REVIEW: BROADWAY KNIGHTS—"A Night at the Charleston"
- TheShowReport
- 2 days ago
- 6 min read
JUNE 15—FULLERTON, CA
This past Monday evening, Broadway Knights presented “A Night at the Charleston” in the Charleston’s elegant event hall in beautiful downtown Fullerton, California—right across from the Fullerton Train Station—and featured 40 of the most talented singers in Southern California in a high-octane benefit concert for Tara’s Chance of Fullerton, performing iconic songs from the stage as well as Top 40 hits from the 70’s, 80’s & 90’s.
Performing to a packed house, the 7:00 PM revue seamlessly fused the high-energy spirit of classic rock and roll, pop, R&B and Mo-Town with modern musical theater flair, creating a powerful sonic performance. With a primary goal to raise critical funds and awareness for growth, Tara’s Chance operates as a Fullerton-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to providing equine-assisted therapy for children and young adults with special needs. The program was produced and directed by Rob Krueger, Jr., and was choreographed by Anthony Tuason and stage managed by Camille Chartier.
Hosted by the charismatic Chris Bartlett, who is best known for several Jon Favreau-created Star Wars franchises, including “The Mandalorian” TV series, “Obi-Wan Kenobi” mini-series, “The Book of Boba Fett” TV mini-series, “Ahsoka” TV series and “Shining Vale” TV series, Mr. Bartlett was also a guest on Late Show with David Letterman and Good Morning America. He has also played the iconic droid C-3P0 with special appearances on “Lego Masters” (2020), “The Oscars” (2016) and “Jimmy Kimmel” (2017).
By now, you’ve probably seen Broadway Knights performing cabarets and concerts throughout Orange County, several in support of Tara’s Chance, a group dear to the hearts of the members. In fact, Broadway Knights was founded in 2010 to assist non-profit organizations such as these to help raise much-needed funds for these charities to continue operating. In this case, the objective is for the clients of the agency to use therapeutic riding and equine-assisted activities in order to affect the cognitive, emotional, physical and overall wellness and development of people with a variety of disabilities and special needs.
The venue was pre-set for premium table seating options, and a four-piece live band accompanied the show in a non-stop party that was nothing short of incredible. With musical direction and keyboards by Xander Ambrose, Daniel Sedano on bass, Gordon Laurencell on drums and Gerardo Molina on guitar, the program was headlined by six of Southern California’s rising stars:
First, there’s Brian Justin Crum bringing his powerhouse vocals to the stage. You may remember him on America’s Got Talent, or perhaps you saw him locally, starring alongside Cynthia Erivo and Adam Lambert in “Jesus Christ Superstar” at the Hollywood Bowl. Be sure and catch him next month in MTW's "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat."
Ruby Lewis, a long-established main attraction from past Broadway Knights’ concerts, starred recently in Cirque du Soleil’s premiere Broadway show, Paramour, and has also performed as Peggy Lee in “Lights Out: Nat “King” Cole at the New York Theatre Workshop, and previously, she was Marilyn Monroe in “Marilyn!”
There was also singer/songwriter Elijah Malcomb, who has had several appearances in Broadway Knights’ concert benefits, and is noted for his breakout appearance on Hallmark’s “Finding Mr. Christmas,” as well as for his portrayals as John Laurens and Philip Hamilton in the Tony Award-winning “Hamilton.”
Another luminary on the rise is Dillon Klena, presently on stage in La Mirada Theatre’s “Anastasia” as Dimitry. Dillon also has credits in the 1st North American Tour of “Jagged Little Pill,” as well as multiple regional performances, including 3D Theatricals’ “Newsies,” McCoy Rigby Entertainment’s “Mama Mia,” and “Story of my Life” at the Chance.
The impressive Melinda Porto, a New York-based actress, also was a featured star, best known for her work in “SIX the Musical,” the “Radio City Christmas Spectacular” starring The Rockettes, and the well-known Drizzly commercials. She is also a featured backup vocalist for Joe Cocker and Taylor Swift.
Finally, the effervescent starlet Kristen Daniels was recently seen on the Broadway National Tour of TINA: The Tina Turner Musical, and previously in the National Tour of Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer. Other notable starring performances have included “The Cher Show” and “School of Rock” at Moonlight, “Shrek the Musical” at Performance Riverside, “Hairspray” and “Xanadu” at Laguna Playhouse, and “Grease” at La Mirada Theatre.
The ensemble included Brooke Aston Harper, Charlie Battaglia, Allan P Cason, Emily Curington, Naomi Groleau, Elena Inferrera, Lindsey Jordan, Samantha Leone, Annie Metcalfe, Sam Papier, Kelsey Redmond, Avi Spitzer, Brooke Aston Harper, Josh Bishop, Angie Chavez, Amber Duncan, Romy Hitti, Kateri Inferrera, Cassie Knickelbein, Jennifer Marks, Sarah O'Brien, Winston Peacock, John Scoggins, Anthony Tuason, Briana Bonilla, William Crisp, Gisela Flores, Malakai Howard, Cody Ingram, Sarah Ledesma, Kerry Melachouris, Jenna Ommeren, Gianna Pelletier, Bianca Singer and Cole Whiter.
