No matter how well done a recording of a Broadway musical is, it can never really capture the magic or power of seeing it live, with a full bedazzling cast and in the swoon of the excitement. I can sing every word of The Book of Mormon, but without actually seeing it live, I still feel as if I'm missing some vital piece of the puzzle.
Modern Productions thoroughly realizes this paradox, and is producing Broadway on Wall Street, a two-show extravaganza that features some of Central Oregon's finest singers and performers belting out some of the finest Broadway tunes of the modern era—and bringing that needed umpfh! to the songs.
Broadway on Wall Street will have music from Rent, The Lion King, Spamalot, Sister Act and several other modern classics, while presenting the songs in a cabaret format. But, in spite of the grab bag of popular songs, it is not to say there is no unifying theme to the musical selections.
"I have challenged the cast to make each song reflective of the message and purpose of the evening," says director David DaCosta. "To forget about the number in the context of the show it's from, and put it in the context of the evening. To that end, the numbers are staged a bit and we are performing more as ourselves and less as a character."
The show is also a benefit for CASA, the Court Appointed Special Advocates group which dedicates its time to training volunteers to serve the best interests of abused and neglected children, often helping courts with correct and proper placement of foster children. This connection from the show to the nonprofit, is an important theme in the evening.
"Throughout the evening, the cast will relay some stories from experiences of others in the system," says DaCosta. "We hope that the message in those stories combined with a loose but connected performance will make it a fun and inspiring evening."
Broadway on Wall Street
7 pm. Sat., Nov. 15 & 2 pm. Sun., Nov. 16
The Tower Theatre, 835 NW Wall St. Tickets at towertheatre.org
$40. Tickets available at towertheatre.org
