“Harold and Maude” is a quirky yet wonderful story about an unlikely friendship between a misanthropic young man Harold and a geriatric widow Maude. Amidst re-planting trees which deserve better lives, riding motor cycles, sunflower appreciation, tea time and singing Harold and Maude fall in love.
Although I have seen it many times before, seeing it on the big screen was a unique experience.
Vocal perfection? Thy name is Audra McDonald.
This evening, I had the absolute pleasure to hear Audra McDonald perform for the second time in the always amazing, Hill Auditorium. She began the first half with several numbers that were classically-Audra but never overused: “Stars and the Moon,” “I’ll be here,” “When did I Fall in Love” to name a few. Some interesting new additions, at least for me having seen her two years ago, were a moving rendition of the classic, “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” as well as a number from the not-too-popular Kandor and Ebb musical Steel Pier entitled “First You Dream.” The latter was dedicated to her father who sadly passed away in a plane crash, a plane he was piloting himself. The song is sung by the main character, a pilot who dies but doesn’t yet know he is dead. His final piece of advice to the woman he is trying to inspire is a clear message on how to begin: “first you dream.”
With a rousing first half, it was hard to imagine anything could be more impressive. Of course, Ms. McDonald never begins something to finish with anything less than her best. With her on stage for the second half came the entire University of Michigan Music School Orchestra to back her up in a slew of Gershwin songs, paying tribute to the new pact between the Gershwin family and the University of Michigan. This new collaboration project with provide a collected and accessible database of Gershwin repertoire, complete with original manuscripts and composer notes. Judging by the gasps of excitement from the Musical Theatre majors I was seated around, I’d say this is more than fantastic news for wolverines cravin’ that Gershwin swing.
What a fantastic performance by a truly special talent. I feel incredibly fortunate to have had the opportunity to see Ms. McDonald perform once again while here at Michigan. She’s a goddess in her own right and knows how to wield the amazing gift with which she’s been blessed.
Two years ago, I first saw Audra McDonald do a concert in Hill Auditorium. It changed my life in a way that few other performances have.
Today was largely a reprise of that night, with a few changes. Two years ago, Audra sang alone for more than two and a half hours with only her accompanist, Andy Einhorn (who deserves his own standing ovation for his incisive skill, his endlessly fascinating arrangements, and his wondrous musical expression). Today, the single piano was just the warm-up act. Our very own University Symphony Orchestra joined her for Act II, and for me, that was the true glory of the afternoon’s entertainment.
Now don’t go thinking that I was disappointed by Audra and Mr. Einhorn; quite the contrary. I wrote a few days ago that Audra is one of the most sensational performers alive today, and I stand by that statement after today’s show. What interests me is that I was expecting Audra’s glory to carry the entire show. I expected the USO to be a bit of an afterthought, mere accompaniment to her incredible instrument. I did not expect to take my eyes off Audra at any point during the performance. Why did I? Why, at some moments, did I simply close my eyes and listen rather than watch? I’ll give you a hint: nearly all of those moments were in Act II.
The thing is, Audra is sensational. I knew that going in, and I got exactly what I was looking so forward to. But I got something else, too. Before Act II “really” started (the entr’acte, a Gershwin medley, in the words of Mark Gershwin, was “one hell of an overture”), Ken Fischer (UMS President), Christopher Kendall (SMTD Dean), Mary Sue Coleman, and Mark Gershwin, nephew of George and Ira (do you see where this is going yet?) collectively made a huge announcement:
The estate of George and Ira Gershwin are entering into a collaboration with the School of Music to produce the very first Critical Edition of the works of George and Ira Gershwin. What does this mean, exactly? If I understood correctly, it means that our very own School of Music will be given access to original manuscripts and all sorts of scholarly material in order to produce accurate and stylistically faithful recordings of the entire Gershwin canon of music. This kind of thing is essentially only done for the true masters of music, and largely it is done for classical composers like Beethoven and Mozart. (According to Wikipedia, they are also sometimes called “Complete Works.”)
Audra then proceeded to sing, accompanied by the USO, Gershwin song after Gershwin song, for the entire second act. This is why I spent nearly half the concert with my eyes shut: so that I might drink in more of the Gershwins’ glorious music. In a way, it was eye-opening. Our culture of celebrity worship sometimes has a tendency to make us lose a little perspective. I love and adore Audra and her work, but for me, starting in Act II, the concert became not about her, not even about George and Ira Gershwin themselves, but rather about the music – the most profoundly American music ever written. So I laid back and let the music wash over me like a warm bath.
After the stunning second act, needless to say, the entire auditorium was on its feet, practically begging for a second encore.
