Make Them Hear You

By Ed Kliszus

Feinstein’s/54 Below filled the house with excited patrons gathered to see and hear the stars of Make Them Hear You, An Ode to Black Musicals, Volume 2. This live event on West 54^th Street in Manhattan was also live-streamed with viewers from around the United States.

Two songs opened the show, I’m a Mean Ole Lion by Ted Ross sung by J. Andrew Speas, and Keeping Out of Mischief Now by Fats Waller sung by Bobbie McKenzie.

Introductions

Producer Pier Lamia Porter came to the microphone and explained that tonight’s show “Make Them Hear You” is to ensure that all voices are heard, just as we are to hear tonight. Her predictions unfolded through a wonderful evening of storytelling through song and theater by a star-studded cast of theater luminaries and composers. Not only was each song relevant to time, place, and history, but reminded us of the rich legacy of our great songwriters, artists, and musicals that set the foundation for the music we enjoy today.

Historical Connections

Listeners were taken through history’s joys and tragedy, from references to the Waco lynching of 1916, to I’m a Hootchie Coocchie Man by Muddy Waters, sung by Akron Winston, and to You Done Right by Kansas Joe McCoy sung by Darron Hayes.

The Music

Rounding out the song spectacular included It Don’t Mean a Thing by Ella Fitzgerald, As I Lay Me Down to Sleep by Sophie B. Hawkins, Early in the Morning by the Gap Band, Keys/It’s Alright by Mark Lamar Steward and Heidi Barbara Rodewald. It continued with Best You Ever Had by John Legend, I’m A Jonah Man by Alex Rogers, Is There Anything I Can Do For You by Dottie Rambo, Caldonia by Kenny Andrews and Tympany Five sung by J. Andrew Speas, and Running Blind by the band Godsmack, sung by Nigel Richards

Each artist delivered a message through solos, duos, and ensembles. Songs spanned decades and represented the broad scope of vital African American influence on rhythm and blues, jazz, gospel, and musical theater genres.

Pianist and Music Director Gary Mitchell, Jr. delivered consistently smooth, elegant transitions for the coterie of artists who entered and exited the stage.

Pier Lamia Porter returned to graciously thank the audience, artists, and staff. The cast returned in force for well-deserved applause and salutations.

Make Them Hear You, An Ode to Black Musicals, Volume 2

Curated/Produced by Pier Lamia Porter

Tonight’s featured performers included Keisha Gilles (Aladdin, Book of Mormon), Darron Hayes (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat – The MUNY), Bobbi Mackenzie (School of Rock, Macbeth), Yewande Odetoyinbo (The Color Purple – Signature Theater), J. Andrew Speas (Spamilton: An American Parody, Stompin at the Savoy Workshop), Nigel Richards (Spamilton: An American Parody), Austin Rivers (Spamilton National Tour, Philoctetes Disney on Classic), Kala Ross (For Colored Girls…), Akron Watson (Black No More, Hamilton), Nikisha Williams (Hamilton, The Color Purple)

Featuring music by: Joriah Kwamé, Ashley Hazzard, Robert Poole Jr III

The Band

Music Director/Piano: Gary Mitchell Jr, Bassist Aamir Juman, and drums Corey Rawls.

Black MT Writer Contributors

Ashley Hazzard, Joriah Kwamé, & Robert Lee Poole III

For Feinstein’s/54 Below

Livestream Director: KJ Hardy
Creative & Programming Director: Jennifer Ashley Tepper

Lighting Director: Becky Morris
Sound Supervisor: Sarah Goodman
Executive Producers: Steve Baruch

Feinstein’s/54 Below
254 W 54th St. Cellar, NYC 10019
Tickets & Info: (646) 476-3551

Readers may also enjoy other reviews like Natalie Douglas at Birdland, Billy Valentine, 54 Sings Broadway’s Greatest Hits, and Dianna Agron at Cafe Carlyle.