MUSIC REVIEW : ‘THE BEST OF BROADWAY’

Just as a sports film clip on the nightly news can’t capture the essence of the game, an evening of Broadway melodies seldom permits any song to carry its full impact.

Even under the expert guidance of Erich Kunzel, the Los Angeles Philharmonic’s “Best of Broadway” offerings at Hollywood Bowl on Friday and Saturday often slipped out of focus. The problem, of course, was context.

Placed in a token set from “Porgy and Bess,” the brief but emotion-filled “Oh Lawd, I’m On My Way” lost all of its drama. The introspection of “I Don’t Know How to Love Him” likewise failed to connect--particularly when set here as an unnecessary duet.

This is not to suggest that the program was a dud. Many Broadway classics stand straight and tall in any context.

Aided by a well-oiled contingent from the Los Angeles Master Chorale and a fine trio of soloists, Kunzel skillfully mixed the ultra-familiar (“The Sound of Music,” “Oklahoma!” etc.) with a sprinkling of the less familiar (“The Sports of Old Chicago” from “Showboat,” “Where Is the Life That Late I Led?” from “Kiss Me, Kate”).

A little bit of good-natured stage action didn’t hurt either--on a pair of occasions, Kunzel left the podium to engage in silly, crowd-pleasing antics with his soloists.

High marks go to the three singers--soprano Shawna Farrell, tenor Mark DuBois and baritone Lewis Dale von Schlanbusch. On Saturday, DuBois expertly handled the maudlin sentiments of “If I Loved You” and “Maria” with a clear and subtly expressive voice.

Schlanbusch garnered the loudest response when he ran onstage in grass skirt and coconut shells during Farrell’s bright rendition of “Honeybun” from “South Pacific.”

With all the brilliant repertory at his disposal, Kunzel should be questioned about the lengthy, forgettable medley from “Jesus Christ, Superstar.” Here’s a suggestion for next summer: Rather than offer another “Best of . . .,” how about “Rare Jewels From . . .”?

Naturally, that program may not sell out as these weekend concerts did.