Author: Brandon Schwartz

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Creative

The Broadway Career of Leslie Rodriguez Kritzer

On June 16, 2024, the 77th Annual Tony Awards will be held at the David H. Koch Theater, celebrating the best and brightest of this year’s Broadway season! The nominees include those onstage and off, mainstays and newcomers alike. In celebration, Broadway’s Best Shows is highlighting some of the Broadway perennials recognized with Tony nods in this incredibly fruitful year.

This season, Leslie Rodriguez Kritzer is nominated for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical for her performance in “Spamalot.” Here’s a breakdown of the Broadway roles that got her here!

Hairspray (2004)

Leslie Rodriguez Kritzer made her Broadway debut in the hit musical “Hairspray,” stepping into the role of Shelley, one of the lovable Nicest Kids in Town. “Hairspray” is a feel-good musical that tackles issues of race and body image with humor and heart, set in 1960s Baltimore.

Legally Blonde (2007)

Kritzer’s next notable Broadway role was as Serena, one of Elle Woods’ peppy Delta Nu sorority sisters. “Legally Blonde” is a high-energy musical based on the popular film, telling the story of Elle Woods as she tackles stereotypes and triumphs at Harvard Law School.

A Catered Affair (2008)

In “A Catered Affair,” Kritzer played Janey Hurley in a poignant musical about a working-class family planning a wedding in the Bronx.

Sondheim on Sondheim (2010)

This unique musical revue celebrated the life and work of Stephen Sondheim, featuring a cast of Broadway veterans performing his most beloved songs. Kritzer was among the ensemble, showcasing her versatility and deep connection to Sondheim’s work.

Elf: The Musical (2010)

Kritzer charmed audiences as Jovie in “Elf: The Musical,” a holiday favorite based on the beloved film. Her performance brought warmth and humor to the role of Buddy the Elf’s skeptical yet endearing love interest.

Something Rotten! (2015)

Kritzer took on the role of Bea Bottom in “Something Rotten!,” a hilarious musical comedy that imagines the creation of the world’s first musical in Shakespearean England. Her character, Bea, is a resourceful and supportive wife with a penchant for cross-dressing to help her husband.

Beetlejuice (2019)

In “Beetlejuice,” Kritzer played Delia Deetz, the eccentric stepmother with a penchant for the paranormal. The musical, based on the cult classic film, is a darkly comedic romp through the afterlife, with Kritzer’s performance standing out for its wit and zaniness.

Spamalot (2023)

Kritzer’s latest triumph is her role as the Lady of the Lake in “Spamalot,” a musical comedy adapted from the film “Monty Python and the Holy Grail.” Her performance has garnered critical acclaim and earned her a Tony nomination, showcasing her range and comedic timing in this hilarious parody of the Arthurian legend.

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Broadway's Best

Broadway’s Best Mystery and Thriller Plays

by Ben Togut

Mystery and thriller plays have enthralled Broadway for decades. Through taut pacing and nail-biting suspense, these plays have kept audiences at the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating the twists and turns that await them.

Angel Street, also known as Gaslight, premiered on Broadway in 1941. A suspense thriller written by Patrick Hamilton, the play takes place in Victorian London and tells the story of a husband intent on driving his wife insane. Angel Street was an instant hit and was adapted into a 1954 film starring Ingmar Berman, which is considered responsible for popularizing the term “gaslight.” The play was later revived on Broadway in 1975 starring Michael Alinson and Dina  Merrill.

Dial M For Murder, a murder mystery which opened on Broadway in 1952. Written by Frederick Knott, the play is about a tennis player plotting to murder his socialite wife to steal her inheritance. The play has been adapted several times, first as a 1954 Hitchcock film starring Ray Milland and Grace Kelly and 1998 movie remake called A Perfect Murder featuring Gwyneth Paltrow and Michael Douglas.

Witness for the Prosecution, written by Agatha Christie, had its Broadway premiere in 1954. Taking place in 1920s London, the play is about a man accused of murdering a widow to steal her money. The play was a resounding success, with actors Patricia Jessel and Francis L. Sullivan both winning Tony Awards for their performances. Witness for the Prosecution was later adapted into a 1957 film starring Billy Wilder and Marlene Dietrich and a 1982 made-for-television drama featuring Beau Bridges, Diana Rigg, and Deborah Kerr.

