This lovely and insightful concert series is worth watching if you are hoping to get into musical theatre.
Known for having played the roles of Cosette in Les Miserables and Eliza in My Fair Lady, Melissa Errico has an utterly warm and charming singing talent that is captured magnificently in this latest concert in the Seth Concert Series.
Hosted by Seth Rudetsky, the concert is a wonderful blend of music and conversation that is filled with fascinating anecdotes that will prove useful to anyone looking for a career in musical theatre or for anyone who simply enjoys music. In particular, the story in which Errico got her break into Les Miserables thanks to a wardrobe malfunction while she was performing in the musical of Anna Karenina, shows how much luck as well as hard work is needed in the industry.
Through his relaxed approach, Seth Rudetsky allows his guests to lead the way, asking simple questions that effectively open the door to other stories that keep the audience entertained, while his accompaniment on the piano is exquisite and works in perfect harmony with Errico’s stunning vocals.
The fact that this is all performed live is equally impressive given the potential of technology to let it down and feels really quite intimate throughout.
Musically, there are some really beautiful renditions of music composed by a diversity of composers – including a heartfelt performance of ‘Other People’s Stories’ from Michel Legrand’s Amour and Randy Newman’s ‘When She Loved Me’. Before each song, Errico offers her own insight into each song and composer adding extra depth to the concert, making it an even more enriching experience.
But it is really early on in the concert in which the performance of ‘Wouldn’t it be Loverly’ that then seamlessly flows into ‘My Favourite Things’ from The Sound of Music that was particularly delightful to listen to. It was a performance that captures the elegance and warmth of Errico’s vocals perfectly.
What also emerges from the concert is the way in which Melissa Errico champions lesser known composers, as her performance of Alec Wilder’s ‘Blackberry Winter’ shows, nicely combined with Michel Legrand’s ‘You Must Believe In Spring’ – both of which feature on her new record Two Spring Songs for Summer – set for release on the 10th July.
Intelligent and insightful, this is a wonderful way to still get a musical theatre fix whilst learning more about your favourite Broadway stars – well worth a watch.
By Emma Clarendon
The Seth Concert series continues next Sunday 12th July with special guest Audra McDonald. Tickets are available to buy here.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