Review: HEATHER LUNDSTEDT O'NEILL Nails LOESSER KNOWN Hits
By: Don Grigware May. 24, 2016
Loesser Known: The Stories and Songs of Frank Loesser premiered at Sterling's Upstairs at the Federal Sunday May 22 with lovely singer Heather Lundstedt O'Neill doing the honors. Lundstedt O'Neill has a beautiful, classically trained soprano voice that she utilizes supremely, lending her an awesome range. She also possesses a wonderfully delicious sense of humor that added so very much to this, her first LA cabaret appearance. She sang lesser known as well as hit songs from the Frank Loesser Songbook and told brief stories about his family and career....but concentrated more on the singing. Joining her were The Beverly Belles, friends Tiffany and Leah for one song and also guest star Jonathan Hawkins who performed one duet with Lundstedt. Sensational musical director John Boswell was at the piano and Randy Landas on bass throughout the 75 minute set.
Classically trained sopranos, at least good ones, are hard to find. Barbara Cook, well into her 80s, is still singing and offering master classes...and her style is infectious, lending her performance class, wisdom and lots of smiles. I mention Cook, as I see a similarity with Lundstedt...that is, if Lundstedt perseveres and continues to consistently enthrall her audiences as she is currently doing. The voice is thrilling and with just the right amount of girlish charm, she keeps fans engaged and begging for more. Lundstedt should be on Broadway, that's to be sure, but for now, let's be grateful that she is here with us.
Highlights of lesser known Loesser songs included: "Heart and Soul" combined with "A Bushel and a Peck"; "Hamlet", the comedic song that he wrote for the frenetic humor of Betty Hutton - Lundstedt did a bang-up job with this; "On a Slow Boat to China", a rivetingly fast paced duet with Jonathan Hawkins; "Says My Heart" featuring the trio of girls The Beverly Belles; "Ooo, My Feet", the very funny, less familiar tune from The Most Happy Fella, and "Spring Will Be a Little Late This Year". Lundstedt had no lags in her show. The pace was brisk and bright.
On the familiar side of the coin, she concentrated mostly on Guys and Dolls, How to Succeed, Loesser's Pulitizer Prize score and my very favorite, The Most Happy Fella, his most operatic. There were wonderful arrangements of "Adelaide's Lament" - I never heard it delivered quite so speedily without ruining the message or sacrificing enjoyment; "Luck Be a Lady",and "I'll Know" coupled with "Somebody, Somewhere". Also on the bill were Loesser's favorite "I Believe in You", the lilting "Joey, Joey, Joey"...and a gorgeous combo of "My Time of Day" with "My Heart is So Full of You". Lundstedt's magnificent vocal instrument hit the stratosphere with The Most Happy Fella's "Somebody, Somewhere" and "My Heart Is So Full of You". There was not a dry eye in the house. A nice, refreshing interpretation of "I Don't Want to Walk Without You" was also presented with Randy Landas switching delightfully from bass to ukelele.
Most memorable of the Loesser anecdotes? There were two. Loesser was born into a family who adored and played classical music only. His fanciful shows never pleased them. He thought he had hit the heights with The Most Happy Fella because of its opera-like quality, and that they would revel in this achievement, but, sadly, no. Ah, family woes; we can all relate! Another interesting story is that while filming Guys and Dolls Frank Loesser dictated to Frank Sinatra how he wanted his songs delivered. The two were constantly battling and never associated with one another again when filming was over. Two genius musicians at odds! Fun, gossipy stuff!
I heard mention that Heather Lundstedt may tour around with this show. If it happens, don't miss her! She is one of those winning singers who has it all: beauty, intelligence, humor and first and foremost one hell of an exciting voice. Brava!
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