THE HANGOVER REPORT – Broadway legend ANDRÉ DE SHIELDS raises the roof with his impassioned summoning of “Haarlem Nocturne”

André De Shields celebrates the 40th anniversary of “Haarlem Nocturne” at 54 Below (photo by Adrian Dimanlig).

Few performers can ignite and command a room quiet like André De Shields can. Best known for his Tony-winning turn as Hermes in Hadestown, the Broadway star also played the title role in The Wiz and appeared in Ain’t Misbehavin’ (it’s noteworthy that all three shows won the Tony Award for Best Musical). What many people may not know is that he also co-wrote, directed, choreographed, and starred in a musical revue called Haarlem Nocturne, which the Tony-winner is revisiting this week at 54 Below in celebration of its 40th anniversary.

Haarlem Nocturne uses the early 1960s popular songbook (e.g., Ray Charles’ “Hit the Road Jack”), as well as original compositions by De Shields and music director Marc Shaman. This week’s anniversary concert reunites not only De Shields and Shaman (on the piano), but also singer Freida Williams (one of the original three backup singers in the 1984 revue). At 54 Below, Williams is joined by two other powerhouse singers — Kimberly Marable (also of Hadestown) and Crystal Monee Hall (the upcoming Hell’s Kitchen) — who each have ample opportunities to dazzle individually and as a trio. This distilled, deeply personal concert version of Haarlem Nocturne boasts a level of immersion and theatricality (complete with several fabulous costume changes) that sets it apart from your typical cabaret fare. In sum, this summoning at 54 Below is an explosion of Black pain and joy, making it inspired entertainment for Black History Month.

At last night’s opening show, De Shields raised the roof with an impassioned performance that was akin to a religious experience. Indeed, few performers can match the 78-year-old spitfire in terms of forcefulness and intensity of charisma, both of which were on full display. Just as fierce were Williams, Marable, and Hall — each of whom were able to hold their own against the Broadway legend. Although staying largely out of De Shields’ way, Shaiman (another Tony-winner for penning Hairspray) was the backbone that held the evening together.

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ANDRÉ DE SHIELDS CELEBRATES THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF HAARLEM NOCTURNE
Cabaret
54 Below
1 hour, 15 minutes (without an intermission)
Through February 24

Categories: Cabaret

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