Review: Celebrating 50 Years of Broadway at the Kennedy Center

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington DC is already an awe-inspiring place. Knowing who has walked the halls, performed on the stage, and made their mark in this grand space is a humbling experience. But to see so many of these artists together in one place, singing some of the most well-known, beloved songs in theater history is something else altogether. Welcome to 50 Years of Broadway at the Kennedy Center.

As part of the Kennedy Center’s 50th anniversary celebration, this star-studded concert pays homage to the legacy and impact of Broadway musicals at the Kennedy Center, and includes a special tribute to the late Stephen Sondhiem. Hosted by Tony Award winner James Monroe Iglehart, the production stars Stephanie J. Block, Sierra Boggess, Gavin Creel, LaChanze, Beth Leavel, Norm Lewis, Andrea McArdle, Andrew Rannells, Frances Ruffelle, Vanessa Williams, Betsy Wolfe, and Tony Yazbeck. Rounding out the company are dancers Michael Baerga, Sir Brock, Tony Meredith, Dave Schoonover, and Jaquez Andre Sims.

James Monroe Iglehart (Aladdin, Hamilton, Chicago) shines as the hilarious, dynamic host of the event and kicks it off with a perfect rendition of “Magic to Do” from Pippin. Joined by the smooth and snappy group of dancers, it’s hard to contain the joy and charisma Iglehart brings to the stage.

James Monroe Iglehart and Ensemble performing "Magic to Do" from Pippin

The production is set up similar to that of a talent show, with Iglehart spouting a few fun facts (Did you know that in the course of its history, the Kennedy Center has been the producer for Annie, Pippin, and Les Misérables prior to their Broadway debut), then cleverly segueing into the introduction for the next performer.

Over the course of the night, several shows were honored by these incredible performers as they sang numbers from Pippin, Sophisticated Ladies, My Fair Lady, Funny Girl, Annie, Crazy for You, Once on This Island, Cabaret, City of Angels, Les Misérables, The Phantom of the Opera, Guys and Dolls, The Book of Mormon, Little Shop of Horrors, Ragtime, and Wicked.

While each performance from this group of Broadway royalty was nothing short of spectacular, a few highlights of the production can be found below.

Vanessa Williams and Ensemble sing “Hit Me with a Hot Note” from Sophisticated Ladies

Vanessa Williams (Into the Woods, Kiss of the Spider Woman) shined as brightly as her sequined dress in her number “Hit Me With a Hot Note” from Sophisticated Ladies, but it was her harmonies in her duet with Sierra Boggess (The Little Mermaid, The Phantom of the Opera, Love Never Dies) that showcased her true talent and range as a performer.

Andrea McArdle sings "Tomorrow" from Annie

Personally, I’m partial to Boggess’ graceful and lovely rendition of “I Could Have Danced All Night” from My Fair Lady. In comparison to the soft, lighthearted cheekiness Boggess brought to the stage, Stephanie J. Block (The Cher Show, Wicked) did Barbra Streisand proud with the intensity in which she sang “Rain on My Parade” from Funny Girl, putting her own impressive spin on the classic number.

Next up were numbers from Annie, and this is officially my formal petition to have Beth Leavel (The Drowsy Chaperone, The Prom) as Ms. Hannigan in the recently announced national tour. But it was Andrea McArdle’s (who starred as Annie in the original production) medley of “Maybe” and “Tomorrow” that stands as one of the most emotional moments in the production. Draped in a gorgeous white gown and standing under spotlights mimicking the rising sun, McArdle glowed in the same venue that helped fund Annie 50 years before. And let me tell you, those signature Annie high notes did not disappoint.

Tony Yazbeck (Gypsy, Finding Neverland) gave an unforgettable, Gene Kelly-esque tap performance to accompany his number “I Can’t Be Bothered Now” from City of Angels, and LaChanze’s (Once on This Island, The Color Purple) rendition of “Waiting for Life to Begin” from Once on This Island exuded sunshine and joy with an energy you can’t help but love.

Norm Lewis sings "Stars" from Les Misérables

Betsy Wolfe (Waitress, Falsettos) stole the show with her version of “Maybe This Time” from Cabaret, giving it a sort of lounge-singer, bluesy, belty, twist. Filling the theater with love and longing, her performance was a masterclass in technique and sophistication.

Frances Ruffelle (Les Misérables) originated the role of Éponine in Les Mis in the West End, and her moving, hopeful rendition of “On My Own” mirrored that of the original version, which has a few, but significant, differences from the version US audiences have grown accustomed to.

Act II opened with all things Phantom, thanks to Boggess and Norm Lewis (The Phantom of the Opera, Les Misérables, The Little Mermaid). But it was Lewis’ performance of “Music of the Night” that will serve as the production’s defining moment. His rendition was perhaps a bit softer and sweeter than one would expect from such a song, which was a surprising, but welcome change, and it earned him a standing ovation from audiences as they called him back out onto the stage.

Unfortunately, previously announced performers Alfie Boe and Christopher Jackson were unable to perform in the program. Fortunately for us, this means more of the dynamic force that is Andrew Rannells (The Book of Mormon, Falsettos, Hamilton). “I Believe” from The Book of Mormon and “Suddenly Seymour” from Little Shop of Horrors both found unexpected homes on the Opera House stage. Although they were not slated to be part of the original production, they added a bit of welcome humor to this dazzling set list. And of course, Rannells and Gavin Creel created unforgettable harmonies in “You’re Nothing Without Me” from City of Angels.

Betsy Wolfe and Andrew Rannells sing "Suddenly Seymour" from Little Shop of Horrors

The production closed with a touching video tribute to the late Stephen Sondheim, followed by a collection of songs from his most popular musicals, including Merrily We Roll Along, Gypsy, Follies, Sunday in the Park with George, and West Side Story.

Beth Leavel performs "Some People" from Gypsy

This production uses smoke effects and runs at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington DC. All photo credit to Scott Suchman.

Additional production photos can be found below.