Once on This Island Sings Ahrens & Flaherty
Feinstein’s/54 Below, NYC, July 18, 2018
Reviewed by Bart Greenberg for Cabaret Scenes
The cast of the 2018 Tony Award-winning best musical revival Once on This Island joined together to present a wonderful tribute to their songwriters, Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty. The emphasis was on songs from the team’s flawless and electric output. The singers arrived decked out in their finest fashion; floral prints abounded. Subtle and strong support was provided by an instrumental team consisting of music director/pianist Alvin Hough, Jr., drummer Adam Wolfe, and bassist Alexandra Eckhardt.
Some of the highlights:
From Ragtime: David Jennings delivered “Make Them Hear You” with understated power, and Merle Dandridge offered up a breathtaking “Back to Before.” Later in the evening, Kenita R. Miller and Quentin Earl Darrington gave a fresh and thrilling version of “Wheels of a Dream,” and Darlesia Clearcy turned “Your Daddy’s Son” into a devastating aria.
From Seussical the Musical: one of the junior members of the cast, Emerson Davis, delivered a well-sung medley with a powerhouse voice and the boa handling skills of Julie Wilson. Later, in one of the most emotional moments of the evening, Darlington shared an enormously touching “Alone in the Universe” with his three sons. Aurelia Williams delivered a mix of soul and swing on the nonsensical lyrics of “Green Eggs and Ham.”
Rarely heard songs were included. Ximone Rose gave us something beautiful indeed with the soaring “Something Beautiful.” Mia Williamson was pure energy with “Can’t Sit Still.” And our charming hostess of the evening, Haley Kilgore, proved she could build a song like a much older pro with “In My Dreams.”
