Burton Lane's Music Highlighted at 92nd St. Y

Michele Ragusa, Heid Bickenstaff and Liz Callaway

with John Cullum. Photo courtesy of the 92nd Street Y.

I recently enjoyed "On a Clear Day: The Musical Vision of Burton Lane," part of the Lyrics & Lyricists series offered by the 92nd Street Y.

More than 25 of the composer's songs were performed by Heidi Blickenstaff, Liz Callaway, James Clow, Joshua Henry, Michele Ragusa and special guest, John Cullum in a program written, directed and hosted by Artistic Director David Loud, who was music director earlier this year for Broadway's The Scottsboro Boys, starring Cullum and Henry. Andy Einhorn, associate music director, on the piano, led musicians on woodwinds, cello, bass and percussion.

The evening included video clips, quotes and music from the verstile Lane, who wrote music for films like "A Royal Wedding" (lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner), "Babes on Broadway," lyrics by Ralph Freed and a slew of other films you never have heard of as well as two fairly well known Broadway musicals, Finian's Rainbow and On a Clear Day You Can See Forever (lyrics by Yip Harburg and Lerner, respectively).

Loud's selection of varied tunes and wonderful arrangements of standards like "How About You" made for a fun performance, also enjoyed at my matinee by Lane's widow, Lynn. The host took a few moments to do an interesting Q&A with Cullum, who earned his frst Tony Award nomination for his role in On A Clear Day, but for some reason, he was not tapped to sing the title song which he introduced on the Broadway stage in 1966 (Callaway did a nice rendition of it instead). Cullum sang "Melinda" from the show.

Particularly moving was Blickenstaff's rendition of "Look to the Rainbow" from Finian. Truly the loveliest I've ever heard.

The Lyrics & Lyricists series is a treat. The next show is "Stage Door Canteen: Broadway Responds to WW II" Saturday, March 12, Sunday, March 13 and Monday, March 14. For tickets and more information, visit www.92Y.org/Lyrics or call 212-415-5500. The 92nd Street Y is located at 92nd Street and Lexington Avenue, NYC.
-- Lauren Yarger