BWW Reviews: Eric Schaeffer's 50th Birthday Concert at the Kennedy Center

Jacquelyn Piro Donovan did a lovely rendition of "Is It Really Me" from 110 IN THE SHADE.

THE WITCHES OF EASTWICK  was represented by the trio of  Donovan, Olivera, and Blickenstaff who belted out the moving "Look at Me".

One of my favorite small musicals is FLOYD COLLINS and Matt Gardiner sang the lovely "How Glory Goes".

The terrific song "Home" from THE WIZ was done superbly by Gamble.

Blickenstaff returned for "Sing Happy" from FLORA THE RED MENACE. She then teamed with Gamble for "Money Tree/Maybe this Time" from FIRST YOU DREAM.

The classic musical FUNNY GIRL was represented by the song "Don't Rain on my Parade" by the exhilarating Nova.

A presentation was then made by Kevin J. Donnellan, Executive Vice President of the AARP which gave Schaeffer his first membership card. Then there was the presentation of Schaeffer gracing the cover of AARP Magazine.

Schaeffer then took the microphone to state "This is the best birthday ever...It's all about collaboration.  It's amazing when you get to do this...pass this thing on...to move people emotionally. This is what we want." Schaeffer expressed pleasure that" Mr. Orchestrator" himself, Jonathan Tunick took the time to attend.

The finale was the appropriate "Old Friends" from MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG"  sung by the entire company.

Robert Aubry Davis did a superb job as the backstage MC.

Kudos to Director Matthew Gardiner, Lighting Designer Chris Lee, and Sound Designer Matt Rowe for pulling this off.

Singer, actor, composer, Matthew Conner gave a moving speech.  He talked about the many hats Schaeffer has worn.  "There's the Artistic Director Hat, there's the Director Hat, the Producer Hat, The Think Tank Hat, The Boss Hat, The Party Hat, The Office Hat, The Painting Hat, The Friend Hat, The Giving Hat (creating things like taking care of our own) and The Gardening Hat (that grows genius ideas like The American Musical Voices Project."  Conner called him a visionary, a creator, a genius, a friend..."

I second that!!

Thank you Mr. Schaeffer for making memories of a lifetime and Happy Birthday!

cgshubow@broadwayworld.com

Originally from Boston, Charles' first college show was "Barefoot in the Park," he played the role of the telephone repairman. Next came "How to Succeed..." in which he played in the ensemble and then Chairman of the Board. He appeared in "Fiddler on the Roof" at the White Marsh Dinner Theatre as Lazar Wolf. Charles' daughter Britt played one of Tevye's younger daughters. Britt later completed a five year stint in Broadway's "Mamma Mia!" as the Sophie understudy. Charles conducts theatre trips to Broadway shows as the "Shubow Shuttle."

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