Work Sample
EXCERPTS FROM BERNSTEIN'S ON THE TOWN
October 19 & 21, 2018 at the New Hazlett Theater
We opened our 6th season with the largest project we have ever undertaken, Bernstein’s On the Town, celebrating the centennial and legacy of Leonard Bernstein with the brilliant score to his first Broadway success. Set during WWII, On the Town follows the amorous adventures of three sailors on 24-hour shore leave in New York City. The revolutionary score boldly draws from diverse musical inspirations - jazz, spirituals, operetta, symphonic classicism, beautiful ballads, and catchy tunes - including the iconic songs “New York, New York,” “Lonely Town,” and “Some Other Time,” plus a plethora of stunning orchestral music.
Resonance Works has long taken great inspiration from Bernstein’s "total embrace" of music with his work as a composer, conductor, educator, and humanitarian. With On the Town, Bernstein became the first symphonic composer to write a musical. This concert version included the entirety of Bernstein’s original score (plus numbers that were cut before the New York premiere) with narration by original collaborators Betty Comden and Adolph Green. Members of The Brass Roots joined forces with the Resonance Chamber Orchestra for these performances, conducted by Maria Sensi Sellner.
Reviews:
"Sellner’s vision has again brought audiences a performance to treasure... Every singer in this cast is a standout, navigating dance moves, physical comedy, and vocal demands impeccably."
— Pittsburgh in the Round
"Easily the highlight of the evening Patrick McNally’s (Ozzie) and Rebecca Shorstein’s (Claire) Act I duet “Carried Away” crackled with chemistry and energy. Christopher Scott’s (Gabey) was also a strong presence, anchoring the production with a heartfelt interpretation of “Gabey’s Comin.” And Demareus N. Cooper’s narration was a delight."
— Pittsburgh Post Gazette
Audience Feedback:
"Stellar!"
"This performance was fantastic. Super high quality. You've outdone yourselves."
"Keep up the great work. It was an exciting evening!"
"Every performance is different, such variety in the choices of music presented. Always amazing!"
"I absolutely love your performing company and the interesting productions I have seen so far!"
"Fabulous musicians both vocally and instrumentally. Excellent staging. I appreciate Bernstein's genius more from being exposed to this earlier work! What a joy it was to take my 15 year old granddaughter to this performance...and she LOVED it"
"I attended both performances. The show was absolutely wonderful and completely delightful. The singing and orchestra were gorgeous. All of the performers were exceptional."
"It was so impressive! Everything about it was great!"