Of course, there were the usual hi-jinks and production numbers, too, but when the men want to just sing, it’s hard to find better anywhere. Lavender began the show, highlighting soloists Patrick T. Holcomb and Brian Borell. Then, without any warning, we were suddenly ordered to Think Pink! Baritone James J. McPeak was surrounded—inundated?—by eleven of his cohorts costumed in varying shades of pink (including the occasional wig! and an ostrich feather fan?) in an over-the-top song-and-dance exhibition that had the audience in hysterics. You had to have been there for full appreciation of this extraordinary exhibition!
Calm was restored by Bridge Over Troubled Water in a straightforward version featuring tenor Don Pedley, and instrumental accompaniment provided by principal accompanist Robert Day, piano, Andrew Pongracz, percussion and Adam N. Tully, string bass.
What Do You Do With a B.A. in English and For Now were capably handled by Brian Borell, Clinton C. Condon, Rich Haselton and Wade Tolleson, while Stephen C. Adams poured out his wonderful, resonant bass voice on If I Had My Way. All the Lives of Me featured baritone Tom Leber accompanying himself on piano.
A trip back in time to Medieval days provided colorful tabards for the singer/dancers in Always Look On the Bright Side of Life. Lora Workman’s marvelous choreography was expertly realized by Bryan K. Fetty, Daniel T. Reynolds, Gerry Guest, Kevin G. Meehan, Steven R. Pastor and Ralph DiLudovico.
To better illustrate the many colors in the songs, the men were garbed in black tee-shirts and their usual black tuxedo trousers. In The Colors of My Life, colored lights played over the faces of the chorus, making rainbows in multiple configurations. It was an unusually beautiful concept created by Michael Rich, who, in addition to producing unusual special lighting effects is also the technical director.
Gospel singer Ava Withers made a smashing debut with the chorus in the Christmas show of last December. It’s a match made in heaven, so happily here she was again, garbed in a gorgeous lemony-hued dashiki. Along with her gorgeous voice, and obvious enjoyment in singing, she must have perfect pitch, all of which makes for marvelous music. The Gods Love Nubia was splendid. No other word for it. Splendid.
From Africa at the end of the first portion of the concert we went to the old American West to begin the second half. The Coastliners—dressed in denims, plaid shirts, vests and 10 gallon hats—gave us four songs: Poor Lonesome Cowboy, Cowboy Take Me Away, Saddle Tramp Blues (variation: wigs transforming them into cowgirls!) and A Love that Will Never Grow Old, which featured the lovely violin playing of Ryan Loeckel.
To honor icon Judy Garland’s 84th birthday the day before, the men donned short-sleeved colored shirts worn open over their black tees, to sing Hello, Hello!, highlighted by soloist Gary DiBianca. If I Could Choose featured choreography in place on the metal risers on which the men usually stand. Still. It was quite impressive as was the banner displayed at the end 'Basses Against Demeaning Dance'. Just kidding, right, guys?
A medley of rainbow songs followed under the heading of Rainbow Madness. Colored metallic strips fluttered down throughout, adding a shimmering aura to the proceedings. Among the songs were Sing a Rainbow, Rainbow Rules, and I’m So Over the Rainbow. This led to a major mop-up by Stephen Adams, Bryan Fetty and Jim McPeak wielding push-brooms in a somewhat futile attempt to corral all the glittery stuff, in Bluer than You.
Make Our Garden Grow sent assistant accompanist David Detloff up to the pipe organ for added aural coloring. ASL interpreter Doug Braun was, as usual, terrific.
The enthusiastic audience wasn’t quite satisfied, however, and was rewarded for their fervor with an encore. Here's Where I Stand brought back the marvelous Ava Withers who was joined by soloists Ralph DiLudovico and Virgillo P. Farjado.
Among the announcements made during the program was the information that the Christmas show in December is anticipated to be performed three times, rather than the two of previous years. For those would-be patrons who have been confronted by ‘Sold Out’ notices in the past, this is very good news, indeed. For information about the NCMC or their next concert season, visit their web-site: http://www.ncmchorus.org
From Cool Cleveland contributor Kelly Ferjutz artswriterATadelphia.net (:divend:)