Phoenix: "A Night on Broadway with Norm Lewis and Laura Benanti"

Regional Reviews: Phoenix

A Night on Broadway with Norm Lewis and Laura Benanti
Arizona Musicfest
Review by Gil Benbrook

Also see Gil's review of Jane Anger

Laura Benanti and Norm Lewis
Photo courtesy of Arizona Musicfest

Norm Lewis and Laura Benanti have collectively appeared in more than two dozen Broadway shows, and their recent concert at Arizona Musicfest, entitled A Night on Broadway, was an evening of soaring vocals, warmth, humor, and genuine joy, reminding the audience why each remains such a beloved presence on the Broadway stage. From their opening duet through standalone sets, it was clear that this was a celebration not only of powerhouse voices, but of personality, humor, and an easy rapport that made the night feel both polished and delightfully spontaneous.

The concert began with a duet of "My Favorite Things," from The Sound of Music. Benanti and Lewis traded phrases effortlessly, their voices blending with a richness that felt both classic and freshly alive. Between songs, their lighthearted, often self-deprecating banter that touched upon moments in their careers and insight into their lives drew frequent laughs. The jokes and patter never overstayed their welcome and always enhanced the musical storytelling and their song selections.

Laura Benanti's portion of the evening highlighted her versatility and sharp comic instincts as much as her luminous soprano. Benanti has appeared in several Broadway revivals of classic musicals and her song selection and stories about each show offered the audience a lovely insight into her past. Her delivery of "The Sound of Music," which she introduced with her memories about taking over the lead role of Maria in the Broadway revival when she was only 18 and her "deer in the headlights" experience on opening night, was full of warmth, nostalgia, and a lot of humor. "Unusual Way" from Nine showcased her ability to infuse intimacy and emotional nuance into a quieter moment where she talked about her close relationship with Chita Rivera who also appeared in that production.

One of the evening's biggest crowd-pleasers was her whirlwind "My Fair Lady in 15 Minutes," a clever and breathless tour through the story and highlights of the score of that show that demonstrated impeccable timing and wit. She also introduced an original number, a tongue-in-cheek feminist "cougar waltz," that was as funny as it was pointed. A reflective delivery of Joni Mitchell's "Both Sides Now" offered a touching contrast, followed by a playful pop mash-up that reminded audiences she's just as at home with popular songs as she is with Broadway numbers.

In his set, Norm Lewis brought the house down repeatedly with his commanding baritone and effortless vocal skills. His swinging delivery of "Don't Rain on My Parade" was bold and unapologetic, while "Corner of the Sky" from Pippin and "Home" from The Wiz, two musicals he connected with at a young age, resonated with soulful sincerity. A smooth, velvety "Misty" paid elegant tribute to Johnny Mathis, before Lewis delivered a trio of showstopping classics: "Stars" and "Bring Him Home" from Les Misérables, followed by a hauntingly controlled "Music of the Night" from The Phantom of the Opera (Lewis was the first African American to play the title role in the Broadway production).

Benanti and Lewis' respective music directors, Todd Almond and Joseph Joubert, led the small band with skill and care and their encore, "Get Happy/Happy Days," was a jubilant finish, sending the audience home on a high.

Norm Lewis and Laura Benanti performed at Arizona Musicfest on January 16, 2026. For information on upcoming Arizona Musicfest concerts, please visit www.azmusicfest.org.