BWW Reviews: MICHAEL FEINSTEIN'S A NIGHT AT THE MOVIES Brings Nostalgia with the Pasadena Pops
By: Aimee Curameng Oct. 02, 2015
The Pasadena Pops held their final event of the summer at the Los Angeles Country Arboretum and Bontanic Garden on September 12, 2015. Michael Feinstein, performer and principal Pops Conductor led the full orchestra and featured soloists Sheléa Frazier and Broadway's Jeremy Jordan.
Set in the picturesque Arboretum, the outdoor setting seemed ideal for the dreamy and vibrant songs chosen for the evening. The orchestra began with beautiful variations on the "Singin' in the Rain Overture," followed by Harry Warren's "Remember Me," an "Oscar Song Salute," and "Will Someone Ever Look At Me That Way?" from Yentl. Soloist Sheléa Frazier sang "The Trolley Song" made famous by Judy Garland in Meet Me In St. Louis and a song called "What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life?" Composers Alan and wife Marilyn Bergman were in attendance to hear their song being wonderfully sung by Sheléa Frazier. Sheléa has a way developing heart and meaning using the power of her voice in an almost classic, nostalgic way which lends beautifully to an evening of standards. After her performance, the orchestra played the familiar "Wizard of Oz: Overture and Cyclone," and were treated to yet another special and surprise guest, Richard Sherman. Mr. Sherman was on hand to hear conductor Michael Feinstein sing an unreleased song from Mary Poppins called "Through the Eyes of Love." Michael Feinstein has a persona connection to the songs he conducts and this one was no exception, revealing through his performance how intimately familiar he is with the material. Not a note misplaced, not a note sung without the delivery of warmth behind it. "The Parade of the Charioteers" from Ben-Hur was a strong note to end on before taking a brief intermission.
The orchestra returned to perform "The Best Years of Our Lives" the exit music from the film, "Since You Went Away" from Since You Went Away, "Carioca A La Bolero," and "Too Marvelous for Words." "Too Marvelous for Words" featured the Donald Brinegar Singers, acclaimed performers from Pasadena City College. While performing, models wore costumes featured either on the Oscar broadcast or from Oscar-nominated films. The costumes were on display courtesy of Greg Schreiner from Hollywood Revisited. Soloist Jeremy Jordan performed "Alfie" from Alfie, and an Oscar Song Medley sung only once by Andy Williams at the Hollywood Bowl in 1963. The songs featured include, "Love Is A Many Splendored Thing," "Mona Lisa," "On the Atchison, Topeka, and the Santa Fe," "All the Way," and finally, "Moon River." Following the performance of "Moon River," Jeremy Jordan received a very well-deserved standing ovation and lingering applause. Jordan's strong, well-rounded vocal ability paired with his charming personality was one the audience couldn't resist. The evening concluded with the "Lullaby of Broadway" bringing both soloists Sheléa Frazier and Jeremy Jordan back to the stage with Michael Feinstein to sing together. And finally, Michael Feinstein played a solo "Two For the Road" on piano dedicated to audience member Virginia Mancini, wife of the late Henry Mancini.
With gorgeous performances by incredibly talented performers in a setting that lends itself to listening to music, I couldn't recommend the Pasadena Pops more. Looking forward to their return for the following summer season.
You may learn more about the Pasadena Pops at the following link: pasadenasymphony-pops.org.
More information about Michael Feinstein including upcoming shows can be found here.
Sheléa Frazier can be found here and Jeremy Jordan stars in the CBS show Supergirl airing on October 26th.
Photos by Aimee Curameng
Los Angeles Country Arboretum and Bontanic Garden
Sheléa Frazier
Michael Feinstein and Sheléa Frazier
Sheléa Frazier
Richard Sherman and Michael Feinstein
Richard Sherman and Michael Feinstein
Parade of Costumes from Hollywood Revisited
Jeremy Jordan and Michael Feinstein
Michael Feinstein and Jeremy Jordan
Michael Feinstein and Jeremy Jordan
Sheléa Frazier
Michael Feinstein and Sheléa Frazier
Sheléa Frazier
Michael Feinstein and the Pasadena Pops
Sheléa Frazier and Jeremy Jordan
Sheléa Frazier and Jeremy Jordan
Sheléa Frazier and Jeremy Jordan
Sheléa Frazier and Jeremy Jordan
Michael Feinstein, Sheléa Frazier, and Jeremy Jordan
Parade of Costumes from Hollywood Revisited
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