The vibrant stage presence of all five vocalists and a beautifully prepared program by Pittsburgh Symphony Pops conductor Jack Everly makes “All that Jazz: A Symphonic Celebration of Kander and Ebb” an experience to treasure.
The singers created the illusion in each number that we were at a show, not a concert. This was aided by frequent costume changes, one on stage with the singer's back to the audience, and smart lighting.
The show was created by the Symphonic Pops Consortium, a collaboration of five orchestras, with Everly the music director. Pops Consortium programs are almost always season highlights for the Pittsburgh Pops.
After opening with a brightly energetic overture arranged by Everly, the program began with the inevitable choice of “Wilkomen” from “Cabaret.” The 1966 Broadway show was the breakout hit for composer John Kander and lyricist Fred Ebb. Ron Remke was the duly flamboyant emcee, the role taken by Joel Grey in the original production. He was joined by other singers for a powerful finish, in which Kander offers a classic example of the way a slower tempo allows for more Broadway panache.
Ted Keegan sang “First You Dream” from “Steel Pier” with a measured intensity that brought to mind his success starring in “The Phantom of the Opera.”
“Everybody's Girl” from “Cabaret” brought down the house when performed by Beth Leavel. She reveled in the humorous turns of Ebb's words and sang with earthy urban tones.
The title song from “Cabaret” closed the first half in a performance that felt self-consciously cute.
Leavel also shined early in the second half in “City Lights” from “The Act.” She painted a perfectly idyllic country scene in the song's introduction that ended when she sang “which I find boring.” Then she launched into the celebration or urban energy and excitement. The trio also include Remke and Kirstin Scott, a Pittsburgh native and Carnegie Mellon University graduate who made an impressive Heinz Hall debut.
Nikki Renee Daniels' was as masterful as Leavel but in a different way in “Go Back Home” from “The Scottsboro Boys.” Her interpretation achieved its vision through purity – direct and unmannered singing and enunciation.
Daniels also was the glue for the wry trio “But the World Goes 'Round” from “New York, New York,” in which she was joined by Remke and Keegan.
The program concluded with a lengthy medley starting with “All that Jazz” from “Chicago,” which was directed by Bob Fosse. The 1996 revival is still running on Broadway.
While the arrangement gave every singer a chance to shine, Leaval as Velma and Scott as Roxy were particularly compelling, as was Keegan's “Mr. Cellophane.”
The orchestra performed superbly throughout the concert, and had fun with jazzy elements. Mark Huggins' contributed beautiful violin solos.
The encore was a rousing version of the title song of “New York, New York.”
The quality of this show deserved a full house but the hall was half empty.
This concert will be repeated at 8 p.m. March 7 and 8, and 2:30 p.m. March 9 at Heinz Hall, Downtown. Admission is $15 to $99. Details: 412-392-4900 or www.pittsburghsymphony.org.
Mark Kanny is classical music critic for Trib Total Media. He can be reached at 412-320-7877 or mkanny@tribweb.com.
