'Songs of Broadway' delivers passion

photo by Amy Babin

At the piano, Scott Farthing, assistant professor of music and director of choral and vocal studies, leads the Friday afternoon rehearsal for the "Broadway Review," a collection of Broadway choral music. The choral concert was performed May 10 and 11 in Founders Auditorium. In the foreground, Michael Stallings takes the lead in "Sit Down, You're Rocking the Boat," from the musical "Guys and Dolls." Stallings also performed "Brush Up Your Shakespeare."

by Anna Roy
Editorial Director

Excitement loomed last Friday and Saturday night among the University of La Verne Chorale and Chamber singers when they performed in the two-night concert "Songs of Broadway."

Audience members were treated to energetic, sincere and passionate performances of 27 Broadway songs.

Junior Angela Perry set the tone for the night, with a solid performance of "Another Opn'in' Another Show," written by Cole Porter.

With a comedically coy smile directed toward the audience, Perry was met on stage by the rest of the chorus members, who came in during the song from the side doors of Founder's Auditorium, to personally greet the audience members.

Dressed in elegant black formal wear, the choruses opened with an Irvin Berlin Medley of "There's No Business Like Show Business," "Alexander's Ragtime Band" and "Play a Simple Melody."

Margaret Tipton made her solo-debt with an expressive and melodic rendition of "Fascinating Rhythm" and "I Got Rhythm," both written by George and Ira Gershwin.

"I was more nervous yesterday," Tipton said.

This is Tipton's first semester in choir at ULV, having also performed in the January Interterm production of "Little Shop of Horrors," which was put on by the Theater and Music departments.

Tipton said Farthing chose the solo performers by simply asking students if they were interested.

In the weeks of planning for theconcert, Farthing asked students if they wanted to perform solos.

Tipton was one of the students eager to do so.

Sophomore Melissa Stahly gave a remarkable, flawless and passionate performance of "Broadway Baby."

"Broadway baby, slaving at the five and 10. Dreamin' of that great day when I'll be in a show. Broadway baby, making rounds all afternoon. Eating at some greasy spoon to save on my dough," were some of the vivid lyrics written by Stephen Sondheim for the musical, "Follies" from 1971.

Nathan Lahr and Michael Stallings roused the audience with their entertaining duet of "Brush Up Your Shakespeare."

Lyrics of, "If she says your behavior is heinous. Kick her right in the Coriolanus, brush up your Shakespeare and they'll all kowtow," had the audience rolling in laughter.

Lahr was pleased with his performance and more so with Farthing's direction and guidance.

"I can't wait to work with him for the next three years," Lahr said. "He's been one of the greatest teachers I've ever had, and I've been blessed with lots of great teachers.

"He just saw something in me that wasn't there. I guess it was but I just didn't see it, and he just helped bring it out," he said.

This is the fifth major concert of the year directed by Farthing.

Other memorable concerts included the creative and refreshing "Bach's Lunch" held last semester.

Stallings' solo rendition of "Sit Down Your Rocking the Boat" was also one of night's finest performances.

"You'll Never Walk Alone," performed by Sarah Morales proved an audience favorite.

The three songs from the musical "The Phantom of the Opera," (particularly, "Think of Me" and "Music of the Night") were superb because of the talents of Andrea Randall and Shane Haldeman.

A lovely addition to the night was "I Could Have Danced All Night" from Rodgers and Hammerstein's, "My Fair Lady."

The performance, done by Rachel Rousseve, added poignancy to the already successful, and eventful night.

But particularly moving was Rousseve's farewell to Farthing, which had many chorus members in tears. She thanked Farthing for his friendship and dedication to the chorus.

Farthing has indeed been very supportive of the Music Department and the students.

"I, for one, are proud of them. I think these students illustrate everything that is good, honest and true about the University of La Verne," were Farthing's words in the Program Notes.

"When people talk about the apathy of the student body, I want to extend an invitation to attend a rehearsal of the ULV Chorale and Chamber Singers. Better yet, come sing with us."

Junior Kim Reed gave a delicate and impeccable performance of "Come To My Garden," which was accompanied with the Chamber singers.

Kendell Smith gave an impressive and artistic performance of "Can You Feel the Love Tonight," written by Tim Rice and Elton John.

"And can you feel the love tonight. It is where we are. It's enough for this wide-eyed wanderer. That we got this far. And can you feel the love tonight... How it's laid to rest. It's enough to make kings and vagabonds, believe the very best," were some of the lyrics from the musical and movie "The Lion King."

To end the night, with a big, Broadway bang, both choruses, along with the charismatic and talented Derek Wendt performed "La Vie Boheme" from the extraordinary musical hit, "Rent," written by Jonathon Larson.

The song is a moving, poetic and melodic smorgasbord of words, phrases and concepts:

"To you, and you and you, you and you. To people living with, living with, living with, Not dying from disease. Let he among us without sin. Be the first to condemn. La vie Boheme."

"Last night we were holding back, and tonight we really let it all out," said sophomore Brian Juliussen.

"The music was good and the actions were excellent," said Ernie Baughman, associate professor of chemistry, who was there with his wife, Marleen.