Key Highlights
- Star-studded live concert recording ‘My Favorite Things: The Rodgers & Hammerstein 80th Anniversary Concert’ now available on CD and digital platforms.
- Features performances by Audra McDonald, Julian Ovenden, and other prominent stars, celebrating the iconic duo’s contributions to musical theatre.
- PBS to premiere a condensed version of the concert under their ‘Great Performances’ series.
- Concert held at London’s historical Theatre Royal Drury Lane, showcasing a rich legacy of musical excellence.
(livesinsight.com) – The chords of legacy and the rhythm of innovation harmoniously blend in the latest musical offering that marks the 80th anniversary of the legendary partnership between Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II. This grandiose celebration, encapsulated in the ‘My Favorite Things: The Rodgers & Hammerstein 80th Anniversary Concert’, not only revisits the timeless melodies that once defined an era but also reinvigorates them through the voices and visions of today’s theatrical luminaries. From the historic Theatre Royal Drury Lane in London, where many of the original Rodgers & Hammerstein productions premiered, this event stands as a beacon of musical heritage and contemporary artistic expression.
A Symphony of Stars: The Line-Up and Performances
The recent live recording features a constellation of theatre’s brightest stars, including Audra McDonald, Julian Ovenden, and Joanna Ampil, among others. The event was headlined by a diverse array of talent, reflecting the universal appeal and enduring relevance of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s work. Audra McDonald’s rendition of ‘Climb Ev’ry Mountain’ not only captivated the audience but also highlighted her profound connection to the classic repertoire.
Julian Ovenden and other performers joined forces with the 40-piece Rodgers & Hammerstein Concert Orchestra, under the baton of music supervisor Simon Lee. The precision of the orchestra, coupled with the emotional depth of the performances, created an immersive experience that resonated with the audience both live and anticipated viewers of the PBS broadcast.
Behind the Scenes: Production and Artistic Direction
Directed by Tony Award winner Christopher Gattelli, with associate choreography by Simon Hardwick, the concert was not just a musical event but a spectacle of theatrical artistry. The staging and musical direction were designed to reflect the historical significance yet modern relevance of the Rodgers and Hammerstein legacy. Producer Sean Patrick Flahaven, a three-time GRAMMY-winning producer, emphasized the exceptional quality of the performances, calling it ‘an extraordinary collection of beloved classic songs by some of the finest voices and musicians working today.’
The production intricacies extended to the technical aspects as well, with the album recorded by Tim Clark, and edited and mixed by Ian Kagey. The meticulous attention to auditory detail ensures that the essence of the live performance is captured and conveyed to listeners around the globe.
Legacy and Future: The Venue’s Historical Significance
The choice of London’s Theatre Royal Drury Lane as the venue for this landmark event is historically poignant. This venue not only premiered the original West End productions of many Rodgers & Hammerstein’s musicals such as ‘Oklahoma!’, ‘Carousel’, and ‘South Pacific’, but also symbolizes a bridge between the past and the present.
This event underscores the timeless appeal of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s music while projecting its influence into the future through innovative interpretations and performances. The concert, thus, serves as both a retrospective and a forward-looking celebration of musical theatre.