FROM BACH TO BROADWAY

#SMED 11

The invitation indicated that we were invited to attend the Pinelands High School, Cabaret, ‘Bach to Broadway.’

Very confusing indeed with a number of thoughts racing through my head :

-          Johann Sebastian Bach died more than 250 years ago;

-          Broadway musical became immensely popular in the 1920’s;

-          High School learners, still in their teens, have not been around when any of the music of both afore-mentioned genres were made popular;

-          Which items would be presented to showcase the period 1700 – 1920’s  and beyond?

From the opening notes ‘ On Broadway, ’ followed by ‘Jesus, Joy of Man’s Desire, we were enthralled by the choreography and beautiful voices rendering item after item with absolute precision - a slick, well-rehearsed cabaret performance indeed!

Ave Maria reminded me of America’s got talent judge, Sharon Osbourne, when she told season 5 runner–up, Jackie Evancho,  that she did not understand a word she sang, but just knew that the song was sung heavenly. Sung in Latin, I too felt the same – just allowing the lilting sounds of Ave Maria to wash over me and fill my soul. I believe the quotation by Bach, describes his music best,  “Music is an agreeable harmony for the honor of God and the permissible delights of the soul.”

In addition to the above, the programme incorporated all-time favourites ranging from ‘Somewhere over the rainbow’;  ‘Fly me to the moon’; ‘Part of this world’;  (The Little Mermaid)  You’ll never walk alone (Broadway Musical, Carousel).  It also catered for the young at heart  with the rendition of a Hip-Hop medley which had the audience shouting in appreciation of the on-stage cool, hip-hop moves.   One would not have thought that hip-hop dance could fit in with the theme, but hip-hop dance is an urban city style - much like the New York city sky-line which was the backdrop to the show. 

Although confused as to the title, I fully appreciated the musical journey I had traveled on - spanning a time period of more than 250 years. 

One of the lessons learnt during this musical journey was that:

-  music, especially great classics, is timeless

-  old and new musical genres can live in perfect harmony

-  many of today’s musicians find inspiration from classics written by Bach, i.e Josh Groban’s  performance and recording of ‘Jesus, Joy of Man’s Desire,’ in 2007.

Thomas Beecham, an English conductor once said, “‘Good music is that which penetrates the ear with facility and quits the memory with difficulty”  I fully agree, as long after the show, in the car and at home, I was still humming to the unforgettable Chorus Line, ‘One singular sensation….’

In conclusion, I salute the production team and cabaret students – though more familiar with hip-hop, Rhythm and Blues (R&B) & Rap, to name but a few -  for their commitment, dedication and passion in rendering the production Bach to Broadway. 

It was an honour to spend time in your presence as you took the audience on a musical journey of time.

The  Billy Porter song ‘Time, ’ performed in the second half, spoke a thousand words:  

‘To find the joy and love
To share with all mankind
For all we know

All we have
Is time’

Photos taken at 'Bach to Broadway' Cabaret