CCM Graduate Aaron Lazar Gives Back In an Amazing Way
The star of stage and screen's concert was one of genuine vulnerability and raw emotion
Tonight, at AN EVENING WITH AARON LAZAR: FROM BROADWAY TO HOLLYWOOD, I witnessed history. Because I’m not that kind of journalist, and this isn’t THAT kind of website, I won’t break any news stories here. That said, Mr. Lazar revealed some profoundly personal information on stage in public for the first time, and it was an honor to be in the audience for such an intimate and emotional moment.
Of course, he sounded like the Broadway superstar that he is on all of the songs, showing off an incredible range and superb vocal control. Immediately, he acknowledged people from his past at CCM while singing a mashup of “These Are My Friends” and “This is the Moment.” He introduced himself, shared his biography in a hilarious parody of “Hamilton,” and gave accompanist Julie Spangler the chance to show off her underused comedic chops. He sang songs from “Phantom of the Opera,” “Movin’ Out,” and “Harmony.” He also shared hilarious stories about Broadway divas and film stars that were riotously funny. And he sang a few standards and songs from the movies that showcased his acting range and Spangler’s keyboard genius.
He even dueted with two current CCM students - Peter Neureuther sang “Lily’s Eyes” with Lazar, showing off one of the best male voices currently enrolled in the legendary institution. And Annaese Fusaro provided an encore performance of her fantastic rendition of “Sue Me” from “Guys and Dolls,” which she performed this summer at The Carnegie. Lazar allowed both students to shine, not afraid of being upstaged. Instead, he chose to spotlight their talent and the impact CCM has had on him and his career - and a genuine, but not over-the-top, ask for continued donor support. (This was a fundraiser, after all.)
For me, though, the absolute highlight was his heartfelt disclosure, followed by the inspiring “The Impossible Dream,” which he sang over twenty years ago as an MFA student at CCM as part of his thesis. I’ve heard that song belted by the best, but I’ve never heard it sung in this context, with this much emotion, nor have I seen so many handkerchiefs and tears afterward.
By all accounts, Lazar was as affable off-stage as he was on, maybe even more so, as he provided a master class for the current musical theatre students this week and spent time offering wisdom and advice.
Even from the stage, he encouraged them - and all of us, really - to never give up on impossible dreams. . . because they sometimes do come true.
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NEXT UP FROM CCM MUSICAL THEATRE: Sweet Charity, opening at the end of September. Tickets and more information can be found here.