Rating: ★★★★★
Venue: Crazy Coqs, London
Cast: Hugh Panaro and Christina Bianco
Hugh Panaro, Man Without A Mask is a very exciting evening taking you right onto Broadway, Backstage, into dressing rooms and into his unique and personal scrapbook of a life and career.
You won’t want to miss this exciting solo concert debut where you will be treated to songs and plenty of stories the star will share from, including Side Show, Showboat, Lestat, Sweeney Todd, Sunday in the Park With George, The Red Shoes, all the blockbusters he's known for...and even some shows he wasn’t in.
As soon as our host and singing sensation, Hugh Panaro, entered the room he immediately commanded our applause, whether this type of show is usually your thing or not. He navigates all lyrics with incredible skill, pushing and pulling at them beautifully. Many were not easy songs, but he made them seem effortless.
The talking segments in between were filled with personal anecdotes and so, while they weren’t necessarily ground-breaking or hilarious, they were great for long time fans. The stories were clearly scripted too, allowing the show to stay on track and blend seamlessly with the set list. He also never seemed flustered at all, which is impressive given the challenge of speaking to a room full of people without the safety net of a costume or character. The performer we saw on stage was not a persona; he was open, vulnerable, and yet appeared completely at ease.
Featuring a mix of lesser-known musical theatre hits and timeless staples, this a refreshing watch in central London where new and often overly-commercial soundtracks dominate the long-term runs. For theatre-goers who typically know every line of every show, this could provide a welcome change. At the same time, it’s perfect for those unfamiliar with the world of musicals who simply want to enjoy good food and classy entertainment in a beautiful setting.
Hugh brings a mature tone to the stage that is quite different from what you hear on most current cast recordings. His performance serves as a much-needed reminder of the variety that the genre can offer. It’s clear that he still has the chops for many roles, especially since his renditions of songs from Phantom of the Opera were standout moments in the 85-minute show.
Guest star Christina Bianco was nothing short of magical. Her performance skills are unparalleled, and her rendition of the Forbidden Broadway number was both hilarious and brilliant, showcasing her talent for impressions.
Complete with an intimate audience and phenomenal musical accompaniment, this show proves that Hugh Panaro is truly a master of his craft.
You can find out more about Man Without a Mask, here.
Review by Katie
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