Wait Until Dark, which opened on Broadway in 1966 and was written by Frederick Knott. This thriller tells the story of a blind woman who is targeted for owning a heroin-filled doll her husband transported from Canada. The original Broadway production starred Robert Duvall and Lee Remick, who was nominated for a Tony Award for her performance as Susy Hendrix. The play was adapted in a 1967 film starring Audrey Hepburn and Alan Arkin, and later revived on Broadway in 1998 with a cast including Marisa Tomei and Quentin Tarantino.

Sleuth, which premiered on Broadway in 1970. Written by Anthony Shaffer, the play is about games-obsessed mystery writer Andrew Wyke who convinces his wife’s lover Milo to stage a robbery of her jewelry. When writing the play, Shaffer drew inspiration from his friendship with beloved composer Stephen Sondheim, whose passion for games served as the basis for Andrew Wyke. Sleuth was critically acclaimed upon its Broadway opening and won the Tony Award for Best Play. The play has been adapted into a film twice: in 1972 starring Laurence Olivier as Wyke and Michael Caine as Milo, and again in 2007, featuring Jude Law as Milo and Michael Caine as Andrew Wyke.

Elliott Gould and Mariette Hartley in rehearsal for <i>Deathtrap</i>

Death Trap, which opened on Broadway in 1978. Written by Ira Levin, Death Trap is about a disillusioned playwright who makes a last-dash effort at success after a series of unsuccessful plays. Starring Broadway veterans John Woods and Marian Seldes, the play was a commercial success and remains one of the longest running non-musicals on Broadway. In 1982, Death Trap was adapted into a film starring Michael Caine and Christopher Reeve. In the late 90s, Elliott Gould and Mariette Hartley (pictured above) starred in the play’s national tour.

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Creative

Tap to Trapeze: Dance Styles on Broadway in 2024

by Ben Togut

The musicals on Broadway this season feature an eclectic variety of dance styles. Through dance, these musicals push the envelope, showcasing movement as a vehicle for innovative storytelling.

In Illinoise, Justin Peck employs a diverse array of dance styles to bring Sufjan Stevens’ concept album to life onstage. While much of the choreography is interpretive, in Illinoise Peck also features theater dance, tap, break dancing, and ballet. A blend of several styles, Peck’s eye-catching choreography is what makes Illinoise shine.

In Hell’s Kitchen, Camille A. Brown puts hip-hop front and center to tell the story of a young artist growing up in New York City in the 1990s. Brown pulled from her experience living in New York in the 90s to create the musical’s choreography, incorporating the movements and rhythms she grew up around. Brown’s choreography, which also features rhythmic, contemporary, and modern dance, amplifies the energy and intensity of this coming-of-age story.

In Water for Elephants, high-flying acts abound. Shana Carroll and Jesse Robb harness the language of circus to bring Sara Gruen’s beloved novel to the stage. The musical’s choreography features a variety of circus acts, like trapeze and acrobatics, as well as styles such as lyrical, jazz, and swing. Showcasing the art of circus, Carroll and Robb’s choreography makes Water for Elephants feel authentic and alive onstage.

In The Who’s Tommy, Lorin Latarro’s high octane choreography is center stage. Drawing inspiration from rock n’ roll, Latarro’s choreography embraces spectacle. During the show, the ensemble flips the child actor who plays Tommy in the air as if he’s pizza dough. At other moments, such as in the number “Pinball Wizard,” dancers burst with such energy it’s as if they themselves are pinballs bouncing around in a machine.

Outside of this season’s new musicals, there is a colorful array of dance styles represented on Broadway. In last season’s audience favorite & Juliet, Jennifer Weber marries hip-hop, pop, and ballet to bring Max Martin’s jukebox musical to life. Bob Fosse’s iconic jazz choreography continues to dazzle audiences in Chicago, while Wayne Cilento’s high-energy musical theatre choreography infuses Wicked with storybook magic.

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Broadway's Best

Broadway’s Best Political Plays

by Ben Togut

From presidential campaigns to government scandals, there has been a wealth of political plays on Broadway in recent years. Featuring politicians both real and imagined, these plays provide audiences with intrigue and insight, exploring notable periods of history and how political dynamics affect relationships. 

