Interludes

VIEWPOINTS – Women of hip-hop and musical theater showcase their magnificence: WORD. SOUND. POWER. & Sutton Foster et al. in BRING ME TO LIGHT

• By drediman
• April 30, 2021
• No Comments

Over the past week or so, I had the opportunity of streaming a pair of virtual concerts that – although drastically contrasting – both showcased the magnificence of women. Presented by two of New York’s most prestigious performing arts institutions, these concerts also served as conduits for healing, change, and hope.

WORD. SOUND POWER. 2021
Brooklyn Academy of Music
Live-streamed on April 23

Last Friday, for one-night-only, the Brooklyn Academy of Music live-streamed the 2021 edition of Word. Sound. Power. (RECOMMENDED), an annual concert celebrating the ability of spoken word and hip-hop to empower marginalized voices and invoke positive change in our society. Usually held at the flexible BAM Fisher, this year’s concert was instead understandably live-streamed. Although a show such as this relies heavily on the enthusiasm of live audiences to fuel its performances, this year’s virtual presentation had a unique energy all its own. Indeed, the virtual concert was akin to hanging out at an intimate, laid-back house party amongst close friends, in contrast to the usual rowdy, crowded love-fest. The performances were refreshingly dominated by women, and they were vibrant throughout (despite some minimal drawbacks due to the medium’s tinny sound) – from the eclectic beats of percussionist Okai, to Nejma Nefertiti’s punchy hip-hop delivery, to Peggy Robles-Alvarado’s evocative spoken word segment, to the indisputable star power of Sa-Roc. Additionally, Jade Charon’s soulful choreography and ViDCo’s kaleidoscopic backdrops brought a scrappy, organic visual flair to the virtual presentation (which thankfully avoided the ubiquitous and aesthetically bland Zoom “boxes”). Gregariously hosted by Baba Israel and instinctually accompanied DJ Reborn, the entire affair provided just the kind of uplift we need at the moment.

SUTTON FOSTER: BRING ME TO LIGHT
New York City Center
On-demand through May 31

Then we have Sutton Foster: Bring Me to Light (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED), which is currently available for on-demand viewing via New York City Center. Brilliantly conceived by director Leigh Silverman, the meta-theatrical concert is a surprisingly sophisticated and ambitious tribute to both the beloved Broadway star and the iconic Midtown venue. By using every inch of City Center’s facility – e.g., stage, auditorium, rehearsal rooms, dressing rooms, lobby, etc. – the final product registers as both intimate and expansive. The presentation also playfully collapses time, intermingling endearing rehearsal footage with the “concert” itself, as if to celebrate and acknowledge the creative process. The forever-young Ms. Foster has had an extensive relationship with City Center that has lasted over a decade now, particularly with the indispensable Encores! series. Her appearances on the hallowed stage have included starry revivals of Anyone Can Whistle, Violet (the electric one-night-only event remains one of my top theater experiences), and The Wild Party. For the concert, Ms. Foster is joined by her co-stars from these shows (Raúl Esparza, Joaquina Kalukango), as well as other special guests (golden-voiced Kelli O’Hara, stunning newcomer Wren Rivera). Highlights from the hourlong concert special include a wrenching duet with Mr. Esparza of “With So Little to Be Sure Of” (from Anyone Can Whistle); an aching, breathtakingly filmed rendition of “Answer Me” (from The Band’s Visit); and a defiant performance of “The Impossible Dream” (from Man of La Mancha). Throughout the evening, the Tony winner was accompanied with great care by music director Michael Rafter (on piano) and guitarist Matt Hinkley.