Review: BROADWAY SINGS STEVIE WONDER at Ridgefield Playhouse

BROADWAY SINGS Stevie Wonder was an amazing show at the Ridgefield Playhouse, on May 14, 2018. It is part of the Broadway Sings concert series that was founded by Corey Mach. It delivers on every song!

The show features numerous Stevie Wonder songs performed by six Broadway stars including Corey Mach(Kinky Boots, Godspell), Ben Fankhauser(Newsies, Beautiful: The Carol King Musical), Paige Faure(Miss Saigon, Cinderella), Brittney Johnson(Les Miserables, Sunset Boulevard), Sydney Morton(Evita, American Psycho), and Colton Ryan(Dear Evan Hansen). The band is also from the city, and features a variety of instruments including guitar, bass drum, synthesizer, piano, saxophone, trumpet, and trombone. Back-up singers enhance the fullness of the sound. Two co-hosts announce the singers, while providing insight into some of the songs. A screen in the back of the stage shows the name of each song as it starts.

The songs, including mash-ups are arranged in unique ways that highlight the singers' strengths, with accompaniment adjusted to these new arrangements. It is a unique experience hearing classic Stevie Wonder songs performed in refreshingly new styles that remain true to the original lyrics and melodies, yet have special twists.

Some highlights include a mash up of "Higher Ground" with "Living For The City," and a high energy performance of "You Are the Sunshine of My Life."

BROADWAY SINGS Stevie Wonder was a huge success in the city, when it first ran in April of 2013. It is obvious why, as the quality of the talent is spectacular. Now, Ridgefield residents got to experience this Broadway quality concert, right at the Ridgefield Playhouse. This show far exceeded my expectations. For future shows at the Ridgefield Playhouse, please go to Ridgefield Playhouse. For future Broadway Sings shows, please go to Broadway Sings.

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