Live From Lincoln Center Season 38 Episode 6 Audra McDonald in Concert: Go Back Home
- May 24, 2013
Audra McDonald, the six-time Tony Award-winning Broadway star takes center stage on Live From Lincoln Center this week. The celebrated performer showcases her impeccable vocal talents in this concert event titled, “Go Back Home.”
Filmed at Lincoln Center’s Avery Fisher Hall, the concert celebrates McDonald’s prolific career with a musical journey through her most cherished memories and performances. McDonald delights audiences with a wide array of her favorite songs, backed by a full orchestra behind her. The musical numbers span genres, featuring popular Broadway hits, classic standards, and even pieces from lesser-known musicals.
McDonald, known for her powerful vocal range and commanding on-stage presence, captivates the live audience with her spellbinding performance. The concert begins with a soulful rendition of the song “Sing Happy,” a track from the musical “Flora the Red Menace.” McDonald continues with a powerful performance of “I Could Have Danced All Night” from “My Fair Lady,” wowing the crowd with her sensational vocals.
Throughout the show, McDonald takes time to share intimate details of her life and inspiration for the songs she performs. She discusses her love of musical theater and how it was always a huge part of her life from a young age, setting the stage for the success she has achieved over the years. She shares personal memories of her grandmother and their shared love of music, citing how it helped mold her own sound and musical style.
One of the highlights of the concert comes from McDonald’s moving performance of Sondheim’s “The Glamorous Life” from the musical “A Little Night Music.” Combining her stunning vocals with her natural stage presence, McDonald captures the audience's attention with a powerful rendition of the song. She performs the number with a great deal of passion, expressing the depth and emotion of the lyrics with her striking vocal performance.
The concert also features McDonald performing some lesser-known songs, such as “Stars and the Moon” from the musical “Songs for a New World.” The beautiful and reflective number showcases McDonald’s ability to convey complex emotions through her vocals. The performance is one of the most memorable moments of the show, highlighting McDonald's unique talent as an artist.
The show culminates with McDonald’s performance of the title song, “Go Back Home,” from Kander and Ebb’s “The Scottsboro Boys.” McDonald easily transitions from the more placid tone of “Stars and the Moon” to the powerful and dynamic final number, showcasing her versatility as a performer. McDonald’s emotional performance leaves the audience spellbound, ending the concert on a high note.
Overall, Audra McDonald in Concert: Go Back Home is an unforgettable performance that captures the essence of this talented performer and her journey as a musician. The concert’s mix of well-known hits and lesser-known tracks allows McDonald to showcase her range and versatility as a performer. The personal anecdotes and inspiration behind each song give the audience an intimate insight into McDonald’s life and what drives her as an artist. The concert is a must-watch for anyone who appreciates great music and exceptional performances, and a fitting showcase for one of Broadway's brightest stars.