The Best Man, which opened on Broadway in 1960. Written by Gore Vidal, The Best Man is about two candidates facing off in the presidential primaries, each with flaws that threaten their personal lives and political careers. When the play premiered, it was widely understood as an analogue to that year’s Democratic Convention and as well as a critique of the Democratic Party. The Best Man was adapted into a film in 1964 and has been revived twice—in 2001 and 2012—featuring Broadway veterans such as James Earl Jones, Christine Ebersole, and Angela Lansbury.

Life on the Stage: Frost/Nixon : Jacob Burns Film Center

Peter Morgan’s Frost/Nixon, which opened on Broadway in 2007. The play dramatizes a contentious set of interviews between President Richard Nixon and British broadcaster David Frost, examining Nixon’s presidency and his involvement in the Watergate scandal. Starring Frank Langella as Nixon and Michael Sheen as David Frost, the play was later adapted into a film by Ron Howard with Langella and Sheen repeating their original roles.

On Broadway: 'NOVEMBER'

David Mamet’s November, which opened on Broadway in 2008 starring Nathan Lane and Laurie Metcalf. Just as in politics, elections are at the crux of many political plays. Billed as a satire, November focuses on an unpopular president in the days leading up to his second election. The production was praised for its sharp humor as well as the strength of its performances, with Metcalf receiving a Tony nomination for her role as Carlice Bernstein, the president’s secretary.

Hillary and Clinton' Review: Play With Laurie Metcalf, John Lithgow
Photo by Julieta Cervantes

Hillary and Clinton, which premiered on Broadway in 2019. Written by Lucas Hnath, Hillary and Clinton takes place in an alternate universe, focusing on the struggles of Hillary Clinton’s 2008 campaign and her relationship with Bill Clinton. Starring Laurie Metcalf as Hillary Clinton and John Lithgow as Bill Clinton, the play was applauded for its witty writing and unique exploration of Hillary and Bill Clinton’s marriage.

All The Way (Broadway, Neil Simon Theatre, 2014) | Playbill
Photo by Evgenia Eliseeva

All the Way, which premiered on Broadway in 2014 with Bryan Cranston as President Lyndon. B. Johnson. Written by Robert Schenkkan, the play focuses on Johnson assuming the presidency and his campaign to pass the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Cranston received high praise for his performance as Johnson, which led to him winning his first Tony Award. In 2016, All the Way was adapted into a film, with Cranston reprising his role as LBJ.

Photo by Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade

The Great Society, which opened on Broadway in 2019 starring Brian Cox as LBJ, is Schenkkan’s continued exploration of Johnson’s presidency. The play examines the events following the president’s re-election in 1964, including the rise of the civil rights movement, the worsening of the Vietnam War, and the assassinations of Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert Kennedy. In addition to Cox, the original Broadway production featured Gordon Clapp as J. Edgar Hoover, Marc Kudisch as Richard J. Daley, and Bryce Pinkham as Robert F. Kennedy.

Current political representations on New York stages include Patriots, diving into Russian leadership; Suffs, which dramatizes the suffragist movement; and An Enemy of the People, which depicts the reaction of a small-town government and local press to a public health scandal. Soon to come is N/A, which will have its world premiere at Lincoln Center’s Mitzi E. Newhouse. Starring Holland Taylor and Ana Vilafañe, the play focuses on two prominent congresswomen, generations apart, and is based on real people and events.

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Broadway's Best

Best Broadway Shows of 2024

With the 2023-2024 Broadway season in the books, here is a recap of all the productions that have opened in this season, many of which are now competing for recognition at this year’s Tony Awards!

New Musicals:

Once Upon a One More Time (Marquis Theatre)

  • Opening Date: June 22, 2023
  • Closing Date: September 3, 2023

Here Lies Love (Broadway Theatre)

  • Opening Date: July 20, 2023
  • Closing Date: November 26, 2023

Back to the Future: The Musical (Winter Garden Theatre)

  • Opening Date: August 3

Harmony (Ethel Barrymore Theatre)

  • Opening Date: November 13, 2023
  • Closing Date: February 4, 2024

Days of Wine and Roses (Studio 54)

  • Opening Date: January 28, 2024
  • Closing Date: March 31, 2024

Water for Elephants (Imperial Theatre)

