Neil Berg Renews
The Classics
By ZONIA EDWARD
Broadway musicals have produced some of this century’s most popular songs and made stars out of the performers who brought them to life. In his latest production at Queens Theatre in the Park, Neil Berg brings a unique blend of renewed excitement and modernity to classic show tunes. Neil Berg’s Broadway Showstoppers production, which will run from April 22 to May 1, is a revamped extension of his popular touring production 100 Years of Broadway, which is currently the number one touring production in the United States, with over 120 tour dates for it current 2010/2011 season. For Berg, the concept for his series of Queens Theatre in the Park concerts is simple. First, take actual Broadway performers. Next, pair them with hit songs. Finally, support them with his standout arrangements. As not only an arranger, but a composer as well, Berg pays special attention to the musicality of each piece. “I know I need to put my own stamp of approval on the material,” said Berg. “I go inside the music. I work from the inside out. I get to expand on string and horn parts. I want to give the show the excitement of a rock concert.” Berg cites the rock music of the 1970’s as a big influence in his work. He cites albums such as, Quadrophenia by The Who, The Wall by Pink Floyd, and The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway by Genesis as inspirations. “All of them were rock operas. Every one of those albums tells a story,” said Berg, “Telling a story is what separates musical theatre from jazz or opera, the music is there to drive the story forward. It then became a natural progression for me to write musical theatre. It is the perfect storm of creativity.” 60 Spring 2011 www.itsqueens.com