If you missed My Fair Lady last weekend you missed a great show, especially the music, which was conducted by noneother than Eric Anderson. Since this was a concert version of the play the orchestra was on stage with the actors and we were able to watch Eric the entire time. Of course, he had his back to us, but we got to watch him just the same. Everyone realizes, of course, that we are a tad biased about such events so I thought I would bring you some reviews by people who are not related to Eric.
According to Katie Reiser’s review in the 8/20/11 Daily Page in The Isthmus, “The full orchestra sounds lush and is certainly not the squawky, rinky-dink accompaniment some local musicals are stuck with. Conductor Eric Anderson is a true gentleman, sneaking peeks at the cast to get the timing right as he leads his capable team.”
Lindsay Christians noted in 77 Square that “There is no set to speak of — Four Seasons’ focus, as in ‘Candide’ and last season’s ‘South Pacific,’ is on the music, which sounds well-balanced and lush under Eric Anderson’s baton.”
Finally, Kristina Rodel in Dane101.com wrote “The orchestra has a full, exciting sound, and though the musicians outnumber the cast they never overpower, keeping coordinated with the singers under conductor Eric Anderson.”
I didn’t see the review in the New York Times, but I’m sure it was also very good.