Boy, that Richard Todd Adams can really sing, huh! (or "Waffles!")

Last night I went out to the concert "Stephen Weiner: Songs of Love & Aggravation", presented by NYMF and Prospect Theater Company at 59E59 Theaters.

With music by Stephen Weiner, and lyrics by Laura Szabo, Susan DiLallo, Peter Mills, Glenn Slater, and Stephen Weiner, the concert featured Richard Todd Adams, Michael Arden, Sebastian Arcelus, Jessica Ball, Jen Blood, Todd Buonopane, Andrea Burns, Dennis Driskill, Melissa Egan, Liz Larsen, Brian Munn, Evan Pappas, Lindsay Quinn, Bruce Sabath, Richard Vida, Marla Weiner, Laura Beth Wells, and Dan Yates; with musical Direction by Daniel Feyer and directed by Cara Reichel.

I love this kind of concert. Different songs from Weiner's different shows that have either been produced, or cut from shows, or written for shows for which the writers couldn't get the rights, or written for a specific concert. Incredible variety, performed by fabulous singers...all for $15!

They were all great performers, but I have to highlight two of my favourites -- Richard Todd Adams and Jen Blood.

Jen sang with the wonderful Sebastian Arcelus on one of my favorite numbers "Celebrity Sambas" from the musical newyorkers. It's about two "star f@#$kers" who are at a club watching different celebs. The song was so funny because it was so incredibly acted by the two singers. Jen was incredible. Looking back, I think the comedy songs overall were my favourite throughout the evening.

Richard Todd Adams (who currently is playing Brett Mansford in Plane Crazy) is an extraordinary performer. He started off the show leading the ensemble on "More" from Tom Jones (one of the 165 adaptations apparently...the downside of public domain...) and ended the concert singing "Manhattan 4 am".

He is a commanding stage presence, he has an unbelievable voice and he also has incredibly natural comedic ability. He can deliver both an emotional ballad which leaves you wishing he would continue singing, even if it is just from the phone book, and a full out comedy song. Richard sang the hilarious "Quando Scungili" in a wonderfully funny Italian accent.

Too bad it was a one-night-only concert...

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