By Michael Buzzelli
Pittsburgh Musical Theater (PMT), literally and figuratively, made an announcement from on high as it declared its 25/26 season with a stunning preview concert at the West End Overlook.
Ben Sheedy, joined by Brecken Newton Farrell, Elexa Lindsay Hanner, Kamilah Lay, Dylan Pal and an phalanx of student singer, actors and dancers announced upcoming season by singing songs from their featured shows. The shows include “Annie,” “Dear Evan Hansen,” “Disney’s Newsies,” “Evil Dead the Musical,” Beetlejuice JR.,” and “A Lyrical Christmas Carol.”
The “Broadway at the Overlook” show had some memorable moments. The students acted out a scene from “Newsies” before launching into a song. Their exaggerated New York accents were hilarious, especially listening to them mangle the word “oyster,” a bit from the original Disney movie, “Newsies.”
Farrell’s “For Forever” from “Dear Evan Hansen” was remarkable. It was a big swing and he knocked it out of the park.
Hanner was spectacular singing a solo from “Beetlejuice, Jr.,” a shortened kid-friendly version of the Movie-to-Broadway-Musical.
The pièce de résistance came when the entire assemble gyrated to “Do the Necronomicon,” the silliest song from the silliest of musicals, “Evil Dead – the Musical.”
The show ended with a bright and buoyant rendition of “Tomorrow” from “Annie.”
‘Broadway at the Overlook’ is a free CitiParks event with a family-friendly, community atmosphere. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early and pack a picnic for an evening full of live music with the city skyline as the backdrop as professional performers alongside PMT Conservatory students bring the magic of Broadway to life.
Its not a fun-free evening, but a fun, free evening. Make sure you dress appropriately, Friday’s show was extremely chilly for the end of August, even in Pittsburgh.
-MB
“Broadway at the Overlook” runs the rest of the weekend at the West End Overlook. You can learn more about the concert and PMT’s upcoming season by please clicking here.
