New Jersey Stage: Dancing & Romancing is ‘marvelous fun’
Spotlight Central writes:
The New Jersey Symphony Orchestra wowed the audience at Red Bank, NJ’s Count Basie Theatre on Friday, February 10, 2017, with the first of three Valentine’s Day weekend performances of Dancing and Romancing! The other performances take place on February 11, at 8pm at NJPAC in Newark, and on Sunday, Feb. 12 at 3pm at the State Theatre in New Brunswick.
Part of the NJSO’s Pop Series of concerts, Dancing and Romancing is a nostalgic treat for the eyes and ears featuring songs from the classic American Songbook in addition to Broadway show tunes. The show stars two veterans from the Broadway stage, Joan Hess and Kirby Ward. In addition to being talented vocalists, Hess and Ward are also phenomenal dancers who perform exciting choreography throughout the entire Dancing and Romancing performance.
Leading the top-notch New Jersey Symphony Orchestra is Gemma New, former associate conductor of the group, back to visit from her current position as resident conductor of the St. Louis Symphony. Audience members familiar with New’s excellent work are happy to see her back, greeting her with excited applause. Over the course of the evening, New’s warm and energetic persona connects with the entire crowd and makes everyone feel right at home, her conducting skills showing a seasoned musician with excellent musical vision.
[Joan Hess] lights up the stage with her skilled vocals, first-rate dancing, and engaging personality. With numbers like “I’m Gonna Live ’Til I Die,” and “All That Jazz,” Hess proves she’s a vocal force to be reckoned with ...
In a tribute to Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, Ward shows off his graceful dance moves, sliding and gliding across the floor with Hess in a stunning rendition of Irving Berlin’s “Cheek to Cheek.” ...
A highlight of the evening is Kirby Ward’s rendition of, what he refers to as “one of the greatest dance sequences ever filmed” — Gene Kelly’s version of “Singin’ In the Rain.” On this delightful number, Ward dances with his umbrella, splishing and sploshing across the stage, making the audience forget there is no water! ...
With additional classics including “I’ve Got Rhythm,” “But Not For Me,” “Warm Embraceble You,” “Melody of Broadway,” “Chattanooga Choo Choo,” and many more, in Dancing and Romancing, Joan Hess, Kirby Ward, conductor Gemma New, and the members of the NJSO provide the audience with two hours of marvelous fun for everyone!
» Read the full review at www.newjerseystage.com