Review: 'Dinner and a Show' Philly Pops 'LEGENDS OF ROCK' and Locust Rendezvous

But our first stop is lunch at the legendary Locust Rendezvous. This "Cheers" Bar if you will, was established in September of 1989. Surviving in an ever changing neighborhood, they have withstood the test of time. Many establishments have come and gone, not sure what they wanted to be when they grew up. "Fortunately, we learned early on that we were just a great bar with good food -- nothing more, nothing less" as manager Michele Recupido shared with us.

We enjoyed their Appetizer Assortment: Breaded chicken fingers, fried mushrooms, fried mozzarella stick and stuffed potato skins with all the fixins'. My guest had a lean, moist Ruben sandwich and I enjoyed their "Award Winning" Pork Italiano with broccoli rabe and cheese sandwich served on the best Italian roll! Their extensive menu includes their again "Award Winning" crock of French onion soup, nine different signature salads and 32 custom sandwiches, many of which include slow home smoked pork, and beef. Tourists often ask for a casual restaurant in which to enjoy a 'good' sandwich and a draft beer, well the "Vous" is the place! Located at 1415 Locust St. since 1989 you can view the "Vous" at www.locustrendezvous.com and call 215.985.1163.

Now on to the show...

The Philly POPS Music Director, Maestro Michael Krajewski shares "When audiences hear the first two or three notes of a song, they're going to say, 'Oh, I love this song!' And that's our goal as we're doing our best to recreate these legendary songs in a very authentic way. Of course, one thing that will be very different - they will be backed up by The Philly POPS! We're not exactly a rock band, but we have 65 musicians who will be the power behind the music. "

Hats off to Maestro Krajewski for the creation of this incredibly enjoyable program which includes a"Chicago in Concert Medley" as well as an opening "Rock Overture". Just the sight and sound of the typically subdued violins, and cellists bobbing their heads to this music made me giggle...and is worth the ticket price!Adding to this three highly acclaimed Rock Tenors Micah Wilshire, Rob Evan, and Shem von Schroeck join forces with The Philly POPS. This talented trio with combined influences from the worlds of rock, country, Broadway, and opera amaze audiences with a dynamic line-up of chart-topping classic hits and epic power ballads from The Beatles, The Doobie Brothers, Crosby Stills & Nash, Sting, Queen, Coldplay, and more. Classic rock lovers of all ages will enjoy a selection of songs that include "Don't Stop Believin', "We Are the Champions"," Every Breath You Take", and "Maybe I'm Amazed".

Here's a bit about the Rock Tenor lineup. Nashville native Micah Wilshire began appearing on countless jingles and recordings, including multiple Gold and Platinum albums. As a member of the band Wilshire, Micah moved to Los Angeles and signed with Columbia Records and Warner-Chappell Publishing. The band's hit single "Special" shot up the U.S. Top 20 Billboard chart leading to tours with Seal (nationally and internationally) and Train and performances on Late Night, The Sharon Osbourne Show, The Wayne Brady Show, and Pepsi Smash.

Rob Evan a member of the platinum-selling rock band, the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, but he has also starred in the original Broadway cast of Jekyll & Hyde playing the title roles for three years and over 600 performances. He also played the role of Jean Valjean in Les Miserables, leading the critically acclaimed National Touring Company to its history-making stop on Broadway. He created the 2009 theatrical fusion concert The Rock Tenor, which debuted to rave reviews at Philadelphia's Wilma Theater. Evan has also been a featured soloist for many leading symphonies across the nation, and regularly stars in the production of The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber.

Born into a musical family, Shem von Schroeck's early musical theater experience included productions of Oklahoma! (Curly), The Pirates of Penzance Frederic), Bye Bye Birdie! (Conrad), Li'l Abner (Abner), and Once Upon a Mattress (Sir Harry). As a singing bass player, he has performed in 26 countries and toured with several GRAMMY Award-winning artists, including Tom Jones, Marie Osmond, Christopher Cross, and as a music director and conductor for Kenny Loggins. von Schroeck is now a principal tenor for the Millennium Wagner Opera Company and has also guest conducted several pops concerts with the Columbus Symphony, Oklahoma Symphony, Little Rock Symphony, Dallas Symphony, Phoenix Symphony, and the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra.

From Rob Evan's stirring 'House of the Rising Sun" to Micah Wilshire's catchy "I Heard It Through the Grapevine" we knew we were in for a treat. The incredibly versatile Shem von Schroeck is also is an impressive guitarist and pianist delivering Kenny' Loggins "This Is It". The first Acts closes to a Medley of "Nowhere Man" "Suite: Judy Blue Eyes/ I've Seen All Good People/ Carry On My Wayward Son/ Don't Stop Believin'" with impeccably well blended harmonies by the Trio of Talent.

Act II opens with the Pops performing "Lady Madonna" followed by a solemn "Desperado" led by Pops cellist who survives the good humored teasing by the charismatic Maestro. Beatles favorite "Maybe I'm Amazed" is heartfelt and most impressively sang by Micah Wilshire. Von Schroeck raises the roof with his unexpected offering of a brief portion of Puccini's Tosca, the heart-wrenching opera and tragic tale of love and loss to the seasoned Pops crowds who appreciatively stand and cheer.

The end of the event comes way too quickly with all three singers joining forces and inviting the audience to join them in a rousing combo of "We Will Rock You/We Are the Champions". An encore demands an exciting version of "Joy to the World".

LEGENDS OF ROCK played at Verizon Hall at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts at 300 S. Broad St., Philadelphia, PA on May 15, 16 and 17. For more information about The Philly Pops visit www.phillypops.org

Photo Credits: Locust Rendezvous, Philly Pops

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