It is 1am in New York and I am just home from the Broadway Backwards Concert at the Longacre Theatre.
The concert tonight was simply amazing. The talented people on the stage made this a night to remember
Everyone involved with the evening from the staff of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS to the performers on stage made the patrons feel welcomed and appreciated.
One talented performer after another graced the stage. There were several performances that stood out for me.
- Alan Cumming opened the show accompanied by four talented dancers. He sang “Don’t Tell Mama” from Cabaret. This man brought the house down with his comedic routine.
- “On The Street Where You Live” from My Fair Lady was performed by Debra Monk. This passionate singer put a new twist to the song with a fresh arrangement.
- Tony Yazbeck was a triple threat as a singer, actor, and dancer. He performed “The Music and The Mirror” from A Chorus Line and was believable as the struggling actor that he portrayed.
The obvious highlight for this Clay Aiken fan was seeing Clay shine on the Broadway stage as he performed “Home” from The Wiz. He started quietly and slowly built to a powerful climax. He sang from his heart and the audience was moved by his outstanding performance. As the applause continued, Clay returned to the stage for a second bow. Appropriately, Clay seemed right at “Home” on the Broadway stage.
I am so glad that I was able to attend this wonderful sold-out concert. It was a special evening that I will never forget.
This picture is from the dress rehearsal.
Sounds like a great night! glad you had fun. Home is a beautiful song and Clay sings it well. Can't wait to see clack 🙂
WOW !!!! WOW !!! WOW !!!
sooooo beautiful…gosh…… I am flabbergasted, stupefied….. etc etc …he was just very very beautiful..
he really have to have a record on all Broadway songs… It will be good for him, it's really him…
Dear Scarlet,
once again, thank you for sharing it in youtube :).
“Seeing Clay Shine” Loved it! I couldn’t be prouder of our guy! Clay truly was in his element last night. I have no doubt that his star will shine even brighter in the future.
Thanks Musicfan for the report from Broadway Backwards….. People on Broadway are just so talented…Raw talent… By that I mean they don't need people fixing their voices up so they sound good on recordings. Obviously if someone says you are suited for Broadway, you definately have talent. I would have loved to hear Clay sing "Home", and I bet he sounded wonderful. Having to come out for a 2nd bow…tells me everything I need to know…. Thanks again!!!
Thanks for your wonderful report. I just watched the video of Clay Aiken singing "Home" and he was, as usual, fantastic!! Great job, Clay!
I'd positvely LOVE a new CD of all Broadway songs from him – the great ones that he could sing with sweet nuance as well as his incredible soaring glory notes. Can you just imagine him singing "My Corner of the Sky" from Pippen? Or "The Impossible Dream" and "Dulcinea" from Man of LaMancha? Or "Music of the Night" from Phantom of the Opera? The list would be endless.
But……he can sing ANYTHING so whatever his next CD, I'll sure be in line to buy it. Am looking forward to his Tried and True tour and will be seeing him in two weeks!! Yay!!!
Wow!!! Clay at his very very best, which is more than awesome. It sounds from your blog as if the whole entire production was wonderful. Nobody does it like Broadway.
If only we could get the message to Clay re putting out an all-Broadway CD. I would think I died and went to heaven. Can you just imagine hearing Clay sing a dozen of those gorgeous Broadway tunes? WOW! WOW! WOW! If only…..
Better yet, I want to see him starring on Broadway in a romantic musical comedy. He'd blow everyone away! If only….
musicfan123 — Congratulations on having your blog quoted on the FadedYouth blog. Looks like folks other Clay fans are checking in via google search. Way to go CANN and musicfan123 (aka Clayskater?). And yes, Clay did sing HOME magnificently!!!
So happy that you were able to see Clay perform in the BWBW last night. It surely was a magical evening and Clay Aiken brought it!!! His interpretation of Home coupled with the stories of the gay teens was close to his heart.
I can't stop watching Clay singing "Home" from The Wiz on YouTube. It is simply beautifully done..and it brings a tear to my eye every time I watch it. I love how just toward the end of the song..he looks to the side..Phew! Heaven Help Me..How sexy..and proceeds to sing the final note…Home!
What a wonderful night! . I have listened to Clay sing "Home" so many times and yet I hear it differently each time. He has such an incredible voice. It sounds like each performer did their best to raise money for this worthy cause. Congratulations on having your blog posted on the FadedYouth blog. A magical night and Clay -just wow!!
Thanks for the report, I believe Clay shines on Broadway and that is where he should make his "home". He is respected and welcome there. His performance was so moving and to know that the audience appreciated it is all the more better. I have always known that if anyone sees him in person and hears him sing, they know they have seen and heard something special. Well done Clay!
Clay certainly has a gift and you saw and heard it live! Thank you for sharing your recap with us!
So glad that you could be there and love hearing all about it.
Love that he was so well received. Cannot stop watching his performance. He sang with such emotion and power. He belongs on Broadway–so appropriate that he sang "Home" since he is so at home on that stage.
I totally agree that Clay was right at home on that Broadway stage. He met the challenge of his fellow performers and lit up the stage with his talent.. I have a strong feeling that Clay will be in another show before too long.