Halleluiah Broadway, taped in Prague in the Czech Republic,  February 8, 2010, was an extremely interesting process to attend, to say the very least.  I was honored to have been in the audience, watching four brilliant singers perform in a beautiful, historical church in Prague’s Old Town. 

The current Church of Sts Simon and Jude was consecrated July 16, 1620 to two martyred Apostles:  St Simon the Zealot and St. Jude Thaddaeus.  It is now only used as a concert venue.  The Church is in the Renaissance style and the chapel is stunning.  (I invite you to research their history …)

Progressive producers and their innovative team selected well-loved music from the Broadway stage, four dazzling performers with impressive credentials and astounding talent, to create an amazing special destined for PBS stations all across the U.S.

The title song, Halleluiah Broadway *, is a brand new piece especially written for this show (words by Bill Hughes, executive producer, music by Gavin Murphy, the show’s conductor).  When this song was performed by the trio of Anthony Kearns, Alfreda Burke, and Rodrick Dixon, it brought the house down! 

The format of the show is dynamic.  The three stars ~ Anthony Kearns, Alfreda Burke, and Rodrick Dixon ~ share the stage during most of the production.  To be sure, they have their own solo performances, but the true magnificence of the show occurs when all three sing together.  These trios are passionate, vibrant, and pure magic!  The mutual respect and camaraderie between them is immediately evident.  Their performances created an electric atmosphere which brought the audience to their feet repeatedly throughout the night.  And might I add that there was only ONE very brief re-take during the entire evening’s entertainment, and that is a remarkable compliment to this crew and these performers!

Standing stock still at microphones was not the mode of the night.  The performers used hand-held mics, moved about the stage and through the captivated audience, swaying with the music as it moved them, nodding approval at each other’s performances, and  giving off vibes of pure pleasure.  When performers enjoy themselves as much as these three this night, the audience reacts to it and becomes one with them.  “Making love to the microphone” was a phrase that kept going through my mind as each singer put forth their solos … I believe the phrase was first used about Sinatra, but these people carried on the torch as they passionately performed songs of  love, desire, dreams, and faith.

Linda Eder, the show’s special guest, only performed solo, and her presentations were perfection.  Elegant, versatile, and beautiful, she commands the stage and makes it her own.

Laura Savini of WLIW (N.Y. PBS) was on hand to give commentary throughout the production.

The on-stage performers were joined by the Czech National Orchestra and Choir, who handled themselves admirably, adding to the precision of the production.

I had the pleasure to speak with Mr. Hughes several times throughout the evening.  He related that plans for this special have been in the works for sometime.  He was determined to have the perfect performers resulting in delays as he worked within all of their schedules to find a viable date.  He said, “Lynnette, this is magnificent and worth the wait.  I know you will enjoy every minute of this event.  These people are brilliant!”

I commend Bill Hughes and his Mind the Gap crew.  They were not only very professional, they were gracious, kind, and welcoming as they ushered in their VIP guests to the front section, as well as others in attendance.  All were made to feel special in an extremely exciting atmosphere. 

When Bill welcomed the audience, he was so pleased to mention that invited guests had traveled from the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Australia, and Ireland to join their Prague audience. 

Bill Hughes and Mind the Gap Films have every right to feel good about what took place in Prague February 8, 2010.  It was first-class, a superior production, and I for one cannot wait to see the final product! 

* Because the show has yet to be edited, this is the only song title to which I will refer in this review.  This is a courtesy asked of me personally by Bill Hughes, due to formalities which need to be locked in once the show’s final edit is complete.   It is a courtesy I am happy to extend to Mr. Hughes.  Because not everyone understands the legalities surrounding a project like this, requests need to be honored so no problems are inadvertently caused for the producers or artists.  It is a sign of respect, understanding, and courtesy.

Halleluiah Broadway
Czech Republic ~ Prague
8 Feb 2010

Review by Lynnette Crouse
Photos by Kathleen Kullmann=
These flowers were presented to Anthony after the show
After the concert, Anthony asked us to take a few special shots for his website.  They are as follows and were taken by Kathleen Kullmann...pictured here with AK
After this photo was taken, Anthony said, "Let's go back inside, this room could be anywhere!"
Anthony with his friend Declan Keenan,
taken as we walked out to the lobby.
This glorious backdrop was what Anthony had in mind when inviting us back inside the venue!
This photo was important to Anthony ..
Shown with producer and friend
Bill Hughes
Right after the photo at the left was
taken, Bill asked that we take this with
Bernadine Carraher, his partner at
Mind the Gap Films
© Anthony Kearns, March 17, 2002-2010, All Rights Reserved, All Copyright Laws Apply...lynnco.lc
And just a little bit more of a close-up!