NEW CASTLE Hamlisch makes 'Marvin' his night

The conductor offered a funny running commentary on the music and performers.
By JEROME K. STEPHENS
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- They called it "Marvin, the Movies & amp; More." The conductor was Marvin Hamlisch, and this performance by the Pittsburgh Symphony Pops Concert on Wednesday was his show.
It should be noted this was not the same show he and the Pittsburgh Symphony are presenting this weekend at Heinz Hall. That one will feature singer-dancer Ben Vereen and highlights the music of Sammy Davis Jr.
Hamlisch's credentials are impressive. He is the composer of the music for the show "Chorus Line," among others. He also has composed and adapted music for more than 40 motion picture, including "The Way We Were," "Sophie's Choice," and the adaptation of Scott Joplin's music for "The Sting."
Despite all these activities, he and the orchestra appeared to have a definite rapport. The compositions presented were not in any set order, but were taken from a list printed in the program.
Setting the tone
As mentioned, this was his night, and the tone was set by the opening. He came on stage, sat down at the piano, and began to play "As Time Goes By." While he played, he commented how music for the films could set a romantic mood, as that composition did.
Then the orchestra immediately started with the downstroke shrieks of the violins in "The Murder" from "Psycho." Then to reiterate his first point, the orchestra segued into "Tara's Theme" from "Gone With the Wind."
Throughout the program, Hamlisch did a humorous running commentary on the music and performers. This included an ad-lib performance where he composed a song around a title proposed by someone from the audience.
He also included his arrangements of the Overture to "My Fair Lady," a "Ragtime Medley" from music by Scott Joplin, and a "Tribute to Gene Kelly." All this, plus -- naturally -- music by John Williams. These were "Star Wars Medley" and the theme from "Schindler's List."
Vocalists on stage
While this was Marvin Hamlisch's night, the stage was shared with two vocalists. The first, tenor J. Mark McVey, is a quite strong lyric tenor who also has an impressive list of credits, including a seven-year stint as Jean Valjean in "Les Miserables." He sang two numbers, "Bring Him Home" from "Les Miserables" and Cole Poeter's "Begin the Beguine." Any accolades were well deserved. If anything, any praise of his past performances seem to be a bit understated.
The second vocalist was a local talent, Vanessa Campagna. She has sung the National Anthem at Pittsburgh Pirates and Cleveland Cavaliers games. The numbers she sang were "Over the Rainbow," and her own original song, "Daddy's Little Girl." She has an expressive style and sings in the classic Broadway style.
At 13, she would appear to have an impressive career as a performer ahead of her. Still, I am mindful of Robert Merrill's advice when he auditioned Beverly Sills in her early teens. Don't force it.
Hamlisch is scheduled to conduct the Youngstown Symphony in their holiday program next December. Judging from Wednesday's performance, that should be an interesting evening.