Carnegie Hall

Aaron Lazar and Kelli O'Hara...and look who is peeking in between them. {via Playbill.com)

My first time at Carnegie Hall was singing with the EVUSA Choir, NY Pops, and Broadway soloists in "Some Enchanted Evening: A Tribute to Rodgers and Hammerstein." Walking on stage for the dress rehearsal was the first time I've ever even been in the building. Stepping onto that stage and looking out and seeing a full audience during the open dress rehearsal was nothing short of magical. The first thing I did was look up - the audience has four balconies and is very round. It feels like you are in a fishbowl. 

The view from the house. {via Playbill.com}

The performance itself was completely sold out. Walking back on stage, looking up and up, every seat was taken. The audience was filled with music lovers, including the wives of the late Rodgers and Hammerstein. How many times in my life will I get to sing some of my favorite songs for the families of those who wrote them? Probably once. I think that was it. 

I spent most of my time in awe of Kelli. She is such an excellent story teller, and I was observing her, trying to figure out what makes her so much better than everyone else. What I came away with is this - she is totally relaxed on stage, emphasizes the most important words of each phrase, and finishes each line. The result is a beautiful, taffy-like, mellifluous sound that is totally understandable and takes the audience on a journey with each sentence. Watch out Kelli, I'm coming.... :)