The challenge in singing
Leonard Bernstein's
songs, which veer between the opera house and the musical theatre, is to meet the technical requirements of the former while conveying the vivacity of the latter.
Harolyn Blackwell
, who began her career singing
"Somewhere"
in
West Side Story
, tones down the often energetic music in calm arrangements for small ensembles, and sings feelingly. But she misses
Bernstein's
showiness and humor (notably on an unamusing "Glitter and Be Gay") until she hooks up with pop/Broadway singer
Vanessa Williams
for a medley of
songs, which pleasantly undercuts her otherwise sober interpretations, even if
Williams
steals the show. ~ William Ruhlmann