Hello Beautiful People!
While I wish I could’ve been there with Ruby, rehearsal called. And so, our newest guest contributor, TJ Newton so graciously was able to attend the evening, and let all of our Write Teach Readers in on the whirlwind that is Ruby Manger!
xo
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On Monday, October 27th I was given the opportunity to see Ruby Manger: The Farewell Engagement at 54 Below. Immediately as I walked in, I was greeted by a familiar face who asked if I had seen “Ruby” perform before. To be honest, I had never even heard of this legendary diva, but I was assured that I was in for a real treat. Now, keep in mind that I am not a “laugh out loud” kind of guy. But Monday night was an exception, and I laughed my way through the entire concert.
What a fantastic evening!
Julia Mattison, (Godspell), created the character of Ruby Manger and wrote this evening’s performance. Complete with original music by Mattison and Noel Carey, Ruby takes us through her inspirational, and fictional, Broadway career. Ms. Manger was accompanied by a three-person band that really brought the mix of Broadway classics and original work to life.
Ms. Manger was also visited throughout the evening by some of the special people who helped her career along the way. Highlights included a lovely duet with Alan Quiche Lorraine, played by Curious Incident’s Taylor Trensch, and a trio with her estranged children, surprise guests and fellow Godspell alumni Telly Leung and Anna Maria Perez De Tagle. As phenomenal as these surprise guests where, let it be known that I would gladly sit through a solo performance by Ms. Manger – her energy was extremely captivating the entire night.
The evening was filled with fun video clips and vintage photos of Ruby Manger’s different Broadway and film credits. There were clearly inside jokes throughout the performance for Ruby’s original fans, but I never felt left out. Although Mattison’s Ruby Manger has a distinct vocal presence, she never let it affect her voice from effortlessly soaring. I would recommend future concerts by Ruby Manger to anyone who just wants to laugh out loud for a night, or for someone who just loves good old Broadway belting.
Bottom line?
Julia Mattison’s Ruby Manger is a force to be reckoned with.
Live, Love, Learn,