Music Review: Manteca Stake Broadway Review 2014

 I know it is not kosher to review something you are in yourself, so I won't review my own performance other than to say it is much better than what I did last year.  However there are a couple of performances I wanted to recommend.  Most of us are amateur performers, with our director Christine Papworth trying to get the best out of us.  I sure for her it is like pulling teeth.  However there are a few performers who could be professional musicians.
For example, check out Nathalia Anderson singing "Defying Gravity" from Wicked.  I can actually feel her flying the way she uses her voice.  Her performance could be on Broadway.  Also her husband, Neil Anderson singing "'Til I Hear You Sing" from Love Never Dies.  Sarah McGuire did an excellent job of "Nothing" form Chorus Line.  She has an easiness with getting the music right but also the actions so you can see in  your mind what she is singing.  Marin Haws sang "The Steps of the Palace" from Into the Woods and created an interested princess.  "Simmer Nights" from Grease was a performance by members of our ward.  The energy of this song is very entertaining and you can tell they were having fun.
In addition to the vocals there was instrumental music including oboe and organ.  Jean Robinson played Phantom of the Opera on the organ.  Even the music is scary but good to set the stage for Halloween.
About a third of the way through there is a 9/11 tribute with the "Star Spangled Banner," "God Bless America" and "Taps."
I am sharing someone else's recording.  With this link you can choose to watch the entire performance, or pick out the songs you like best.   Perhaps your favorites will be different than mine.  One thing for sure, there are many very talented people in our stake, and they can put on a good show.