Lillias White Sings Broadway
Rating: ★★★★
Venue: Crazy Coqs, London (LIVE STREAM)
Cast: Lillias White

For the first time, Broadway star and Tony Award winner, Lillias White is appearing at The Crazy Coqs in London with two of her most popular shows, ‘Lillias White sings Broadway’ and ‘Hoagy Carmichael & Friends’.

She is accompanied by the internationally celebrated artist Billy Stritch on piano, performing these very different shows, which will alternate from night-to-night.

Ms. White is renowned for the many Broadway shows she has starred in, including Cats, Dreamgirls, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, Fela, Once on This Island, The Life, Chicago, and Barnum. 

I think I'm one of the very few theatre lovers who frequents London that hasn't ever been to Crazy Coqs, but today that changed! Well, in the virtual sense, at least. Crazy Coqs are currently running An American in London series, and the most recent guest was the infamous Lillias White. An intimate 80 minute concert, accompanied by the legendary Billy Stritch; I knew we were in for a treat.

Her performance throughout this concert was nothing short of sensational. She opened with an almost jazzy interpretation of the much-loved Something's Coming from West Side Story; which just so happens to be one of my favourite musical theatre pieces of all time. From ballads to showstoppers from iconic musicals such as Chicago and Dreamgirls; there is something for everyone in this show.

Whilst White's vocals are exceptional, her storytelling is what kept me completely captivated. She's full of wit and charm. Her storytelling is so clever, that it perfectly segways into the next song, which makes the set feel seamless and fly by in the blink of an eye.

One moment, I'm belting along to "When You're Good to Mama" from Chicago, and the next I'm wiping my eyes to the encore of the evening, "Somewhere" from West Side Story. While the entire set is brilliant, those two particular songs stood out to me, and truly capture the depth of Lillias White's talent. I think the nod to the late Stephen Sondheim at the beginning and end of the concert was a lovely touch, and it didn't go unnoticed.

If you were ever in doubt of Lillias White's legendary theatre status, you won't be for much longer. If you're looking for an evening of stunning vocals, interesting (and completely hilarious) anecdotes and stories, plus accompanied by a legend like Billy Stritch (who also has his own set in this series) - this is the show for you. The only way I would have enjoyed it more, was getting to experience it in person.

Check out the remaining scheduled dates at Crazy Coqs:

Friday 22 April at 7pm
Hoagy Carmichael & Friends

Saturday 23 April at 7.00pm
Lillias White Sings Broadway

You can book tickets here.

If you'd prefer to watch the show virtually, you can do so for £12 here.