The group as a whole was exceptional, and although impossible to credit the entire show, a few exceptional standout numbers are highlighted here. The Ensemble group performed as a backup on all songs and several were sung as a chorus, including Fleetwood Mac’s “The Chain,” Garth Brooks’ “We Shall be Free,” Queen’s “Love of My Life,” Martha and the Vandellas’ “Dancing in the Streets,” and Rocky Horror’s “Time Warp” (along with the dance).
“Listen to the Music” was performed exquisitely by Dillon Klena, Elijah Malcomb crooned Smokey Robinson's “Get Ready” (and later Bob Seger’s “Old Time Rock n’ Roll"), Ruby Lewis became Bonnie Tyler in “Holding Out for a Hero,” and Melinda Porto was the epitome of Elvis Presley’s “Burning Love.”
Next, Kristen Daniels was Kira all over again with “Xanadu;” Brian Justin Crum hit the stratosphere with Radiohead’s “Creep;” the incredible Charlie Battaglia captivated the audience with “Dream Lover;” then Alan P Cason stepped on the stage and everything melted with Wilson Pickett’s “In the Midnight Hour;” a few tunes later Mr. Cason teamed up with Dillon Klena for an awe-inspiring “Stand by Me;” following that Brian Justin Crum once again slayed with the Elton John elegy, “Your Song.”
Suddenly, just off The Cher Show, Kristen Daniels appears on stage and performed a dazzling sound-alike vocal impersonation of Cher in “I Found Someone;" a few songs later, our minds simultaneously bursting at the seams with emotion, tears and elation, we heard a chilling Simon & Garfunkle’s “Sound of Silence” by the resonant Bill Crisp; and Ruby Lewis once again mesmerized us with yet another Queen megahit, “Somebody to Love.”
It was entertainment at its finest. Also, in an unexpected moment right at the top of the second half, a Tara’s Chance client named Bao who had recently met much success with their equine therapy program gave a wonderful rendition of legendary Frank Sinatra’s iconic theme song, “My Way,” bringing misty eyes, pulled heartstrings and much accolades.
So, how does one become a Broadway Knight? True, the group is a perfect blend of musical and stage talent, but they are not just actors and vocalists. The best word to describe them is — Entertainers! Their interaction with audiences makes each show refreshing and exciting as they feature some of the most amazing cabarets, Broadway themed performances and classic rock and roll anthologies in clever harmonies, choreographies and cover performances you will ever see. A professional performance group predominantly originating from Southern California, their punchy dance tunes and versatile song arrangements are definitely a must-see for anyone in this area.
Talent and growth potential are necessary and important for all cast members. And yes, raw talent does account for the basis as a singer, dancer, actor or musician. But in order to make it in this fine group, one must also have a strong sense of self-awareness, the ability to thrive in a team dynamic, an adaptability across cultural boundaries, a consistent work ethic fueled by integrity, and a willingness to learn and expand your artistic expression.
In addition, Broadway Knights has featured stars from some of Broadway and television's biggest names live in concert, including Tony Award Winners Roger Bart (Broadway: “The Producers,” “You're A Good Man Charlie Brown" and “Young Frankenstein;” Television: “Desperate Housewives”), and Faith Prince (Broadway: “Guys and Dolls,” “The Little Mermaid,” “Disaster! The Musical;” Television: “Huff,” “Spin City,” “Monk”), Tony Award nominee's Kerry Butler (Broadway: “Xanadu,” “Hairspray,” “Little Shop of Horrors”) and Sam Harris (Broadway: “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” “Grease;” Television: “Star Search” Original Season 1 winner), Joan Ryan (“Broadway Worlds Female Cabaret Artist of the Year 2013,” U.S. premiere of “Ruthless: The Musical;” Television: “Saved By the Bell” and “The Young and the Restless”), Andrew MacBean (“Sunset Boulevard,” London, Broadway and Los Angeles; “Aspects of Love,” London and Broadway), and Ruby Lewis (“Marilyn,” “Baz,” “Paramour”).
On another stratum, Broadway Knight's educational component also focuses on offering Master Classes with top-name talent, including many of Broadway's most talented stars, such as Laura Bell Bundy, Kerry Butler, Eden Espinosa, Megan Hilty, Norm Lewis, Laura Osnes, Adam Pascal, Seth Rudetsky, Lea Michell, and more.
For further information, including auditions and upcoming shows, follow Broadway Knights (@broadwayknights) on Instagram or on their Facebook page www.facebook.com/broadwayknightsca/
CHRIS DANIELS
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT REVIEWER
THE SHOW REPORT
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