Interludes

THE HANGOVER REPORT – The robustly-voiced matinee idol DEREK KLENA effortlessly appeases his fans at 54 Below

• By drediman
• January 15, 2025
• No Comments

Over at 54 Below, Broadway’s Derek Klena recently concluded a week of sold out performances, to which many of his adoring fans flocked (I attended his final performance on Monday). Over the course of more than a decade, Klena has appeared in such popular Broadway musicals as Wicked (his Broadway debut in the role of Fiyero), Jagged Little Pill, Anastasia, and Moulin Rouge!, steadily ascending to matinee idol status alongside the likes of Jeremy Jordan and Aaron Tveit.

I’m happy to report that Klena effortlessly appeased his adoring fans with a set list focusing on songs from his stage career thus far, often times transposing the selections onto his newfound role as the father of two. Indeed, his mash-up of “Love Like This” with “Dear Theodosia” and a medley of his son’s favorite ditties (“Dax’s Faves Medley”) were affecting and loving tributes to his children and evolving family life. The Broadway star also capitalized on the success of the Wicked movie and the renewed popularity of the long-running musical by including a pair of songs from the show — “Dancing Through Life” and “As Long as You’re Mine” — the latter in thrilling duet with Ashley Loren, his former co-star from Moulin Rouge! Speaking of that hyperactive Tony-winning jukebox musical, it was prominently represented by exuberant renditions of two medley’s from the show, the “Elephant Love Medley” (also featuring Loren) and Klena’s own concoction for the character of Christian (“Derek’s Moulin Rouge! Megamix”). An unexpected but pleasant surprise was the inclusion was a moving performance of “Before It’s Over” from Dogfight, the 2012 Off-Broadway musical that introduced New York audiences to the writing duo of Pasek and Paul (Klena made his New York professional stage debut at the ripe old age of 20 in the show).

Throughout, Klena was in robust voice and in complete control of his instrument. In turn tender (e.g., Ben Folds’ “The Luckiest”) and heroic (e.g., “My Petersburg” from Anastasia), the natural baritone with tenor tendencies navigated his set list with intelligence and style. His banter was also spot on, winning the audience with his playfulness and easy charm. Accompanying Klena on piano up on the intimate 54 Below stage was his longtime music director Ben Rauhala, who accented the show with his distinctive blend of professionalism and frivolity.

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DEREK KLENA
Cabaret
54 Below
1 hour, 15 minutes (without an intermission)
Closed