A French Bulldog named Eddie Brown stole the show last night at an Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra’s Printing Partner’s Pops Series concert, conducted by Jack Everly, at the Hilbert Circle Theatre. Eddie’s moment in the spotlight came at the conclusion of the show when his mom, Broadway Star, Ashley Brown serenaded him with “My Funny Valentine.” It was a moment of captivating charm, which characterized Brown’s entire performance throughout the Valentine’s Day-themed show that preceded it.
Fresh off the Los Angeles leg of a Disney National tour of Mary Poppins in which she played the title role (which she orginated on Broadway), Brown was making her second apperance with the ISO.
Demonstrating an impressive range, and singing in a voice rich in warmth and power, Brown also displayed superb dramatic abilities and facility of movement as she performed a program comprised primarily of Broadway show tune. Making numerous costumes changes, Brown’s physical attributes were enhanced via seven exquisite gowns and dresses she wore throughout the evening.
Opening the program with a segment which included “With A Song in My Heart,” “Just In Time,” and “Smile,” Brown then exited the stage after which the orchestra played the overture to Chicago. Later dressed as a flapper and accompanied by three men (Ben Crawford, James T. Lane, and James Lee Glatz) dressed in top hats and tails, she sang and danced to “Le Jazz Hot,” from Victor/Victoria.
Providing yet another opportunity for Brown to make a quick costume change, Crawford, who most recently played the title role in Shrek,The Musical on Broadway, sang an electrifying and potent rendition of “This Is the Moment,” from Jekyll & Hyde. Judging from the audience’s fervent reaction, Crawford's performance proved to be an added bonus during an evening that was already wholly entertaining.
Other first act highlights included a segment entitled, “Decades of Disney,” which featured music from 70 years of Disney films. Songs sung by Brown included: “A Spoon Full of Sugar,” “Someday My Prince Will Come,” “A Whole New World,” and others.
Displaying her comedic talents, Brown opened the second act with Kander & Ebb’s “Ring Them Bells,” and then showed off her ability to deftly switch emotions when she sang Cole Porter’s “So In Love,” from Kiss Me Kate.
Rejoined by Crawford, Lane and Glatz, Brown, sang duets with them during a medley of Broadway tunes which included: “It’s Wonderful,” “People Will Say We’re In Love,” “All I Ask of You,” “My Heart Is So Full of You,” and “Someone to Watch Over Me.”
Another medley of Disney songs beautifully interpreted by Brown included: “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious,” “Chim Chim Cher-ree,” “Once Upon Dream,” “A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes,” “He’s A Tramp,” “You’ve Got a Friend In Me,” and “When You Wish Upon A Star.”
While introducing the concert’s finale, Everly recalled that when he cast Brown (who at that time had recently graduated from the Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music) in his 2005 Symphonic Pops Consortium production of Leading Men of Broadway, he knew she would go on to do great things and was obviously thrilled that she had done so.
Everly went on to say that he was convinced that Brown’s star would continue to rise and shine bright on Broadway and that in the future she would no doubt perform prime roles such as that of Elphaba, in the wildly popular hit show, Wicked.
Reinforcing Everly’s weighty estimation of her, was Brown herself who eventually took center stage to sing Wicked’s signature song, “Defying Gravity.” It was a sensational performance, leaving this writer with a feeling that he had not only been in the presence of a star but someone who could one day join the ranks of White Way legends.
For more information about the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra go online to www.indianapolissymphony.org or call 317.639.4300 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 317.639.4300 end_of_the_skype_highlighting.
