Billy's Back On Broadway

Billy's Back On Broadway

Billy Porter was a busy Broadway actor/singer before he won a Tony in 2013 for his role as Lola in Cyndi Lauper’s Kinky Boots. Here, Porter proves he’s a talent worth following beyond his breakthrough role, with help from super-arranger and producer Rob Mounsey, who sculpts a sound that has light R&B and pop, showtune sheen, and some big-band jazz. Not one to squander opportunity, Porter revisits “Not My Father’s Son” (a vehicle from Kinky Boots) and references Sammy Davis Jr.’s Sammy’s Back on Broadway not only with the title but also with the inclusion of “Take the Moment.” Those seeking something closer to Rat Pack–era Davis in sound can turn to swinging versions of Sondheim’s “Everything’s Coming Up Roses” (from Gypsy) or “Don’t Rain on My Parade” (from Funny Girl). The lovely “On the Street Where You Live” (from My Fair Lady) is straight orchestra-pit fare, but Porter adds some welcome dark stalker pathos to this love song. Every musical has an 11 o’clock number, and this one comes in the form of the closer “I Am Changing” (from Dreamgirls), which is a soulful standout.

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