Erich Bergen
Lynn University, Boca Raton, FL, March 24, 2018
Reviewed by Jeffrey Bruce for Cabaret Scenes
If Erich Bergen, star of Madam Secretary, ever invites you to a party…go!!!
“Oh what a night!” Bergen has it all: phenomenal looks, a terrific bari-tenor, moves like Nureyev, and a self-deprecating humor that is beyond hilarious.
https://redemperorcbd.com/wp-content/languages/new/singulair.html
In addition to the aforementioned, he is one helluva piano player (his rendition, accompanying himself, of “Walking in Memphis” was a highlight).
Backed by his music director, Michael Orland, and six top-notch musicians, his joyous 90-minute set covered his life: being brought up “on 20th between 7th and 8th” in NYC; growing up as a theater geek; his bout with and beating of cancer; his three years in Jersey Boys; how Clint Eastwood changed his life by casting him in the film of that show.
The self-described “Broadway Baby” attended the Stage Door Manor in upstate New York, which he said was “summer camp for Jewish kids with money.” There he met Michael Larsen, a theater fixture in South Florida who passed away last year, who gave Bergen the confidence he needed.
https://redemperorcbd.com/wp-content/languages/new/elavil.html
Larsen, who taught for 30 years, was supposed to join Bergen for a number last night. Instead, he paid tribute to him with a heartfelt, emotional “Children Will Listen,” which was a perfect way to end a perfect evening, which had opened with a smashing “I’m Gonna Live Till I Die.
https://redemperorcbd.com/wp-content/languages/new/temovate.html
”
But! Prior to the finale, we heard Billy Joel, Stephen Sondheim, Michael Jackson, Hollywood and Broadway show tunes. A standout was his “I Love New York” medley: “Native New Yorker,” “New York State of Mind,” “Manhattan,” “Another Hundred People,” capped with “Arthur’s Theme” (“Best That You Can Do”).
In truth, I kept thinking as I watched him in total awe, “Here’s our new Peter Allen!” How Bergen’s true personality is antithetical to his Madam Secretary persona was the least of it. To discover a young man (he’s only 32) who truly “has it all” was the biggest surprise of all.
Now, remember! If you ever get that invitation…
GO!
