This deeply engaging concert series continues with Norm Lewis discussing and performing songs from his impressive career catalogue.
From Once on This Island to Les Miserables, Norm Lewis has had an impressive career which is really celebrated in this latest The Seth Concert Series.
With a warm personality and impressive vocals, Norm Lewis is someone who is very humble and easy to listen to. He fills each song that he performs with great feeling and personality that leads to some fantastic and unique interpretations. In particular, his jazzy interpretation of ‘Wouldn’t it Be Loverly’ is an opportunity to really hear the song in a new light, offering a playfulness to it that I haven’t heard in previous renditions.
But this was also an ideal concert for those watching hoping to learn more about technique and style, as much of the conversation evolves around it. For example, when the conversation moves to Lewis discussing The Phantom of the Opera and how precise it is not only in terms of character but also vocally that really offers no room for errors, it allows the audience to fully comprehend just how difficult performance can be. In his own performance of ‘Music of the Night’ it is clear just how focused he is on bringing every detail of the character into the song, making it a really compelling performance.
Elsewhere, the sheer range of his career is also impressively showcased, leaving no stone unturned – with particularly powerful performances of ‘Stars’ from Les Miserables and ‘ I Got Plenty of Nothing’ from Porgy and Bess that captures the depth and range of Lewis’s vocals perfectly.
While the concert itself may have been rehearsed, it never feels it while watching. Completely natural, Seth Rudetsky keeps things light – even if the guest himself never really knows what song is coming next. Everything is seamlessly put together, blending the questions, stories and songs perfectly well.
We may not be as familiar with Norm Lewis over here as in America, it is a real treat to find out more about him and to hear him sing – leaving us hoping that perhaps when this is all over he might want to come and perform live for UK audiences.
By Emma Clarendon
The Seth Rudetsky Series will continue next weekend with guest Megan Hilty on the 26th July. To book tickets visit: https://thesethconcertseries.com/
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