Broadway has just collided with the silver screen. The Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra put a modern twist on the classic orchestra when it presented Broadway to Hollywood Jan. 14. The musical journey showcased some of the most influential movies and musicals of the past 50 years.
The show faced some stiff competition from the critically-acclaimed Broadway musical Wicked, which was playing concurrently across the lobby of the Times-Union Center. The orchestra brought some Broadway firepower of its own to give a voice to the music: Ashley Brown and Ryan Silverman. Brown was featured in the title role of the Broadway production of Mary Poppins, where she captured a 2010 Garland Award for "Best Performance in a Musical." Silverman is a Broadway veteran who has appeared in productions such as Mama Mia and The Phantom of the Opera.
The 80-piece symphony was led by charismatic guest conductor Steven Reineke. One of the nation's most sought-after Pops composers, Reineke has directed such world-famous ensembles as The New York Pops and the Philadelphia Orchestra and he is the newly-appointed principal pops conductor of the National Symphony Orchestra.
The show opened with an instrumental rendition of The Drifters 1963 hit, "On Broadway." It was followed by a number of scores made famous by Broadway plays, such as West Side Story and Bye Bye Birdie. Ashley Brown made her first appearance when she performed "I Could've Danced All Night" from My Fair Lady. Brown displayed her vibrato vocals and far-reaching range as she entranced the crowd. After her performance, Silverman joined her on stage to ham it up.
"We know a lot of you missed out on seeing a very important football game with a very important player to come see us today, so we thank you," said Brown, who has family in both Jacksonville and Pensacola. Silverman and Brown then dropped to one knee and began "Tebowing." The laughter rang out in the concert hall as Brown rose to her feet and said, "I feel centered." Brown continued to be not only centered, but the center of attention for the duration of the evening. After a brief intermission, the orchestra shifted its setting from New York to Los Angeles, focusing on music made famous by Hollywood. Symphony-goers of all ages tapped their feet as an incredible Disney Medley was performed, featuring songs from The Little Mermaid, Aladdin and Pinocchio. Ashley Brown later returned to the stage to sing the title song from Titanic, originally performed by Celine Dion. She dedicated the song to her friends and family.
The Jacksonville Symphony regained center stage when they performed John Williams' famous Main Theme from the blockbuster Star Wars. The vibrations emanating from the horn section of the symphony filled the room, which immediately invoked the iconic vision of yellow text floating through space.
While the individual star of the show was undoubtedly Ashley Brown, it would not have had the same affect if it were not accompanied by the smooth vocals of Ryan Silverman and the fast fingers and immense talent of The Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra.
The JSO has a number of events coming up, including Bond and Beyond, which will showcase music from movies such as James Bond and Mission Impossible. To find out about more future events, visit www.jaxsymphony.org.
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