It never came. That’s the sad thing about great performances: they never last. But great works, like those of the Gershwins, do last, and I’m incredibly happy that our very own university is being given the opportunity to make George and Ira’s work truly immortal.
I admire Audra for many reasons. Audra’s stage presence is marked by a genuine generosity of spirit. She is never self-indulgent; a lyric she sang goes: “Fame, if you win it/Comes and goes in a minute.” The song is called “Make Someone Happy.” It’s all about selfless love. She said to us point-blank that when she does (musical theatre) master classes across the country, and people ask her which schools she recommends, that she says “Michigan” first. I think I know why: Michigan doesn’t just produce outstanding performers; it produces outstanding people, the kind of people who take the time to make someone (or many people) happy, even if it’s a full-time job.
I’ve never been prouder to be a Wolverine than I am today.
What: Film – Harold and Maude
When: Monday the 15th of September 7pm
Where: The Michigan Theater
Cost: $8 for students $10 general
A wonderful film about friendship. Harold is a melancholic college graduate with a pushy mother. Maude is an 80 year old who has a lust for life, fun and sunflowers.
After meeting at a funeral they proceed to develop a wonderful and touching friendship.
With a soundtrack written and performed by Cat Stephens, this film about music, friendship and love is a classic to be enjoyed.
I could rattle off a laundry list of Audra McDonald’s (very numerous) accomplishments, but those can be Googled in an instant. Instead, I want to say that I have admired Audra McDonald’s work for a very long time. I was first introduced to her when a friend of mine sang “I Don’t Mind”, which appears on Audra’s 2000 album, How Glory Goes. I was instantly hooked. You can imagine, then, my excitement when I learned she was coming here, then as now.
The fall before last, the entire Musical Theatre department was abuzz with the news that Audra McDonald, the Audra McDonald, was to perform in our very own Hill Auditorium. Due to the generosity of two members of the Friends of Musical Theatre, the department was able not only to obtain prime seats, but also to attend a quick talk-back with Audra herself shortly before the performance, strictly for the department. We were all blown away at her generosity of spirit and her candor. Then, of course, we were blown away again by her astonishing performance. She combines soaring vocal prowess with unqualified honesty and depth, and is a relatable stage presence, garnering laughs and tears in equal measure. Everyone in Hill Auditorium that night knew they had just witnessed something very special. If you ask any musical theatre major who was there (and most probably, any other person), I have no doubt that they would tell you that that concert changed their life. It certainly changed mine.
If you see no other performance this year, see Audra McDonald. She is one of the most sensational performers alive today.
It’s time to welcome Audra and her long-time accompanist and music director, Andy Einhorn, back to Michigan.
Sunday the 8th September brought a live recording of London’s award winning production “The Audience” to Michigan Theater in downtown Ann Arbor. Starring Helen Mirren as Queen Elizabeth II, written by Peter Morgan (The Last King of Scotland, The Queen, Frost/Nixon).
The play took place in the private audience room in Buckingham Palace, London, where the Queen meets with her Prime Minister every Tuesday evening to be brought up to speed on current issues. These audiences take place under strict confidence of secrecy and the actual course of events and conversations have not been recorded. Peter Morgan wrote this production to investigate what might have transpired behind closed doors between the Queen and her twelve different PM’s over the years. He based his writing off of known information; historical events, political conflicts, state issues etc.
The Audience is Morgan’s second script featuring Queen Elizabeth II. He admits he can be somewhat generous and kind to her as a historical figure, the Queen written in this production was very likable, human, silently opinionated and, naturally, refined and polite. There is little, if any, criticism written into this representation of Queen Elizabeth, she always comes out on top in each meeting, dispute, conflict or sarcastic interaction.
Helen Mirren won London’s Oliver Award (the equivalent of a Tony) for Best Actress in a Play, for her role in The Audience. She has mastered the nuances of Queen Elizabeth’s movements, speech, facial expressions and general carriage. It is amazing to watch her act in this production. There is always a different atmosphere surrounding live performances, recorded or otherwise, in comparison with feature films. The videographer of this National Theater production did a wonderful job of capturing essential physical movements without making these details obtuse or allowing these specific focal points to detract from the plot, or the other actors.
As someone who is interested in, but has little understanding or knowledge of, British history and the Royal family, I was captivated by the historical relevance of this play. I praise the Michigan Theater for bringing this production to Ann Arbor, Peter Morgan for his wit and intelligence, Helen Mirren for her skills as an actress and grace as a woman, as well as the other actors for creating such a wonderful story and executing it with such pride.
Michigan Theater will hold more screenings of National Theater Live productions through out the fall, the next performance will be Shakespeare’s “Othello” Sunday, October 13 at 7:00 PM.
