The sterling musicianship of Melbourne Symphony Orchestra is boosted by the real emotion and heart provided by vocalists Josh Piterman and Amy Manford, elevating the lovingly curated program for An Evening On Broadway to thrilling heights.  

If there is one key attraction by which musical theatre cognoscenti judge a production, it is the size of the orchestra. Recent Broadway revivals have boasted 24 musicians for The Music Man and an even larger set of 27 musicians for Sweeney Todd. These offerings pale in comparison to the vast contingent of 65 musicians of Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, bringing much loved scores to vivid life for An Evening On Broadway.

Serving as musical director for the concert, conductor Jessica Gethin has selected standards from the golden age of Broadway along with big hits from blockbuster musicals of the 1980s and ‘90s to present a set list chock full of well-known tunes. In addition to conducting the orchestra in a generous, knowledgeable, and exacting manner, Gethin also proves to be a wonderfully engaging host, addressing the audience with warmth and good humour. 

As usual, the orchestra looks fabulous in all their glory onstage; the visual appeal of the stage is hindered, however, by the set of rear lights shining into the audience’s eyes throughout the concert. 

A clear orchestral highlight is the thrilling suite of “Symphonic Dances” from Fiddler on the Roof. Further thrills come from hearing a full orchestra play scintillating dance “The Jellicle Ball” from Cats and the gothic overture from The Phantom of the Opera, both of which were originally orchestrated for synthesisers. 

There is an inherent risk in concerts that the program will take on the feel of a disparate set of party pieces. This is soundly overcome not just by Gethin’s excellent musical direction but also by the existing genuine camaraderie of vocalists Piterman and Manford. Each of these singers shares a little of their musical theatre journey, which ties into the depth of their performances of key songs. 

Blessed with a crystalline bell-like soprano, it can be no coincidence that two of Manford’s numbers were originally sung by Julie Andrews. Manford soars through “I Could Have Danced All Night” from My Fair Lady and “I Have Confidence” from the film of The Sound of Music, the natural beauty of her voice enhanced by excellent diction and carefully considered expression. 

While Manford’s forte is radiant heroines, she successfully extends her range to take on a couple of darker songs. She begins the night by putting her own mark on emotional Sunset Boulevard ballad “As If We Never Said Goodbye,” later impactfully opening act two from the choir balcony with a darkly dramatic rendition of “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina” from Evita. 

Melbourne’s own West End star, Piterman capably demonstrates not just the breadth and quality of his singing voice but also the depth of his acting prowess. Piterman has the tenor range to land beautiful high notes, such as those heard in “Bring Him Home” from Les Misérables and also a very well developed baritone, heard to swoon-worthy effect in “Some Enchanted Evening” from South Pacific. 

Piterman immerses himself in character, looking and sounding completely different while singing numbers as Joe Gillis, Jean Valjean, Dr. Jekyll, and the Phantom. Entering from the orchestra, Piterman puts his own suave stamp on the title number from Sunset Boulevard and later brings vibrant expression to this somewhat repetitive lyrics of “This is the Moment” from Jekyll & Hyde. In contrast to the evening’s big numbers, Piterman has the audience listening with breathless attention to his exquisite, heartfelt rendition of “No One is Alone” from Into the Woods. 

Strong individually, Manford and Piterman are wonderful in duets, their palpable chemistry providing an extra edge of excitement. Opening duet “Tonight” from West Side Story instantly establishes the beauty of both of their voices and their pleasure at performing together. Cheeky ad libs are inserted into Oklahoma! classic “People Will Say We’re in Love,” riffing on the amount of work the pair does together. “If Il Loved You” from Carousel brings act one to a very moving conclusion. 

With Piterman and Manford having shared the stage in all-time hit The Phantom of the Opera in the West End (albeit briefly) and Australia, the concert ends with a featured set from that musical. Manford delivers an extraordinary performance of “Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again” before Piterman characterfully delivers the Phantom’s calling card, “The Music of the Night.” Piterman then switches over to play Raoul for the sumptuous romantic duet “All I Ask of You.”

Arranged as a concert duet, encore number “You’ll Never Walk Alone” (Carousel) does not reach the emotional heights of “All I Ask of You” but is a lovely way to end what has been a wonderful evening of music.

While An Evening On Broadway skips selections from the twenty-first century, lovers of classic musical theatre are very well catered for in the generous and superbly performed program. 

An Evening On Broadway plays at Hamer Hall, Arts Centre Melbourne until Friday 26 September 2025. For tickets, click here. 

The An Evening On Broadway program can be read online. 

Photos: Laura Manariti