king david

I liked our performance.
but sometimes people think little differently.



Oscar E Moore from the rear mezzanine for Talk Entertainment.com

Based on the Biblical tale of King David, with the New York University Symphonic Orchestra of sixty plus, a chorus of some two dozen and a cast of twenty one - the Steinhardt Program in Vocal Performance presented the rarely heard oratorio by Alan Menken (music) and Tim Rice (book and lyrics). It was an incredible experience.

Not that King David is without flaws. It is a problem of too much information, too much history having to be telescoped into the over two hour presentation. We see David the shepherd boy, David taking over for Saul, David with his wife Michal, David with Goliath, David with Bathsheba, David with his son Absalom, et al. It is an episodic piece that is completely sung through. It has some beautiful melodies and some very exciting pop and choral music going for it as well. The lyrics are serviceable and sometimes trite. But as someone next to me mentioned, “I’m having trouble following the story but the music is fantastic.”

As is the production. Fluidly directed by William Wesbrooks. Simply but colorfully and appropriately costumed by Michelle Humphrey and well lit by Jeff Croiter. And some nice choreography by Stephanie Lang. The splendid orchestra was conducted by Gerald Steichen. This piece deserves an excellent symphonic orchestra and we were not disappointed. It was sumptuous. How exciting to hear them all - actors, singers and orchestra in the stirring “This New Jerusalem”.

But without a charismatic David you might as well forget the entire experience. I am thrilled to report that Jay Armstrong Johnson is terrific. He is a huge star in the making, although he already is a star at NYU. I saw him last February in the title role of Floyd Collins and was extremely impressed with him at that point. As King David Mr. Johnson soars. He is simply an amazing performer. Gifted with good looks and a glorious voice.

Everyone in the cast is wonderful: Shane Quinn, Katharine Heaton, Bryan Welnicki, Kristen da Costa, Nic Rouleau, Roy Richardson, Jacob Bichachi and Bronson Murphy standouts.

What an impressive, memorable, thrilling evening of musical theatre.