Signature Theatre and Wolf Trap presented their fourth annual Broadway in the Park this past weekend at the Filene Center in the baking heat and thick, humid air. But even that old Virginia summer sun could not stifle the energy and excitement for an evening of beloved show tunes from Signature’s finest and Broadway stars Laura Benanti (Gypsy, Max’s The Gilded Age) and Jordan Fisher (Hadestown, Sweeney Todd).
Despite the packed seats and expansive lawn, there was an intimate and comfortable vibe to the venue, not uncommon at Wolf Trap. Felicia Curry, with her vivacious persona and stunning sequins, served as host for the event. She welcomed everyone like old friends, introduced the local talent, and hyped the room for the entertainment to come.
Musical Director and Conductor Jon Kalbfleisch opened by leading the orchestra in the classic “Overture” from Mame. Appropriately followed by Pippin’s theatrical introduction “Magic to Do” sung by Curry and joined by Rayanne Gonzales, Katie Mariko Murray, Kevin McAllister, Tracy Lynn Olivera, Matthew Scott, and Tobias A. Young.
Murray sang the lively “Life of the Party” from Wild Party, followed by a passionate “Paciencia Y Fe” from In the Heights by Gonzales. Next, Young gave a soulful rendition of Porgy and Bess’ “There’s a Boat That’s Leaving Soon” and Scott beautifully performed from Kander and Ebb’s First You Dream. McAllister’s “Stars” from Les Misérables was deeply moving, and Tracy Lynn Olivera, with a goosebump-inducing “The Winner Takes It All” from Mamma Mia!, closed out the first half of the set.
After a compilation from First You Dream by the orchestra, Curry brought on Jordan Fisher, who instantly charmed the crowd with “I’m Not Afraid of Anything” from Songs for a New World. He recalled his time in Hamilton and hinted at a desire to try on the role of Burr before starting “Wait for It” from the hit musical.
Headliner Laura Benanti was delightfully candid and endearing, sharing how her parents, being from Northern Virginia themselves, see playing Wolf Trap as having truly “made it.” A sentiment the audience roaringly cheered.
Benanti joked about her well-known run as Eliza Doolittle, and the irony of playing a flower shop girl at the age of 40, before delving into a medley (and hilarious summation) of My Fair Lady. Then she touched on a work that she wrote, titled Nobody Cares — currently available on Audible — and sang “Recovering Ingenue” from the original work. If that number is a measure for the rest of Nobody Cares, it is well worth checking out. With witty lyrics and a hilarious message, it was a tease to hear only the one song.
Signature and Wolf Trap’s Broadway in the Park was a dazzling display of talent and a wonderful night to remember. The Signature stars with their flawless vocals were reason alone to attend, and every singer demonstrated a master class in technique. Icing on the cake was the personable and flat-out fun spirit of both Fisher and Benanti. I would go again and again. Though maybe pack a fan, next time.
Running Time: Approximately 90 minutes, with no intermission.
Broadway in the Park performed on June 29, 2024, produced by Signature Theatre and Wolf Trap performing at the Filene Center, 1551 Trap Road Vienna, VA. Tickets prices vary for each production. For this event, the cost was $33 for the Lawn, which is open seating on the grass, or ranged from $53 to $83 for assigned Loge and Orchestra seating. General information for upcoming shows is available by calling 703.255.1900, or by going online.
See the digital program here.
Signature Theatre and Wolf Trap present
Broadway in the Park
featuring Laura Benanti and Jordan Fisher
CREATIVE TEAM & PRODUCTION
Music Director/Conductor: Jon Kalbfleisch; Director: Matthew Gardiner
CAST
Laura Benanti; Jordan Fisher; Rayanne Gonzales; Felicia Curry; Katie Mariko Murray; Kevin McAllister; Tracy Lynn Olivera; Matthew Scott; Tobias A. Young
Overture Students: Alexandra Lagos, Tyler Lang, Kayla McGallian, Chase Nester, Kate Roddy Moore, Hannah Taylor, Miles Hanna, Trinity Lyons, Patrick Payne, Kendall Huheey, Wynter Nicole Cook, Tederell Johnson, and Sofia Cruz
WOLF TRAP ORCHESTRA
Conductor: Jon Kalbfleisch
Reeds: Matthew Belzer, Daniel Dickinson, Keith Daudelin, Lee Lachman, Tim Abbott
Horns: Hilary Harding, Justin Drew
Trumpets: Stephen Taylor, Phillip Snedecor, Kenneth Rittenhouse
Trombones: Jeffrey Cortazzo, Joseph Jackson
Piano/Keys: Alex Tang
Guitar (Electric, Acoustic, Banjo): Jim Roberts
Bass (Acoustic and Electric): Max Murray
Drum Set: Daniel Villanueva
Harp: Eric Sabbatino
Percussion: Chris Barrick
Violins: Laura Colgate (concertmaster), Allison Bailey, Kristin Bakkegard
Violas: James Kelly, Marj Goldberg
Cellos: Todd Thiel, Erin Snedecor
PRODUCTION CREDITS
Stage Manager: Taryn Friend; Production Assistant: Joey Blakely; Lighting Design: Max Doolittle
SEE ALSO:
Signature Theatre and Wolf Trap name ‘Broadway in the Park’ headliners (news story, May 4, 2024)
