Photo credit: www.broadwayworld.com
Legally Blonde actress Orfeh delivered an unforgettable performance at Café Carlyle last night, Friday, April 22. This concert marked the beginning of her two-night engagement at the venue, with a follow-up show scheduled for tonight at 8:45 PM. Orfeh’s commanding vocal ability, dynamic stage presence, and genuine connection with her audience and band members characterized the evening. She kicked off the show with an impressive acoustic cover of Whitney Houston’s classic, “I’m Your Baby Tonight.” Dressed in a glittering purple ensemble, Orfeh captivated the audience with her charisma. Accompanied by a talented group including Steven Jamail on piano, Nikki Kimbrough and Tim Kodres on backing vocals, Colin Dean on bass, and Jeremy Yaddaw on drums, the camaraderie among them added an enjoyable layer to the performance. Both Kimbrough and Kodres showcased their individual talents throughout the evening, joining Orfeh for seamless duets and solos, highlighting their exceptional abilities as backup singers.
Orfeh’s willingness to interact with her band and the audience created a relaxed yet electric atmosphere. At one point, when considering which song to perform next, she took requests from the crowd, displaying her improvisational skills. Despite some playful protest about the lack of sheet music, she joyfully launched into an impromptu a cappella rendition, harmonizing beautifully with Nikki, further enhancing the intimate setting. Orfeh’s performance felt less like a concert and more like a gathering of friends, with the warmth and spontaneity that drew the audience in.
The cozy ambiance of Café Carlyle allowed for a special connection with the audience, as Orfeh frequently addressed fans by name. One memorable moment occurred when a fan revealed they had streamed Orfeh’s rendition of “Hotel California” over 36,000 times, prompting a slow, haunting cover of the song from her. The setlist featured an array of powerful ballads from the 80s to the 2000s, all delivered with an acoustic flair, in addition to a track penned by Orfeh herself, the title song from her solo album What Do You Want From Me. The themes present in her song selection hinted at resilience and strength in overcoming heartbreak, suggesting a narrative of women emerging stronger from their experiences.
As the concert neared its conclusion, the audience enthusiastically urged her for an encore, leading Orfeh to engage with fans about their travels to see her perform. One admirer mentioned they had come from the West Village, prompting her witty response that the next song would be a special tribute to them. After a stunning performance of an additional number, the vibrant backup singer Nikki reminded her of the absence of Broadway highlights in the set. Orfeh then reflected on the choice and, encouraged by the audience, concluded with a stirring rendition of “How Deep Is Your Love,” a Bee Gees classic from Saturday Night Fever, a show she starred in on Broadway.
If you missed this electrifying performance, Orfeh will be back at Café Carlyle tonight, April 23, at 8:45 PM. Tickets are available on the Carlyle’s website here.
For those interested in staying connected with Orfeh and streaming her music, click here.
Chicago
Ambassador Theatre (Broadway)
Supermodel and entrepreneur Ashley Graham is currently making her Broadway debut in the role of “Roxie Hart” in Chicago. With a classic book by Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse, and music and lyrics by John Kander and Fred Ebb, Chicago holds the title of the longest-running American musical in Broadway history. Set against the backdrop of 1920s glamour, the story of Roxie Hart unfolds as a tale of a housewife and nightclub dancer who resorts to murder, leading to a masterful manipulation of media and public perception to escape conviction.
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www.broadwayworld.com