From Broadway With Love: A Benefit Concert for Orlando

On July 25, 2016, performers from Broadway and Orlando came together to mourn the 49 victims of the Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando, FL for "From Broadway with Love: A Benefit Concert for Orlando." Seth Rudetsky hosted the concert with a Who's Who of Broadway and Orlando-based stars. The recordings captured on the CDs and DVD offer succor, and compassion to those in mourning. Anyone interested in remembering our fallen brothers and sisters will thoroughly enjoy this concert.

This star studded event boasts many highlights. The evening opened with LaRue Howard's stirring performance of "Take My Hand, Precious Lord." She is then joined by the Orlando Voices United Choir on "Great Dream of Heaven." The choir sings like angels with one heavenly voice.

Jessie Mueller tears it up singing, "Beautiful" (from "Beautiful") Brian Strokes Mitchell sings a glorious rendition of "The Impossible Dream" ("Man of LaMancha"). His performance is carefully curated yet still powerful. Chita Rivera delivers an amazing, timeless performance "All That Jazz" that has to be seen to be believed ("Chicago").

The second act opens with Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra's rendition of "Puttin' On the Ritz." Carmen Cusack follows them with, "Sun is Gonna Shine" ("Bright Star"). Andrea McArdle, the original Annie, belts "Tomorrow" ("Annie") with depth and maturity.

Despite their brilliant work, these ladies are difficult to believe. The dawn of a Trump presidency makes hope nearly impossible. For this reason, it's extra important that the concert ended with "What the World Needs Now is Love." The entire cast comes together in a huge, tear jerking finale.

There is only one missable performance: Justin Matthew Sargent over-singing Journey's pop hit, "Don't Stop Believing." Sargent confuses passion with terrible vocal technique. He pushes through his performance as if he's in a hurry to be somewhere else.

The concert itself is a marvel of talent and selfless dedication from the creators and performing artists. Packaging can loosely be defined as "no frills." The packaging is simple in order to keep costs low so more money can directly benefit the Pulse victims. For example, the CD and DVD cases are fragile. The CD case broke upon opening. Both CDs and DVD were in excellent condition. Please keep this in mind when enjoying your purchase.

The CD booklet includes glossy photos from performances such as Chita Rivera singing "All That Jazz," and "Slide Some Oil to Me" performed by Joshua Henry. There's a touching note from Kenny Howard, Director and co-producer on the unfortunate origins of "From Broadway with Love" series. He expresses the hope that the concert recordings bring strength and love to those enjoying them. The DVD does not come with a booklet.

Net proceeds raised from the performance (royalties and artist fees waived) by "From Broadway with Love: Benefit for Orlando" will be donated equally between LGBT Community Center of Florida, Hope and Help Center Florida, and Zebra Coalition. The concert was recorded and filmed live at the Disney Theatre at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. Songs are performed in English and Spanish, but are not translated into both languages.

"From Broadway With Love: A Benefit Concert for Orlando"
Broadway Records
CD & DVD set
$49.95
http://www.broadwayrecords.com/