Interludes

THE HANGOVER REPORT – After a six year hiatus, Broadway’s charming TELLY LEUNG returns to Birdland, at home and at ease

• By drediman
• July 23, 2024
• No Comments

Last night, I attended Telly Leung’s cabaret performance at Birdland Jazz Club. Most people are likely to recognize Leung from his recurring role in the popular television series Glee, as well as from his appearances in Broadway musicals like Allegiance, Godspell, and Aladdin. Appropriately entitled Back to Birdland, the one-night-only event — which marks the Broadway favorite’s first appearance at the famed Midtown jazz venue in more than six years — found Leung at home and at ease. As such, the concert was very much a celebratory affair — a sort of homecoming after a long stretch of not being in New York.

Last night’s set list was a breezy and pleasant collection that culled from both the Broadway and popular songbooks. In terms of show tunes, there was particular emphasis placed on the works of the late, great Stephen Sondheim — highlights included a buoyant “Broadway Baby” (the Follies anthem was delightfully meshed with “There’s No Business Like Show Business” from Irving Berlin’s Annie Get Your Gun), a delectably articulate “Getting Married Today”, and a stirring encore rendition of “Being Alive” (the latter two selections are from Company). Leung also delivered confident performances of easy listening pop hits such as Barbra Streisand’s “Evergreen” and John Denver’s “Leaving on a Jet Plane”.

The boyish, age-defying singing actor was in good spirits and remains as utterly charming as ever, which was exemplified by his assertive and self-possessed banter between songs. Throughout, he was in wonderful voice, his polished, silvery tenor slipping comfortably and stylishly between musical genres. For the concert, Leung was accompanied by longtime musical collaborators — music director Gary Adler on piano, Mary Ann McSweeney on bass, and Joe Choroszewski on drums. Together, they put their own distinctive musical stamp on the evening’s well-worn standards.

RECOMMENDED

TELLY LEUNG: BACK TO BIRDLAND
Cabaret
Birdland Jazz Club
Approximately 1 hour (without an intermission)
One night only