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If you have music in your soul, every so often a magical music moment happens that deeply affects you. This happens more and more often at a Broadway Singers concert.
Sometimes the audience reacts in stunned silence before erupting into thunderous applause. But sometimes, the music so profoundly affects the audience that tears begin to roll down their faces and as the song ends many are reaching for kleenex to unabashedly dry their eyes.
This performance of Anthem from the musical Chess was one of those moments. It took place at concert in January 2011 at the Church of St. Judes in London, Ontario. When the sound ended, even our conductor struggled to fight back tears, so moving was the performance.
I invite you to sit quietly, shut out all distractions, turn up your speakers, close your eyes and let the Broadway Singers touch your soul.
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Musical Director: Julie Pietrangelo
Master of Ceremonies: Ken Sadler
The Band: Piano-Yolanda Postma, Percussion- Greg Mainprize, Bass- Jim Smythe, Guitar- Chris Levesque
Up beat, classy, and comical was The Broadway Singers’ performance of Jukebox Musicals. The Jukebox is a metaphorical time machine that transports the audience through the era of Ray Charles, “Big Mama” Thornton, Buddy Holly, Elvis Presley, the Beach Boys, John Lennon, Queen, Journey, and many more famous pop, rock, and even disco bands.
The performance was a unique composite of famous musicals throughout history, such as: Million Dollar Quartet, The Buddy Holly Story, Saturday Night Fever, Jersey Boys, and Mamma Mia! (And many more). There was more than something for everyone; this was proven by the enthusiastic audience participation throughout the performance. The audience sang, clapped, and danced in their seats- it was difficult to remain seated during this fun-loving musical.
Ken Sadler, the Master of Ceremonies provided the audience with interesting background information to the all the musicals and artists; some of it was nothing
new to the audience, while others were eye opening (for example: Ray Charles fathered 12 children with 9 women! The man was very busy). The Master of Ceremonies was quite cheeky; each bow-tie change heralded the tribute to a new artist’s work and his humour kept his part of the performance fresh and lively.
As for the Broadway Singers, they were simply superb. The choir was multi- talented and included tap-dancers, disco dancers, solo artists, and actors. The Journey solo Don’t Stop Believin’ by Chaleanne Hardcastle gave me goose bumps (in a good way, of course). One of the most compelling strengths of the choir was their charisma – they had smiles on their faces all the way through to the last song. Their passion for singing and dancing was contagious, hence the strong participation from the audience. The proof is in the pudding as they say, and the quality of this performance was, without a doubt, first rate.
For those in the audience who grew up with Buddy Holly, John Lennon, Journey and others, this was a nostalgic ride back into their youth. I could not appreciate it as deeply as some of the other members of the audience who lived through the original creation of this music, but I truly had a great time and would recommend that everyone see the Broadway Singers sometime. They are loads of fun, and comical too! If you love the classics, you will love performances by the Broadway singers.
Hands down, this feel-good musical was fantastic.
(Out of 4 Stars) For more information on the Broadway Singers, or if you would like to join them,
go to: www.broadwaysingers.net
Sara Piszel has an English degree from York University, and currently resides in London. She is constantly impressed by London theatre, art, and music. She is always on the lookout for new things to write about in this abundantly talented city.
Queen medley from We Will Rock You, the musical. Music and Lyrics by Brian May, John Deacon and Freddie Mercury. Performed by the Broadway Singers on May 28th, 2011.
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