  • Opening Date: March 21, 2024

The Outsiders (Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre)

  • Opening Date: April 11, 2024

Lempicka (Longacre Theatre)

  • Opening Date: April 14, 2024
  • Closing Date: May 19, 2024

Suffs (Music Box Theatre)

  • Opening Date: April 18, 2024

Hell’s Kitchen (Shubert Theatre)

  • Opening Date: April 20, 2024

The Heart of Rock and Roll (James Earl Jones Theatre)

  • Opening Date: April 22, 2024

The Great Gatsby (Broadway Theatre)

  • Opening Date: April 25, 2024

Illinoise (St. James Theatre)

  • Opening Date: April 24, 2024
  • Closing Date: August 10, 2024

Musical Revivals:

Merrily We Roll Along (Hudson Theatre)

  • Opening Date: October 10, 2023
  • Closing Date: July 7, 2024

Spamalot (St. James Theatre)

  • Opening Date: November 16, 2023
  • Closing Date: April 7, 2024

The Who’s Tommy (Nederlander Theatre)

  • Opening Date: March 28, 2024

The Wiz (Marquis Theatre)

  • Opening Date: April 17, 2024

Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club (August Wilson Theatre)

  • Opening Date: April 21, 2024

Gutenberg! The Musical! (James Earl Jones Theatre)

  • Opening Date: October 12, 2024
  • Closing Date: January 28, 2024

New Plays:

Grey House (Lyceum Theatre)

  • Opening Date: June 6, 2024
  • Closing Date: July 30, 2023

Just For Us (Hudson Theatre)

  • Opening Date: June 26, 2024
  • Closing Date: August 19, 2023

The Cottage (Hayes Theater)

  • Opening Date: July 24, 2023
  • Closing Date: October 29, 2023

The Shark Is Broken (John Golden Theatre)

  • Opening Date: August 10, 2023
  • Closing Date: November 19, 2023

Jaja’s African Hair Braiding (Samuel J. Friedman Theatre)

  • Opening Date: October 3, 2023
  • Closing Date: November 19, 2023

I Need That (Todd Haimes Theatre)

  • Opening Date: November 2, 2023
  • Closing Date: December 30, 2023

Prayer for the French Republic (Samuel J. Friedman Theatre)

  • Opening Date: January 9, 2024
  • Closing Date: March 3, 2024

Patriots (Ethel Barrymore Theatre)

  • Opening Date: April 22, 2024
  • Closing Date: June 23, 2024

Mary Jane (Samuel J. Friedman Theatre)

  • Opening Date: April 23, 2024
  • Closing Date: June 2, 2024

Mother Play (Hayes Theater)

  • Opening Date: April 25, 2024
  • Closing Date: June 16, 2024

Stereophonic (John Golden Theatre)

  • Opening Date: April 19, 2024
  • Closing Date: July 7, 2024

Play Revivals:

Purlie Victorious: A Non-Confederate Romp Through the Cotton Patch (Music Box Theatre)

  • Opening Date: September 27, 2023
  • Closing Date: February 4, 2024

Appropriate (Hayes Theater & Belasco Theatre)

  • Opening Date: December 18, 2023
  • Closing Date: June 23, 2024

An Enemy of the People (Circle in the Square Theatre)

  • Opening Date: March 18, 2024
  • Closing Date: June 23, 2024

Doubt (Todd Haimes Theatre)

  • Opening Date: March 7, 2024
  • Closing Date: April 21, 2024

Uncle Vanya (Vivian Beaumont Theater)

  • Opening Date: April 24, 2024
  • Closing Date: June 16, 2024
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Creative

Shakespeare on Broadway

We are celebrating the legacy of William Shakespeare by recalling the ways that he continues to live on, through his works on our grandest stages, on Broadway. 

With new productions of Othello and Romeo & Juliet already on the way for the 2024-2025 Broadway season, we look back at the recent revivals of some of the Bard’s most prominent works.

1. Macbeth

  • Most Recent Revival: 2022
  • Theater: Longacre Theatre
  • Directed by Sam Gold; starred Daniel Craig as Macbeth and Ruth Negga as Lady Macbeth.
  • This revival was noted for its stark, modern interpretation with minimalistic design. Daniel Craig and Ruth Negga’s performances were highly praised, bringing intense and nuanced interpretations to their roles.

