CityRep Presents
Judy Collins
A Love Letter to Stephen Sondheim
Photo courtesy of Brad Trent
A generation or so ago the folk songs began to come back. They had never left, they were simply incognito for a time, but the resurgence made them young again. The young folk singing them again and writing them never grew old or any wiser but they gave us anthems that anchored us. Such a singer/songwriter is Judy Collins, questioning, learning, teaching, singing, writing and sharing. On March 9, she will be here again and the music she will bring is her own blend, classically founded and grounded only in soaring silver tones— A Love Letter to Stephen Sondheim. The interesting pairing of a musical theatre genius and a folk singing icon is uniquely American, and illustrative of the American blend, the rocky melting pot of cultures that brings forth the sweetest tastes amid our sour notes of failure.
Judy Collins has always been a musician, classically trained in piano by Antonia Brico, Collins then fell in love with the fascinating stories she heard in folk tunes and, recognizing the story teller in herself, she began to sing the stories she heard in her amazingly bright voice. She picked up a guitar (easier to transport than piano) and began a journey into the hearts and soul of a generation and another generation after that, and on it goes as it always will. Collins is known for her clear notes and vocal range, and her interpretation of the sounds of other songwriters brings an intensity, that holds the listener and often gives the writer the strength to sing them. And Collins receives the strength to also be the writer and the music is always amazing. Performing the songs of Sondheim such as the famous and wonderful Collins version of ‘Send in the Clowns’ is a magical combination that can only bring wonder and joy to listeners, especially those who really listen.
Collins is, at heart, a folksinger, and as such, she is, of course, a social activist. That is, after all, much of what folk singing is all about. As such she sings the soul of liberals, the conscience of conservatives, and the solutions seem so much easier when she sings them. Perhaps because she has lived so much life herself, battling addictions and admitting them to herself, publically. Losing her son to suicide as he battled similar addictions, won, and ultimately lost.
Photo Courtesy of Brad Trent
Perhaps she truly understands it from “Both Sides Now” far more when she first made Joni Mitchell’s incredible song her own. That is the nature of folk music, the song becomes your own, no matter who originally wrote it, but, interestingly enough, the first thing listeners wanted to do after hearing Judy Collins sing Joni Mitchell’s song is find Joni Mitchell! That is also the nature of folk music, building a staircase for others to ascend with you.
On March 9, 2018 such a staircase is being built at OCCC thanks to Oklahoma City Repertory Theatre. Judy Collins is building it with “A Love Letter to Stephen Sondheim” in a theatre that worships Sondheim, OCCC Center for Performing Arts, with an audience worshiping music that speaks. For tickets and information, call CityRep, because ascending this staircase may be the chance of a lifetime, and a significant moment of beauty leaving a memory that will never dissipate. Call CityRep at 405-848-3761 or visit www.cityrep.com before the tickets are gone and share the elegance of this night and this moment with Judy Collins, Stephen Sondheim and unlike-minded thinkers you never knew you loved.
P. S.
The Academy of Contemporary Music at the University of Central Oklahoma will be hosting a Master Class earlier in the day on March 9 at 2:00 P.M. Judy Collins will be there to answer questions about singing, writing songs, living songs and living long and well. The location is the AMC@UCO Songwriting Room and the address is 25 S. Oklahoma Avenue 73104. The event takes place on the 1st Floor. For additional information visit www.acm-ocu.com or call 405-974-4700. The Master Class is open to the general public with no admission fee.