotional responses they invoke.

Goldsberry seemed genuinely, humbly grateful for the invitation to BYU and for the euphoric reception she received. It was refreshing and heartwarming for the audience to experience the evening along with her.

For more information about future BRAVO! performances at BYU (including Jason Robert Brown, Kelli O'Hara, Alan Menken, and Robert Fairchild), and to buy tickets, visit arts.byu.edu.

Photo Credit: Renee Elise Goldsberry