Judith Clurman, Sheldon Harnick
by: Magda Katz
This time of the year we get to cover many a Christmas show around the city and many are enjoyable. But once in a while there is a show that makes a deep impression. Judith Clurman and Essential Voices USA SING CHRISTMAS at Feinstein’s/54 Below was truly special.
The Choral ensemble sang songs by Lynn Ahrens, Chad Beguelin, Irving Berlin, Ralph Blane, Jerry Bock, Cy Coleman, Stephen Flaherty, Sheldon Harnick, Jerry Herman, Frank Loesser, Hugh Martin, Joe Raposo, Matthew Sklar, Meredith Willson and David Zippel. In addition, they sang highlights from the new CD HOLIDAY HARMONIES: SONG OF CHRISTMAS.
Tedd Firth put his magic touch on the piano to Hugh Martin/Ralph Blane’s HAVE YOURSELF A MERRY LITTLE CHRISTMAS from Meet Me in St Louis. Amy Justman sang a moving rendition of Stephen Flaherty/Lynn Ahrens ONCE UPON A DECEMBER from Anatasia. Each member of the audience was encouraged to sing along and provided with sheets of words to familiar Christmas Songs. Under the direction of Judith Clurman Christmas at Feinstein’s/54 Below was lifted to new heights. Hopefully this special evening will become an annual event.
Photos/Video: Magda Katz
HOLIDAY HARMONIES:SONGS OF CHRISTMAS -available at ARKIV MUSIC http://www.arkivmusic.com/albumpage/2141156-E1457
NAXOS: http://naxosdirect.com/items/320373
or AMAZON.COM
