February 15, 2005

Talented singers give their regards to Wurtsboro audiences

By Cynthia O. Topps
For the Times Herald-Record
   
 Wurtsboro – There is a group of people in Wurtsboro making a notable effort to bring Broadway to Wurtsboro and Wurtsboro to Broadway. Broadway Concerts Direct, helmed by John Hiller, has been presenting a series of "Broadway Comes to Wurtsboro Series" concerts for more than a year at the Community Church of Wurtsboro.

About once a month, a concert full of songs, some familiar and some brand new, is presented. The February offering titled "Isn't It Romantic? Songs to Keep Our Love Alive." Three fine singers and an equally talented pianist performed more than 20 songs for a receptive audience. The concert lasted a little less than two hours.

The church's intimate seating and the casual nature of the performance lent itself to a comfortable atmosphere, much like a party where friends get up and sing for everyone's mutual enjoyment. The singers were Michael Cone, Sarah Rice and Babs Winn. They were accompanied by Seth Weinstein. Each performer was given ample opportunity to shine with a solo or two. Cone's strong baritone/tenor voice blended well in the duets he performed with both women. His comic flair was evident in one song in which the lyrics were a dictionary definition of "love."

Rice has an extraordinary soprano range, with soaring high notes. She sang a haunting piece titled "Come Back," which showcased her voice beautifully. Rice's turn at some Broadway standards, such as "Bill," were wonderfully executed and presented.

Winn sang a few country/rockabilly tunes, such as "Diamond in the Rough," which confirmed her place in her band Miss Babs and the Kickin' Boogie Band. She also tried her talents at some Broadway staples, such as "Can't Help Lovin' That Man of Mine." But her best was "Time Heals Everything," which she sang with a strong voice colored with deep emotion.

 Winn proved to be the most versatile performer of the evening, not only because of her song choices but also her ability to work equally well in duets. Winn and Cone presented the best duet of the night with their rendition of the contrapuntal "You're Just in Love."

Based on this concert and the quality of the performers, Broadway should not be coming to visit but to stay, at least a little longer. Broadway Concerts Direct has scheduled its next concert March 19, and it promises to have not only more Broadway talent but also some local talent, including Babs Winn.
   
If you go ...
   
What: "Broadway Comes to Wurtsboro Series"
Where: Community Church of Wurtsboro, 134 Sullivan St., Wurtsboro, NY
When: 8 p.m. March 19, 2005
Call: 845-888-2798
On the Web: BwayDirect.com