American tenor John Smitherman
sang a variety of tunes at
Bucks on Nov. 14. The audience,
which filled the theatre to 60 percent
of its capacity, was made up
mostly of older adults, the target
audience for Smitherman’s repertoire
of opera arias, big band favorites,
and show tunes.
He began with a medley of what
he called his “Mom’s favorites,”
which included classic songs by
Andy Williams and Perry Como.
At one point, he sang a famous
Tom Jones song, and even managed
to elicit some girlish screams
for his interpretation of Jones’
dancing.
Smitherman often paused between
songs to joke with the audience
or provide a descriptive
background for each song, and a
bit of the song’s history. His jokes
unfortunately sounded tired and
scripted.
He performed several songs
from various musicals, taking
great pains to discuss how and
when he has performed them. A
highlight of this segment of the
show was the song “Bring Him
Home” from Les Miserables,
which was emotionally moving.
His rendition of “Music of the
Night” from “Phantom of the
Opera” rang hollow, however.
The opera arias were impressive.
He sang “Nessun Dorma”
and solidly hit even the highest
notes. Another famous song, “Funiculi
Funicula,” he performed
beautifully.
He sang “La Donna e Mobile,”
but this time with support from the
audience. Everyone giggled as he
tried to get the crowd to make
funny noises as his “back up.”
This was, in my opinion, the most
enjoyable and spontaneous part of
the show.
At the end of the show, his wife,
soprano Jessica Edwards, joined
him on stage for a few songs. Her
voice provided a wonderful accompaniment
to his tenor. They
sang a medley of two stage songs,
and as a last encore, performed a
two-part harmony to “A Time to
Say Goodbye,” a song made famous
by tenor Andrea Bocelli.
These duets were the most inspired
of the performance, and I
would have liked to have seen
more.
Smitherman’s talent is clear; his
tenor voice rings true across the
variety of genres he covered.
His comfort with his onstage
persona was apparent as he
smoothly transitioned between his
singing, easily delivered banter,
and his well rehearsed engagement
of the crowd. But, his talent
was lost on the younger audience,
which was put off by his campy
humor.
I was happy to have had the opportunity
to attend this show. I
hope that in the future, more talent
will visit the college to show
all students the different styles of
music that are available.