2. King Lear

  • Most Recent Revival: 2019 at the Cort Theatre
  • Directed by Sam Gold; starred Glenda Jackson as King Lear.
  • Glenda Jackson’s portrayal of Lear brought a fresh and poignant perspective to the role, emphasizing the themes of power and loss. The modern setting and innovative stage design highlighted the timeless nature of Shakespeare’s tragedy.

3. Twelfth Night

  • Most Recent Revival: 2013 at the Belasco Theatre (part of a double feature with Richard III
  • Directed by Tim Carroll; starred Mark Rylance as Olivia and Stephen Fry as Malvolio.
  • This production was acclaimed for its authentic Elizabethan staging, complete with all-male casting and period costumes. Mark Rylance’s performance as Olivia was particularly celebrated for its comedic brilliance and depth.

4. Romeo and Juliet

  • Most Recent Revival: 2013 at the Richard Rodgers Theatre
  • Directed by David Leveaux; starred Orlando Bloom as Romeo and Condola Rashad as Juliet.
  • This revival featured a modern setting with a racially diverse cast, exploring the play’s themes of love and conflict through a contemporary lens. The chemistry between Bloom and Rashad was notably compelling.

5. The Merchant of Venice

  • Most Recent Revival: 2010 at the Broadhurst Theatre
  • Directed by Daniel Sullivan; starred Al Pacino as Shylock.
  • Al Pacino’s portrayal of Shylock was a highlight, offering a nuanced interpretation of the complex character. The production was well-received for its clarity and the compelling performances of its cast.

6. Hamlet

  • Most Recent Revival: 2009 at the Broadhurst Theatre
  • Directed by Michael Grandage; starred Jude Law as Hamlet.
  • Jude Law’s performance was central to this production’s success, bringing a youthful energy and emotional depth to the role. The minimalist staging focused the audience’s attention on the psychological drama.
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Capsule Reviews

Hell’s Kitchen

by Ben Togut

Acclaimed singer-songwriter Alicia Keys brings her tumultuous adolescence to the stage in Hell’s Kitchen, now playing at the Shubert Theatre. Featuring many of Keys’ beloved hits, Hell’s Kitchen is an emotional journey that highlights the power of community to guide us in our darkest moments. 

As Ali, Maleah Joi Moon cements herself as a star on the rise. In her Broadway debut, Joi Moon delivers a defiant and poignant performance, skilfully conveying Ali’s teenage anxieties and desires as she navigates growing up in New York City. As Ali’s overprotective mother, Shoshana Bean commands the stage with her deadpan attitude and dynamite vocals, bringing the house down with an incendiary rendition of ‘Pawn It All.’ Kecia Lewis is another one of the production’s stars. As Miss Liza Jane, Lewis delivers a soulful performance, showcasing impressive control of her lower register with Act I closer ‘Perfect Way to Die.’

One of Hell’s Kitchen’s great pleasures is how well Keys’ hits have been adapted to the stage. Thanks to orchestrations by Tom Kitt and Adam Blackstone, in a Broadway theater Keys’ anthems sound larger than life. When the cast harmonizes on ‘Girl on Fire,’ it is a moment of euphoric epiphany.

Capturing one young woman’s struggle to find herself as an artist and as an individual, Hell’s Kitchen is a story of perseverance brimming with heart.

Categories
Capsule Reviews

The Wiz

Photo by Jeremy Daniel

by Ben Togut

A vibrant cast of characters infuse the Yellow Brick Road with renewed flair in The Wiz, now running at the Marquis Theater. With dynamic performances and an updated book by Amber Ruffin, The Wiz captures the humor and heart of the original musical while finding new resonance with modern audiences.

On stage, Melody A. Betts is a force to be reckoned with. She is equally captivating as Aunt Em and Evilene, stealing the show with her powerhouse vocals and larger-than-life presence. Nichelle Lewis brings an affecting pathos to the role of Dorothy. While her Dorothy is often timid, her rendition of “Home” is a marvel, her agile soprano soaring into space.

Another one of the show’s highlights is its choreography by JaQuel Knight. Knight’s versatility as a choreographer is on full display at the start of Act II  as the people of Oz dance together in a number featuring twerking, African dance, hip hop, and more. Complemented by emerald disco outfits by Sharen Davis, this number is a joy to watch, thoughtfully bridging the old with the new.

