BWW Reviews: An Evening of Classic Broadway Features Performers Who Can REALLY Sing!!!

An Evening of Classic Broadway/ produced by Fraser Entertainment Group/ hosted by Billy Riback/ musical direction by Brad Ellis/Rockwell Table & Stage

On March 16, the Rockwell Table & Stage could barely contain the theatre aficionados' applause and excitement generated by the incredible singers belting out one showstopper after another in An Evening of Classic Broadway. The seven featured vocalists received more than able assist from musical director Brad Ellis. Bravo to Ellis for his versatility from back-up accompaniment for most; to comedic artist in "Something," a parody of A Chorus Line's "Nothing;" to his piano keys dueling with the powerful baritone of Todd Murray in an up-tempo samba arrangement of State Fair's "It Might as Well Be Spring." And I think I even heard a couple of key changes for Murray in there! Very nice! Murray got very romantic in "If Ever I Should Leave You" from Camelot, matched only by Zachary Ford's equally romantic tones in Brigadoon's "Come to Me, Bend to Me."

The youngest to this troupe, Jennifer Foster revels with her already seasoned comedic and vocal chops in The Wild Party's "Life of the Party" and Kiss Me, Kate's "Always True to You in My Fashion."

Kyra Selman exhibited her versatile pipes from the light opera-ish "I Had a True Love" from St. Louis Woman to the torchy Kander & Ebb's "And the World Goes Round." Would be easy to see/hear Selman as Bess in Porgy & Bess.

Robyn Spangler shone in her strong rendition of "Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered" from Pal Joey.

Eileen Barnett skillfully combined her acting talents with her lovely vital voice in "I've Never Been in Love Before/My Heart is So Full of You" from Guys & Dolls/Most Happy Fella.

Julie Garnye most deservedly received the coveted final solo spot singing one of Streisand's signature songs, "The Music That Makes Me Dance" from Funny Girl. Garnye's version, sending chills up and down my spine, will now be forever impressed in my mind as Garnye's signature song. Didn't think anyone could make me prefer their version over Streisand's! Wowww!!!

Earlier, Garnye, together with co-producers Dianne Fraser and Kate Pazakis (accomplished vocalists themselves) joined for the gorgeously sung group ballad "At the Ballet" from A Chorus Line, nicely backed by dancers Sylvie Gosse and Debbie Zaltman.

Providing jokes and intros (and acting as a co-conspirator for Ellis' devilishness), Billy Riback breezily hosted the entertaining revue.

Their next Evening, with Ellis reprising his musical director role, unfortunately won't be until June 11.

www.fraserentertainmentgroup.com

Photos by Gil Kaan

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