Michael Feinstein's American Songbook by Maria Reveley

Michael Feinstein's American Songbook by Maria Reveley
On August 16th, Cranwell Resort, Spa and Golf Club sponsored a wonderful evening at Tanglewood focusing on the American Songbook, as interpreted by Michael Feinstein, with The Boston Pops Orchestra. To start, Keith Lockhart conducted the orchestra in a film grouping starting with Hooray for Hollywood, playing the main theme from "Gone With the Wind."  After Unchained Melody from the film "Ghost," the Pops played Lawrence of Arabia.  These themes represented the power of the melody in films, and how music can keep the memory of a film fresh forever.  Mr. Lockhart's conducting was energetic and enthusiastic.

Michael Feinstein gave the audience some information about these film scores, then sang a song that was Frank Sinatra's favorite, "All My Tomorrows Belong to You."  This was news to me, and I appreciated the insight only Michael can give, with his immense knowledge of the American Songbook.

Michael then brought out Faith Prince, currently on Broadway in "Annie" playing Ms. Hannigan.  Ms. Prince is an accomplished Broadway performer, having won the Tony, Drama Desk, and Outer Critics Circle awards for her performance as Miss Adelaide in "Guys and Dolls." She has been nominated too many times to list, and has appeared on television with a recurring role in Spin City, among other appearances. She has an award winning record, A Leap of Faith, and has appeared with the Boston Pops several times since her debut in 2003. This was the first time Michael and Faith have shared a stage!  Both were in great form, and Faith dedicated her first song to the recently passed Edyie Gorme.  That song, a favorite of mine, was "What Did I Have I Don't Have Now?," in a beautiful rendition. Michael sang a solo from Oliver, "As Long As She Needs Me'" and he was in fine form, with a strong, solid voice.  They also sang a Cole Porter song, "It Was Just One of Those Things."  It was a delight to see these performers together singing songs that hold up so well over time.

After intermission, the Boston Pops returned with a tribute to Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers - with "I Won't Dance," and "Dancing in the Dark," among others.  One could picture Fred and Ginger dancing around the stage! And, Michael sang another favorite of mine, "The Way You Look Tonight."

Michael brought out another friend, Cheyenne Jackson, a theater veteran who will next be seen in DIRECTV's "Full Circle," a television drama.  Cheyenne also just release an original album entitled, "I'm Blue,Skies." They sang a duet, "Side by Side" and Cheyenne demonstrated his great voice and soft shoe abilities.

All in all, the concert was a great one.  I often wonder how many people in their twenties, know these songs, and have heard of Frank Sinatra or the Gershwins, etc.  Michael Feinstein is an important keeper of the light in regard to this music, along with others, and I commend his efforts.  This music is not only beautiful, but is a big part of our musical history.
May it live forever!

photos courtesy of Hilary Scott/BSO