Andrew Lloyd Webber Music of the Night
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Cast: Colm Wilkinson, Janet Metz, Laurie Williamson; Lisa Atkinson, Andy Blankenbuehler, Chris Diamantopoulos, Tonya Dixon, Dottie Earle, Tracey Flye, Patty Goble, Nancy Lemenager, Kevyn Morrow, Jason Opsahl, Jill Patton, Craig Waletzko, Ray Walker, Carmen Yurich.
Following the success of "The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber in Concert" in 1989, creators Scott Ellis and David Thompson have devised a hybrid that offers more elaborate staging, choreography and subtle set variations to help produce the feel of a musical encompassing Lloyd Webber's most popular works. It includes a 32-piece orchestra, a 12-member ensemble of singers and dancers, and new orchestrations that accentuate loud, powerful endings to the composer's faves.
Leading the troupe is a trio of accomplished vocalists closely identified with Lloyd Webber. It's headed by "Phantom" veteran Colm Wilkinson, joined by Janet Metz, who has toured in "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" and "The Music of ...," and Laurie Williamson, most recently featured in the "Phantom" national tour. All three are superb stylists who offer plenty of variety and range to their assignments. (More variety could have been offered overall, had the troupe been stocked with more than just tenors and sopranos.)
Backed by excellent voices in the ensemble -- many given opportunities to solo -- the three serve up Lloyd Webber's staples in seamless fashion. The more powerful first act primarily emphasizes the early years with tunes from "Evita, ""Jesus Christ Superstar,""Song and Dance" and "Starlight Express." The second act is devoted to "Phantom,""Cats,""Sunset Boulevard" and "Aspects of Love."
Headliner Wilkinson carries most of the load, and the classic Irish tenor doesn't disappoint. Highlights include a nice duet with Metz in "A New Argentina ," and the big numbers from "Phantom." Williamson's many bright moments include "Pie Jesu" from "Requiem" and "I Don't Know How to Love Him" from "Superstar."
With the orchestra ensconced on center stage, choreography is limited to bandstand stairs and front. But that's more than enough space for choreographers John Deluca and Kathleen Marshall to keep the athletic chorus line busy. Tech qualities are first-rate. If audiences can get past the $ 60 top for what is essentially a souped-up concert, "Music of the Night" could enjoy a profitable tour that could trailblaze for others.
Choreographed by John Deluca, Kathleen Marshall. Sets, Tony Walton; costumes, William Ivey Long; lighting, Paul Gallo; sound, Martin Levan; orchestrations, William David Brohn, David Cullen; musical supervision and direction, Phil Reno; vocal arrangements, David Loud; dance arrangements, David Krane. Opened Nov. 8, 1995, at the National Theater; 1,169 seats; $ 60 top. Running time: 2 HOURS, 10 MIN.
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