The chorus appeared first on the stage of the Allen Theater at Playhouse Square Center, warming us up as it were. Dressed in their tuxes with white shirts and cobalt blue ties, the first piece was a rhythmic medley of two Gershwin classics. “I Got Rhythm” led off in a somewhat straightforward presentation, followed by a delightfully offbeat “Fascinating Rhythm” full of constant changes of beat and tempo. Music Director Richard Cole set a brisk pace, adroitly maintained by the accompanying musicians: Robert Day, principal accompanist; Brandon Podjasek, percussion and Sue Yelanjian, bass. As is normal for the concerts of the chorus, all the lyrics were signed by Doug Braun.
The Latin favorite “Bésame Mucho” was given an extra twist, when two of the men who are experienced dancers performed in front of the chorus. Robert Bess and Michael Sowinski in black velour tights and muscle shirts (one bright red, one cobalt blue) were controlled yet sensuous in their athletic and tender duo, choreographed by the splendid Lora Workman. Mark P. Malloy created the costumes.
Another medley followed—this one of songs by Duke Ellington. “Hit Me With a Hot Note”, Don’t Get Around Much Anymore” and “I Got it Bad and That Ain’t Good” were all surrounded by bits of “It Don’t Mean a Thing”. Not to worry, all necessary swings were in good working order! “At the Same Time” has become somewhat of a theme song for the chorus, expressing as it does the hope that some day, all people really will be treated the same, all the time.
Fats Waller’s “This Joint is Jumpin’” put everyone in a good mood, ready to welcome the special guest artist for the evening. The house and stage lights went down briefly, and when they came up, as if by magic, the Steinway concert grand was center stage, and a bright spotlight illuminated the steps of Michael Feinstein to the keyboard.
Dressed in a black velvet suit with gray and white striped tie, Mr. Feinstein was in great form! Completely at home on the stage in front of the full house, he sang, he joked, he did impressions. In addition to the great classics, he gave us silly songs and ‘bad’ songs. After all, everyone is entitled to an off day now and then. He knows (or knew) all the great Broadway composers of the last half of the 20th Century, and began his portion of the program with a tribute to the man he considers the greatest one of all during that time. “No One is Alone” from “Into the Woods” is by Steven Sondheim, who is celebrating his 75th birthday this year.
Changing the mood slightly was a duo of “That’s Entertainment” and “Let Me Entertain You” and he surely did. At the conclusion, Mr. Feinstein stood up for his bow, but unbuttoned his suit coat and coyly treated us to a flash of his white-shirted shoulder. Showing all sides of his personality, he then treated us to a ‘message’ song that came from the Stonewall Riots of 1968 in Greenwich Village – “The Time Has Come”, sung with emotion and clarity. Quickly changing gears, he then did “Shall We Join the Ladies” a fun song about joining all the ladies together and to each other, thus forming one large lady! Much laughter greeted this performance.
“Of Thee I Sing” by the Gershwins from the musical of the same name, was the first Broadway musical to win a Pulitzer Prize, adding a new dimension to what may have previously been thought of as only musical entertainment. Next was a song not heard often enough, and proved to be an emotional highlight for many in the audience—“Love is Rare” from “I’m Getting My Act Together and Taking it on the Road”.
Harold Arlen wrote music for movies as well as the stage. “Lydia” became a hit when sung by Groucho Marx. You could probably win a trivia contest if you knew the number of times one certain song was on screen in “Wizard of Oz”. Not only did the Tin Man need a heart, but the Scarecrow needed a brain and the Lion needed nerve. Stringing them all together into a miniature suite, Mr. Feinstein used appropriate voices and emotions, reminding us of the joy of that movie.
The chorus came back on stage for another Gershwin tune “Make This a Heaven on Earth” which led into the finale. Yes, indeed, all this music on just the first half of the program! The conclusion was a rousing “Alexander’s Rag Time Band” by Irving Berlin. The men swayed to the funky rhythm as they sang, and Mr. Feinstein contributed a dazzling ragtime solo in the middle.
After intermission (and the awarding of the raffle prize) it was Michael Feinstein, his piano and the Chorus once again in a medley interspersed with more jokes and impressions. “I Love a Piano” by Berlin; “By Strauss” (a party song), “Blah, Blah, Blah/Funny Face” (a ‘bad’ song by Gershwin, led into “S’Wonderful.” And indeed it was. The final song of this set was Ira’s tribute to his brother George, following the composer’s too-early death in 1938, “Our Love is Here to Stay.” An older couple sitting beside me clutched hands during this heart-felt performance, which prompted more than a few sniffles from the audience.
The finale was grand, indeed. “Only One Life” by Jimmy Webb was sung to a recording of full orchestra, taken from Mr. Feinstein’s latest recording, “Only One Life: The Songs of Jimmy Webb”.
For information about the NCMC, visit their web-site: http://www.ncmchorus.org
From Cool Cleveland contributor Kelly Ferjutz ArtsWriterATadelphia.net (:divend:)