Review: BEST OF BROADWAY at Sarasota Orchestra

The Sarasota Pops Orchestra once again hits a big home run with their Best of Broadway concert. And they brought two of the best Broadway vocalists to share the stage at Sarasota's purple palace, The Van Wezel. Broadway stars Laura Osnes, (Bandstand, Cinderella, Bonnie & Clyde, Grease), and Norm Lewis, (Phantom of the Opera, Porgy & Bess, The Little Mermaid, Les Misérables), rocked the house to a sold out audience.

The crowd was warmed up by a beautiful rendition of several Broadway melodies by Irving Berlin such as "There's No Business Like Show Business", "Alexander's Ragtime Band", "Always" and "Some Enchanted Evening". The orchestra made effortless transitions from one song to another. It was the perfect start to get us in the mood to enjoy some of the most renowned Broadway melodies we all know.

When Laura and Norm took the stage, we knew we were in the presence of Broadway royalty. Their duet, "You're the Top" from Anything Goes was especially fun and flirtatious. "Do I Love You Because You're Beautiful" from Cinderella got the ladies in the audience swooning. Mr. Lewis' deep vocals added a dramatic touch and received a long round of applause for his solo of "Ol Man River" from Showboat. Ms. Osnes melted everyone heart with "Part of Your World" from The Little Mermaid. Particular favorites were "Stars" from Les Misérables and "All I Ask of You" from Phantom of the Opera.

Ms. Osnes and Mr. Lewis performed beautiful solos throughout the program. Their duets were captivating as they took on some lighthearted songs, and then changed up to some of the more romantic and even heart wrenching numbers. They were the perfect blend of charisma for this performance. We all felt we visited Broadway for one brief night.

Principal Pops Conductor Andrew Lane and the Sarasota Pops were up to the task as they delivered some of the most iconic tunes of Broadway with flare and confidence. From woodwinds and strings to percussion and horns, everyone had their turn to show just how lucky we are to have them in Sarasota. Mr. Lane is a particularly entertaining conductor to watch. He slices his baton with passion and is very much at home interacting with the audience and guests vocalists. Check out their 2018 Pops program and treat yourself to some of the finest music and accomplished musicians in the land.

For more information on the Sarasota Orchestra and upcoming performances visit www.sarasotaorchestra.org . For more information on Laura Osnes visit www.laura-osnes.com. For more information on Norm Lewis visit www.normlewis.com.

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