Twenty-two years ago (plus a couple months), I saw the national tour of Aida at the Weidner Center, which was located on my college’s campus. I took full advantage of the fact that my city’s performing arts center was walking distance and offered student rush tickets. I loved it so much that I went back again the next night for another performance and bought the soundtrack (the original cast recording). (I also happened to be friends with someone who worked at the Weidner who kindly nabbed one of the floor-to-ceiling vinyl posters that had hung around the center; and yes, I still have it – it’s hanging in my office. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯)
I listened to that soundtrack…I don’t even know how many times. But every time (still when I listen to it) I was utterly struck by the voice of Heather Headley, who originated the title role on Broadway (she also originated the role of Nala on The Lion King). (If you’re not a musical theater fan, you might recognize her from one of her acting roles – she was a recurring guest star on both Chicago Med and She’s Gotta Have It, not to mention currently playing Helen on Netflix’s Sweet Magnolias). There are folks who can sing (hit all the right notes at the right time for the right length), and then there are people who can SING (who can hit the notes – but can also add color and texture, who can nimbly move from note to note, who understands these things and can use them to craft more than a simple song, rather a whole experience). Heather Headley is the ladder, even when recorded. I quickly added her to my music bucket list (before I even really knew I had such a thing) – I just knew I HAD TO hear her perform in person.
I just didn’t expect it to take twenty-two years.
But – finally – I had the chance when she announced that she’d be singing with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. (I know she’s sung with them before, but this was the first time the stars aligned in my favor.) Expectations were high, but no pressure, Heather!
Y’all – when I say she not only exceed but shattered my expectations…
The first song she sang was “Over the Rainbow,” which she followed up with two from Aida, and cue tears. Twenty-two years, folks. More than half my life.
The entire night was utter magic – every single song, whether I knew them or not didn’t matter. (She was also joined for two songs by Curtis Bannister, who is currently at the Goodman in The Color Purple.) But the best part, always the best part, were the stories she told between songs. I love the little bits musicians reveal about themselves and their work during the in-betweens. And – she was funny. An utter delight.
And yes – she was backed by some of the most incredible musicians in the country in an incredibly well-built concert hall (which she demonstrated when she spoke and sang a bit unaccompanied by either the symphony or the microphone). I can understand why this venue was a bucket list one for her.
✔ – see Heather Headley perform in person
Ami Maxine 