With compelling performances and a company that embodies the musical’s infectious spirit, The Wiz makes a triumphant return to Broadway.

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Creative

Where’s That Cast Now? The Wiz Edition

The Wiz is back on Broadway in 2024! The new production stars Wayne Brady as The Wiz alongside Nichelle Lewis, making her Broadway debut in the star-making role of Dorothy. The production started a national tour in 2023 and has now landed at its new home, the on Broadway!

The musical has been a cultural staple since its original Broadway debut in 1975. Winning seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical, the adaptation brings a unique blend of R&B, soul, and funk to the classic tale of Oz. With a 1984 revival and several tours since its premiere, The Wiz has seen a number of famous faces donning the silver slippers and journeying down the yellow brick road. Here’s a look at some of the stars who have brought magic to this musical over the years.

Stephanie Mills

Stephanie Mills burst onto the Broadway scene as Dorothy, charming audiences with her powerful voice and heartfelt performance. Mills’ rendition of “Home” became an instant classic, embodying the soul of the musical. Her connection with Dorothy was so iconic that she reprised her role in several revivals, forever linking her name with The Wiz.

André De Shields

André De Shields took on the mysterious and charismatic role of the Wiz in the original Broadway production. His dynamic presence and masterful performance as the all-powerful wizard left a lasting impression, paving the way for a distinguished career in theatre, including his Tony-winning turn in Hadestown, which he followed up most recently with the role of Ben Loman in Death of a Salesman. 

Hinton Battle

As the Scarecrow, Hinton Battle brought an infectious energy and incredible dance skills that helped make The Wiz a true spectacle. He continued to influence Broadway with roles in other musicals like Sophisticated Ladies, The Tap Dance Kid, and Miss Saigon, winning a Tony Award for each of them. 

Of course, the 1978 film adaptation starred some of the most iconic Black talent of the time, including Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Richard Pryor, and Lena Horne. They need no blurbs about their many accomplishments of course.

With each revival and production, The Wiz continues to enchant new generations of theatergoers, proving that this reimagined classic remains timeless. As we look forward to future revivals, these memorable performances remind us why The Wiz is indeed a fabulous way to experience the magic of Oz.

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Creative

The Broadway Career of Jeremy Jordan

Jeremy Jordan’s trajectory on Broadway is punctuated by his versatile talents, including his compelling voice, charismatic stage presence, and the ability to imbue depth into a variety of roles. His performances often intersect with other luminary figures in theater, creating memorable experiences on stage. 

His latest is the titular role in the new Great Gatsby musical, now running at the Broadway Theatre! Starring opposite Eva Noblezada, Jordan is once again in full leading man territory, belt and charm intact. So let’s embark on this lyrical journey through Jeremy Jordan’s illustrious Broadway career until now, embellished with the finest details of his most notable productions.

“Bonnie & Clyde” (2011)

After replacement and understudy roles in West Side Story and Rock of Ages, respectively, Jordan originated his first Broadway role, Clyde Barrow, in the musical adaptation of Bonnie & Clyde, the tale of the infamous American criminal couple, known for their bank robberies during the Great Depression. Jordan appeared oppostie Laura Osnes as Bonnie Parker, sining music by Frank Wildhorn and lyrics by Don Black.

“Newsies” (2012)

Jeremy Jordan is almost synonymous with the name Jack Kelly, after the star led the ensemble of New York City Newsboys on strike in Disney’s Newsies. Jordan’s Jack Kelly is a charismatic leader fighting for justice, longing for a better life someday in Santa Fe.

“American Son” (2018)

As Officer Paul Larkin, Jordan gave his first performance in a Broadway play for Christopher Demos-Brown’s American Son. In this gripping drama that delves into the complexities of a racially charged police encounter, Jordan starred opposite Kerry Washington and Steven Pasquale, with the play later being adapted for a Netflix film

“Waitress” (2018)

One of several Dr. Pomatters during the Broadway run of Waitress, Jordan offered both comedic relief and romantic interest to the heartwarming tale of a pie-making waitress, seeking a fresh start. He played this role opposite Shoshana Bean as Jenna, together singing the music of Sara Bareilles.