On & Off Broadway

The New York Pops

Review by Elyse Trevers

Posted

One of the joys of summer is outdoor concerts and it’s a wonderful way to hear and see some of your favorite Broadway performers. Last night The New York Pops, conducted by an ebullient Steven Reineke, performed at the West Side Tennis Stadium in Forest Hills. The guest performers were TV and Broadway stars Matthew Morrison and Megan Hilty.

Both referred to the event as Smash vs. Glee because of their musical television programs. Although undoubtedly many in the audience were attracted to the concert because of the shows, both performers have impressive Broadway credentials. Most recently Hilty was nominated for a Tony for her hysterical portrayal of sexy Vicki in Noises Off, and Morrison starred as J.M. Barrie in Finding Neverland.

Most of the songs came from Broadway musicals. The first thing I did was go through the program and list the shows. Hilty and Morrison’s own shows were well represented. Morrison did medleys from Hairspray and Finding Neverland. Hilty did an adorable rendition of “Popular” from Wicked and invoked the spirit of Marilyn Monroe when she wore a slinky sequined dress for her song, “Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend.”


Although the two shared the bill, Morrison had more stage time. He also added a few dance moves to several of his songs. Personally, I found Hilty more impressive and her numbers showed more versatility and range, especially “Autumn Leaves / When October Goes.” The singers only did a couple of songs together. One, “Somewhere Over The Rainbow” became a plug for Morrison’s CD.

Brad Ellis, recognizable as the omnipresent pianist from Smash, accompanied the New York Pops. Onstage throughout the hour and a half, the orchestra accompanied the singers but got to shine on its own with “Take The A Train” and “Copacabana.” Reineke seemed to be having a great time as he led the orchestra.

Despite predictions of thunderstorms and Morrison’s version of “Singin’ in the Rain,” the skies in Forest Hills held up and it proved to be a glorious, albeit sultry, evening under the stars. If you can’t get to hear Broadway in Manhattan, it’s nice to have it come to you, especially with the lush accompaniment of the talented New York Pops.