...though I'm always surprised and disappointed when Bernstein tributes pick songs like "100 Easy Ways" and "What A Waste" which musically are the same over and over, and pretty simple at that, with basically one joke premise repeated in variation in the lyrics until they just end... these songs are not the best examples of why Bernstein was such a uniquely great theater composer, nor do they show off the voices of the few broadway stars they have on hand to sing songs...
Agreed, though clearly "100 Easy Ways" is a crowd pleaser and great for a true comic actress to do. "What A Waste" does feel more like a song that does better in the context of the show. ("Pass That Football," which borrows the same musical theme, would be a better choice, though still not the kind of number that shows Bernstein's unique composing gifts.)
Though it's funny - Tanglewood did a concert version of On The Town last weekend (broadcast but not archived). It was mostly very good, with a few odd "why" moments in terms of musicianship...but one of the highlights was Marc Kudisch's spot-on "Pitkin's Song." Not one of those songs you're ever bound to hear in a Bernstein tribute, and again, nothing truly innovative from Lenny here, but it showed what a great comic actor with a legit voice can do with a song like this. Very fun.
(Unfortunately, I think it was also Kudisch who contributed one of the worst "why" moments of the evening, singing a crudely overwrought scene-devouring "I Feel Like I'm Not Out Of Bed Yet" at the top of the evening. I can only guess that he was directed to do it that way and he didn't push back on it. Bad choice.) |
