Hello Beautiful People,
Just last week I had the pleasure and privilege of seeing Mr. Rob Rokicki and Friends play at The Cutting Room in New York City. This is the point in the article where I gush. Where I use kitschy clichés like, this was music to my ears. MUSIC. TO. ONES. EARS.
And as saccharine as that may seem, I assure you, it’s the truth.
There is wisdom to Rokicki’s songs. Wisdom. Intelligence. Cleverness. The songs of Rob Rokicki are deeply rooted in the little nuances that define our lives. About the times of laughter and love, disappointment and betrayal. The music is a tangible medium that clearly displays the emotional fabric that connects us all.
Photo by Megan Minutillo
Rob’s songs came to life via a cast of absolutely outstanding singers and musicians, Megan Hilty, Julia Murney, Joe Iconis, Micah Burgess, Ray Cetta, Nick Dalton (Legally Blonde), Katrina Rose Dideriksen (Rent), Molly Dunn, Amanda Flynn (Wicked), Brian Gallagher (Jekyll & Hyde), Molly Hager (Fat Camp), Emma Hunton(Spring Awakening), Zach Jones (One Man, Two Guvnors), Rachel Lee, Lauren Marcus (The Plant That Ate Dirty Socks), Ashley Moniz(Sister Act), Luca Padovan (Newsies) Mike Rosengarten, Michael Ruby, Erica Swindell (Once), and of course, Rob Rokicki.
All of these artists are just exceptional. I cannot stress that enough.
But, like always, I had favorite moments…
Luca Padovan is absolutely adorable. It’s always amazing to watch young children perform – I think that we, the adults, could learn a thing or two about their fearlessness. Their determination. Their perseverance. I think it’s safe to say that this young boy will be around for quite some time.
Molly Hager gave an absolutely, positively, goosebump-causing, breathtaking rendition of Lead Singer. You could feel the energy in the room – it was electric.
Emma Hunton brought the house down with The Waiting. Hunton is a vocal dynamo. I don’t think there’s anything that she CANNOT do.
Megan Hilty was absolutely outstanding in her performance of Right Through You. It’s a song written from the perspective of a ghost, and it is one of those songs that, contrary to its title, sticks with you. It’s a song that makes you nostalgic. It’s a song that pulses through your veins for a bit. It might make you smile, it might make your teary. It’s absolutely lovely.
In addition to the songs on the album, I’m Ready, Rob chose select songs from Monstersongs – an exciting new piece of theatre synthesizing a live rock concept-album and a graphic novel— all from the point of view of misunderstood monsters.
Julia Murney performed the song, Hell Hath No Fury. And quite simple put, I have no words. I could tell you that she’s unbelievably talented. That she’s a presence onstage that you just cannot tear your eyes away from. That if you ever have the opportunity to see this woman in a concert or a show, you’d be insane not to RUN to whatever venue she’s playing at. I could tell you all those things, but even those simple words do not do Julia Murney justice. She’s just absolutely amazing.
This is the time where I reiterate that the entire cast and band was outstanding – so once again, do familiarize yourself with the work of these outstanding artists -Megan Hilty, Julia Murney, Joe Iconis, Micah Burgess, Ray Cetta, Nick Dalton (Legally Blonde), Katrina Rose Dideriksen (Rent), Molly Dunn, Amanda Flynn (Wicked), Brian Gallagher (Jekyll & Hyde), Molly Hager (Fat Camp), Emma Hunton(Spring Awakening), Zach Jones (One Man, Two Guvnors), Rachel Lee, Lauren Marcus (The Plant That Ate Dirty Socks), Ashley Moniz(Sister Act), Luca Padovan (Newsies), Mike Rosengarten, Michael Ruby, Erica Swindell (Once), and of course, Rob Rokicki. And while I enjoyed each and every song, perhaps my most favorite moment was when Joe Iconis joined Rob Rokicki onstage.
Now, for those of you who don’t know, Rob Rokicki is a part of the group, Joe Iconis & Family. In Rokicki’s interview for the Movers & Shakers Q&A Series, he describes his relationship with Joe as such, I’d do anything for that man – I’d play the glockenspiel on the side of the stage. I’d do whatever he needs. He’s got a great vision, he tells a great story, and is so supportive of his friends. He inspires people to be better writers, and just to work harder. Perhaps this is part of the reason why it was so touching to see these two friends, collaborators, and kindred spirits perform Rokicki’s songs. There are other composers who might not dive so completely into another composers work, but that couldn’t be further from the type of artist and friend that Joe Iconis is – he always gives one hundred and ten percent to everything that he does, and this show was no exception. To see them both Rokicki and Iconis create what one could only describe as music magic onstage was an absolute privilege.
Bravo to the cast, the band, and of course, to Rob. I cannot wait for the next one!
Live, Love, Learn,