BWYxNTX
Broadway Across North Texas
My thoughts on BWYxNTX Broadway Across North Texas or…oh! what a beautiful evening,
BWYxNTX, presented by the WaterTower Theatre, is a lively and entertaining revue featuring both classic and modern Broadway tunes, conceived and directed by Erica Harkins.
The revue features five stellar performers: a bass, a tenor, an alto, a soprano, and an emcee, who spend the evening delivering one amazing song after another. The stage is set with vibrant, oversized playbills designed by Lighting Director Edgar Hernandez, projected in the background. It’s visually striking, engaging, and keeps the audience connected to the origins of the music.
Music Director Bruce Greer, who also plays piano in the fantastic on-stage band, has the singers in excellent form, while Sound Designer Mark Howard ensures flawless sound quality.
The evening's host, Emcee Antavius Draughn, is a warm, witty, and charismatic guide. With his infectious energy and great rapport with both the cast and audience, he keeps the show running smoothly. Draughn leads us through Broadway's decades, infusing the journey with humor and flair.
It is supposedly a competition of sorts between the singers, but with this group of superb vocalists, it’s the audience who is the winner.
Cameron Vargas is the bass, and I've admired him in many productions. He has a commanding Broadway voice that's perfect for powerful ballads like “The Impossible Dream” from Man of La Mancha and timeless classics like “Luck Be A Lady” from Guys and Dolls. It's truly thrilling to experience his impressive delivery up close..
Samantha Padilla, the alto, is an incredible actor and singer whose performances are always a must-see for me. She’s a powerhouse with a belt that resonates deeply. Her rendition of “I Can Cook” from On the Town and the electrifying “Maybe This Time” from Cabaret were unforgettable. As I watched in awe, I couldn’t help but think how phenomenal she would be as Fanny Brice. Producers, take note!
Abigail Head, the soprano, is the only one of the performers I had not seen previously, and what a great surprise she was. Her beautiful voice, reminiscent of Julie Andrews, brought chills singing “I Could Have Danced All Night” from My Fair Lady and the title song from The Sound of Music. I hope to see her back on stage again soon.
I vividly remember the first time I saw Anthony Ortega, the tenor, perform on stage. His voice is truly spectacular—I often describe it as “soul-piercing.” He brings his unique magic to “Waving Through A Window” from Dear Evan Hansen, and his rendition of “Maria” from West Side Story had me teary-eyed in an instant. Anthony Ortega is, without a doubt, my “angel of music.”
When the singers team up for duets, the show becomes a musical theater paradise. Vargas and Head stun with a showstopping number from Phantom of the Opera, while Head and Padilla shine with the soaring “For Good” from Wicked. Vargas and Ortega deliver a hilarious “Brush Up Your Shakespeare” from Kiss Me Kate and a breathtaking “showdown” as Javert and Valjean from Les Mis.
Director Harkins has fashioned a show that no musical theater lover in DFW should miss. BWYxNTX is extraordinarily entertaining, and I have only mentioned a fraction of the songs that are performed.
The show continues at the Cox Theatre in Plano through Oct 12 and then transfers to Addison from October 14 - 19.
Ticket link for Addison
