Sunday, March 17, 2013

(VIDEO) SHOULD JOHN CULLUM REVISIT "SHENANDOAH?"

Em reminds John Cullum to e-mail a yes or no to Michael Price, the founder of the Goodspeed Opera House, in East Hadam, Connecticut. Michael invited John to become the host, the star performer for Goodpeed's 50th anniversary celebration..

Because the original, very first production of the musical, "Shenandoah" was created at Goodspeed, and it's a cherished memory for all who were involved, Price and his board of directors hoped John would sing the "Meditation," from the show.

As Em and John discuss the pros and cons of returning to Goodspeed for this celebration, Em is wowed, when John sings a bit of the song for her.





10 comments:

Anonymous said...

Beautiful blog! Such a wonderful and powerful voice John has! I could listen all day to him. Wonderful story about this Opera House and the good and great memories John has there. Thanks for sharing a few minutes of the performance by John and again....love to hear him sing! kam

RCToyPalace said...

Bravo, John! I didn't see the original, so I'm impressed. Thank you for your posts, Em. I hope you enjoy sharing them, as much as I do :)

Linda Phillips said...

I saw John in Shenandoah. He was just wonderful. Bravo for today's short concert and Bravo for using your good sense as well as that of your very wise wife, as well as your very wise manager!

Carola said...

Interesting to watch this video right after reading your previous post about retirement. Sometimes when revisiting things we can bring a new triumph to them, the richness of the intervening years can create a new effect.

Jutta Olli said...

Hello Emily :) That was the sweetest clip.I throoughly enjoyed you two kiddingly host it :) Thank you for sharing.
I myself have started my way too long dormant put talent for drawing and I'm enjoying finding my childhood passion is still alive and well.
As I/we "marinate" into our better,tender selves as years go by&wisdom gathers ...I can't help but think that the best is yet to come :)
With much affection, Jutta (juttaO in Twitter)

Maureen Jacobs said...

Retirement will never happen for JC. He is far too passionate about his theatre......

Anonymous said...

I wish him the best of luck, as long as he feels good in his health. Go for it John. Good luck.

Best wishes!

Anonymous said...

John has such a wonderful voice, but I can see not wanting to be compared to a former version of himself. He had to make the call, and he did. While he clearly has a strong, beautiful voice and could do the part effortlessly, the audience may be comparing this performance to his performance 35 years ago. And it will be different. It SHOULD be different! None of us are exactly who we were 35 years ago. Best of luck to John in whatever he pursues. :D

Mary Russell said...

Aww, this was wonderful and how lovely to hear a few brief snippets of John singing. What a voice!

pamela said...

Big sigh. Don't agree with your decision on John not performing this extraordinary number from Shenandoah. We recently saw Joel Grey in concert and of course he performed from Cabaret. No, it wasn't the same performance as the original stage or screen version. But in a way it was more meaningful and layered. So, it isn't better or not as good to perform a triumphant piece from 30 years ago. It is different. And as an audience member at both performance of Joel Greys Willkommen from the original to many years later was a gift of monumental proportions. I didn't "compare." I felt honored to once again hear Joel Grey perform this number. And it would have been the same for audience members hearing John sing this gorgeous song from Shenandoah. I also feel (as a director and actor) that revisiting a scene as an actor or director after 30 years would be a glorious gift to me as an artist. And I believe it would have meant the world to John, to once again bring this song to life at a place he cherishes, with a director he cherishes, accompanied by a full orchestra and be able to once again bring the love and passion and brilliance he created playing Charlie Anderson.

Is it too late to reconsider?