Adam Pascal and Anthony Rapp: Two of the Best!
by JIMJMD on 4/17/12Birchmere - AlexandriaRating: 4 out of 5Seeing Adam Pascal and Anthony Rapp perform att he Birchmere ranks as one of the most indelible nights out I've had in many years. Pascal and Rapp are both amazing performers. Pascal is both an accomplished singer AND arranger--his covers defy convention by taking Broadway tunes and outfitting them into jazz or rock numbers that truly generate new enthusiasm for hearing them. "What I Did for Love" often generates a groan when some singer covers it as it's been done to death. But Pascal took that song and re-invigorated it with a sense of urgnecy and passion that most singers fail to deliver. Pascal has one of the most powerful voices ever--when he sang "Maria" from West Side Story, I thought the roof was going to shoot off the building. The same goes for Anthony Rapp's version of "WIthout You" from RENT. After telling the audience that he sang this song at his mother's funeral, Rapp proceeded to sing to the heavens and produced a very profound moment that blew the audience away. Rapp has just as much intensity in his delivery of rock tunes as he does Broadway material; case in point were his renditions of "Life During Wartime" by the Talking Heads and "Better Be Home Soon" by Crowded House. Rapp delivered them with so much gusto and depth that he almost eclipsed the song's original artists--he's that amazing.
What's astonishing to note is that a lot of people don't know who these men are, but they should. Pascal has two solo LPS and a work with Larry Edoff that wouild fit in any rock lover's collection. Rapp has one recording of originals that's a great alternative set of songs. I just wish that radio stations pushed these artists, but because they are rooted in Broadway, I don't see enough savvy producers out there willing to promote their act.
Honestly, if you have to travel to see them, just GO! One of the best concerts ever and I will cherish siting right in front of them and taking it all in.