American stage singer and Tony Award winner Brian Stokes Mitchell brought his show, “Simply Broadway,” to the Staller Center Main Stage on Saturday, Nov. 22. Stokes’ musical versatility inspires him to perform a variety of characters on television, film and on Broadway. Stokes released his album, “Simply Broadway,” in 2012.
The show started shortly after 8 p.m. on Saturday evening. Audience members quickly filled the seats. The lights were turned off and the aesthetically-designed stage was illuminated by pink and blue spotlights. Soon after a round of applause, Mitchell came onto the stage, accompanied by Tedd Firth on piano.
This was the second time Mitchell performed at Stony Brook University. This time, Stokes’ concert was filled with songs from popular musicals, including “Man of La Mancha,” “Les Misérables,” “Porgy and Bess” and “Kiss Me Kate.” Stokes’ opening song, “Feeling Good,” strongly appealed to his audience. The dreamlike stage brought the audience to a fantastic music world.
The audience was highly engaged and the show was full of laughs. Stokes chatted with his audience between songs, with Stokes talking about marriage. Stokes also sang several songs related to the topic, and the show went on in a relaxed atmosphere.
Many of those in attendance enjoyed the show.
“I thought the show was really great and I did Broadway in high school and I think it is really interesting to get into it. I think he did [an] excellent job,” Catherine Bonke, a sophomore journalism major, said. “Stokes used a lot of body language in the performance and made the story to come to life. Live show really gives you a chance to experience the actual motion.”
“The show is awesome and wonderful,” Ben Su Yong Kim, a sophomore transfer student majoring in mechanical engineering, said. “The end part of the show I like the most. I love [the] Staller Center.”
Residents within the community also agreed.
“It was a great show tonight. We [saw] Brian Stokes Mitchell last year and we found it is a terrific show to see. I like when he was singing, especially the ‘Man of La Mancha’ song.” Steve Mess, a Stony Brook resident, said. “[The] Staller Center is much more intimate. You really feel you almost on the stage with the performer.”
“I love the show and I think stokes is wonderful. I’m already worried who is going to replace him when he gets older.” Beverly Al Tycolor, an usher who worked for the Staller Center for nearly twenty five years and who attended the show, said. “My favorite part is which he sang the Porgy and Bess.”
Stokes will be on tour, performing “Simply Broadway” for the remainder of the year. Thus far, he has toured around the country. Every show he performs is full of passion and his love for music.
Originally, Mandy Patinkin’s show, “Dress Casually,” was scheduled on Saturday Nov. 22 at the Staller Center. Unfortunately, Patinkin’s show was cancelled due to the change of the filming location of “Homeland,” in which Patinkin acts.
