Photo of John Tartaglia, Wayman Wong and Daniel Reichard.(Photo Maryann Lopinto)
"Leading Men II" charity concert
Feb. 5, 2007
at Birdland
315 W. 44th St.
birdlandjazz.com
broadwaycares.org
I hate cold weather, and New York has received a double dose of it in past weeks, making it impossible to want to go out. But when Wayman Wong invited me to attend "The Leading Men II" concert, the benefit concert he organized this and last year in conjunction with his column called, you guessed it, "The Leading Men" (of which I'm an avid reader), I just had to bundle up and brave the elements.
I have a great deal of respect for Wayman but secretly I'm just glad he and I have the same passion and enthusiasm for the intersection of theater and cabaret. "The Leading Men II" was a joyful experience for all, just like the man himself!
A few thoughts about the show, which had sold out weeks before, and didn't fail to impress:
1. Daniel Reichard from "Jersey Boys" singing: "Torch Song" from "When Pigs Fly," a hysterical song mocking our Veep Dick Cheney and got the entire audience howling. Daniel proved his "Forbidden Broadway" training has done great things for his career. I adored his performance and would say it was the favorite of the night—but don't tell the other boys!
2. Budding cabaret legend and recording artist David Gurland, nattily decked out in a pink shirt and black jacket, really ended up bringing down the house. He has such range! I adore him and his adorable boyfriend Robbie! David sang "Waiting For Life" from "Once on This Island," the classic musical of star-crossed lovers on a Caribbean island.
3. Seth Rudetsky, the emcee of his own live talkshow "Chatterbox" at the Don't Tell Mama Cabaret, and a total class act, did his piece "Deconstructing the "Sound of Music," To steal his own line he was "AHMAZING."
4. Sexy, well dressed and stunning Perry Ojeda from "Pride" had everyone sweating during "Lucky to Be Me" from "Our Town." I felt lucky to be watching him perform—and a little overheated. Who cared about the cold now?
5. Les Mis's new Marius, Adam Jacobs, impressed the entire audience with "Maria" from "West Side Story" It was breathtaking and beautiful. His voice is stunning and his wife is a lucky woman.
6. And finally Adam's co-star and veteran Broadway dreamboat Norm Lewis sang: "I'd Rather be Sailing" It was a beautiful song sung by one of the greatest performers on Broadway. It was great to see him do what he does best and wow an audience.
In addition, John Tartaglia was an incredible emcee and host of this incredible Broadway Cares event and I'd like to thank him, Wayman and all those talented men for a successful and sexy night of performance and song. See you next year!
To donate: broadwaycares.org
