Review: You I Like - A Musical Celebration of Jerry Herman, Pasadena Playhouse
Photo credit: Jeff Lorch
Well, what a treat! Pasadena Playhouse has created a beautiful, heartwarming tribute to legendary composer and lyricist Jerry Herman, complete with iconic performances from American musical theatre talent, conceived and musical directed by Andy Einhorn, just over a year following his death.
As the concert begins, you can tell this is a recording of the highest quality. It was filmed on stage at the gorgeous Pasadena Playhouse and whilst there was very little onstage by means of set, the lighting (particularly the use of the cyc at the back of the stage) brings everything to life.
Just shy of 90-minutes, the programme is jam-packed full of musical numbers from Herman’s most celebrated works including Hello, Dolly!, Mame, La Cage Aux Folles plus many more. Einhorn, who plays the piano and expertly hosts the show, most recently worked as Musical Director on the Broadway revival of Hello, Dolly!, starring Tony Award winner Bette Midler. He has a clear affinity for Herman’s work and he gushes with praise when giving us insight into the man behind the music and lyrics.
Where this revue succeeds over others of its kind is the personable and informative approach to its audience. From reminiscing about Herman’s early life and his approach to writing, to hearing from the man himself and others who knew him via the performers onstage is a lovely touch. The way the actors recite the quotes in silhouette against a backdrop of said person is extremely effective and not overused, making it all the more poignant.
The five-strong company of performers (Ashley Blanchet, Nicholas Christopher, Lesli Margherita, Andrea Ross and Ryan Vona) deliver Herman’s work with effortless style, incredible vocals and above all, evident passion for the material. From the opening number of Hello, Dolly! complete with red carpeted staircase, it’s clear the concert is going to be a musical feast for the eyes and ears.
It’s extremely difficult to pick out highlights as there is great performance after great performance from this talented quintet. The opening number of Mame, ‘It’s Today’, showcases the perfect female trio of Blanchet, Margherita and Ross and their delicious harmonies. Ross then goes on to impress with her power in ‘Gooch’s Song’ from Mack and Mabel - that last note! Margherita has a charismatic golden age quality, with songs perfectly chosen for her, such as ‘Just Leave Everything To Me’ from Hello, Dolly!
Blanchet and Nicholas Christopher perform ‘Time Heals Everything’ and ‘I Won’t Send Roses’ respectively back to back ,with a merging of the incredible love songs afterwards. Christopher is a master of acting through song with ‘If He Walked Into My Life’ from Mame showing his deep connection to the number. Ryan Vona’s rendition of Marianne from The Grand Tour is also excellent with his beautiful guitar accompaniment.
Whilst occasionally a touch over sentimental, this tribute leaves you with a warm fuzzy feeling and fills the musical theatre shaped hole that’s ever growing the longer the pandemic continues.
****’ Four and a half stars
Reviewed by: Jenny Ell
You I Like: A Musical Celebration of Jerry Herman is available to stream until 7 February and tickets can be purchased here.
