Review: NAC ORCHESTRA POPS SERIES PRESENTS RODGERS & HAMMERSTEIN at National Arts Centre - Southam Hall

For its first Pops Series performance of the 2018 / 2019 season, the NAC Orchestra is paying tribute to the famous composer / lyricist team of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II by performing some of their most beloved songs in the newly renovated orchestra shell of the National Arts Centre.

Led by conductor Maestro Jack Everly, the NAC Orchestra was in fine form, providing music not only from Rodgers & Hammerstein's most popular musicals, but delivering some lessor known melodies, such as the overture to the 1961 film, Flower Drum Song.

Two choirs, the Calixa-Lavallée Ensemble and the Ewashko Singers, provided beautiful harmonies to complement the guest vocals.

The three featured vocalists, handpicked by Maestro Everly, were Laura Osnes, Ben Crawford and Ted Keegan. All three were simply spectacular, with the twice Tony-nominated Osnes channeling Julie Andrews in the opening number, "The Sound of Music", and again in "My Favorite Things".

Crawford was able to take a break from his titular role in the Phantom of the Opera on Broadway to delight the audience in Ottawa. Notably, Crawford gave a commanding performance of Carousel's "Soliloquy", which showcased his baritone and provided a definite highlight to the evening.

Notably absent from the song selection was the sweetly sentimental "Ten Minutes Ago" from Cinderella. This was particularly disappointing given that Osnes appears on the Broadway cast recording of the 2013 revival production. However, this was mostly forgiven when Osnes, Keene and Crawford joined forces for a toe-tapping rendition of The King and I's "Shall We Dance".

Maestro Everly acted as a superb host of the evening, providing background information on the various song selections. He also took some time out of his busy schedule to provide me with some insight regarding this production. An edited version of Maestro Everly's responses appear below.

BroadwayWorld.com (BWW): What made you choose Rodgers & Hammerstein for this production at the NAC?

Jack Everly (JE): It is important, as it is entertaining to visit the great musical legacy of Rodgers & Hammerstein every few years.

BWW: Do you have a favourite Rodgers & Hammerstein show or song and why is it special to you?

JE: My favourite show is The King and I for its story, score and ballet. My favourite song is South Pacific's "Some Enchanted Evening" because of its shy, sweeping melody and wonderful sentiment.

BWW: Rodgers & Hammerstein songs are classic and beloved by many people. Are you a purist or will you put your own twist on the music?

JE: I am a purist. The only "twist" that I add is how I program an evening.

BWW: You have some impressive Broadway stars performing with you in this production. How involved are you in selecting the vocal talent for your productions?

JE: I select the vocal talent in every concert. We are all thrilled that Laura Osnes, Ben Crawford and Ted Keegan made themselves available to us this week.

BWW: Do you have plans to pay homage to any other Broadway greats in the near future at the NAC?

JE: Always. We are in discussions to present an evening of Irving Berlin and, later, Lerner & Loewe.

That last bit of news should keep Broadway fans on the lookout for upcoming NAC Pops Series shows, especially given the calibre of this production. In the meantime, good seats remain for tonight and tomorrow's performances. For more information or to purchase tickets, go to https://nac-cna.ca/en/event/18711.

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