Cecile McLorin Salvant holds a special place in my heart. She was the first featured daily helping that I got to see live once lockdown measures had been lifted. She is also one of the most stunningly talented vocalists I’ve ever heard or seen. The command she has over her voice is absolutely astonishing, and you can’t help but be riveted by her performance. I would go see her perform any day, any time. Which is why I was delighted to discover that a show I was recently invited to, Ogresse, was starring none other than… Cecile McLorin Salvant. Sometimes the universe just knows how to make you happy.
The tagline for this show was “She falls in love. She eats the guy. She dies.” And that was enough for me to say, “I’m in.” But I quickly discovered that the show was so much more than that. It featured Salvant onstage in front of a full orchestra, dressed in a beautiful gown and headpiece, singing solo the entire story and embodying all of the characters. And it was simply extraordinary. Her voice, the music, the story of the lovesick ogresse. All incredible. The lights? Amazing. The sound mix? Flawless. There was even a stage management cue that was so perfectly executed, it still gives me goosebumps.
If Ogresse is playing at a theatre near you in the future, go see it. You won’t regret it. And if Cecile McLorin Salvant is performing anything near you, even if it’s just reciting the phone book, go. She is a talent not to be missed.
Suggestions for artists I should check out? Please contact me with your ideas. I hope you enjoyed your daily helping of art!
