Last year at 54 Below, Liz Callaway gave us her divine tribute to Sondheim, one of the best shows honoring the composer I’ve ever seen. Her latest evening at the same venue, Screen Gems, bringing together some of her favorite movie melodies, is another exquisite evening of splendid song choices, paired with music director’s Alex Rybeck’s fine arrangements. I loved every minute and she often took my breath away emotionally.
She sang many of my favorite songs with several of them smartly paired together, including The Look of Love with Secret Love, Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head with Singing in the Rain, Mancini’s Two for the Road with You and I (from Goodbye, Mr. Chips, both with Leslie Bricusse lyrics) and Over the Rainbow with You’re Gonna Hear from Me (one of her mother’s favorites). Other high points included Let the River Run, the two songs she sang originally for Anastasia (Once Upon a December and Journey to the Past), and a sing along with Best That You Can Do (Arthur’s Theme). Two touching moments: sharing the composition she and her husband Dan love and played at their wedding, It Might Be You (from Toostie), and The Places Where Lost Things Go (from Mary Poppins Returns). Can’t wait for Screen Gems 2! |
