Sara Bareilles’ Orchestral Concert at Hollywood Bowl Delights with Broadway Hits

Whatever Sara Bareilles’ primary occupation might be at the moment, it’s not regularly releasing albums and touring. Her last studio album, “Amidst the Chaos,” came out in 2019, and it’s been five years since her last tour. Even though this might seem slow-paced for someone with a career like hers, Bareilles has managed to stay exceptionally busy in and out of the pop scene. As her recording career hits the two-decade mark, nearly all her standard album releases occurred in the first decade, while the last ten years saw her conquering Broadway as a composer and star in “Waitress,” performing in “Into the Woods,” and successfully venturing into TV as a creator of “Little Voice” and star of “Girls5Eva.”

If you’re a dedicated fan, you might be a bit envious of how these projects have taken time away from her music as a pure singer-songwriter. Yet, considering the quality of her other endeavors, one can only say: no complaints.

The rarity of a Sara Bareilles concert in the 2020s was evident as she took the stage at the Hollywood Bowl Saturday night. Fans traveled from across the country and even overseas for the event, making it clear this was no ordinary show. Accompanied almost entirely by the Thomas Wilkins-conducted Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, Bareilles’ symphonic debut made the night even more special for fans and season ticket holders alike.

Bareilles’ performance showcased several facets of her current career, most thrillingly by highlighting her recent Broadway ventures. She concluded the evening with “She Used to Be Mine” from the musical “Waitress,” a song she credits with changing her life. The special touch of the night was featuring up-and-coming star Madison Cunningham, who performed this and several other numbers with Bareilles.

Another Broadway nod was her rendition of “Moments in the Woods” from Stephen Sondheim’s “Into the Woods,” a role for which she was Tony-nominated in 2022. The song’s complex lyrics and emotional depth were a metaphor for Bareilles’ own varied and exploratory career choices over the past decade.

Adding to the Broadway theme, Bareilles premiered a new song from her upcoming stage musical adaptation of Meg Wolitzer’s novel “The Interestings.” “Enough” is set to be a powerful ballad within the ensemble piece. Bareilles described it as a plea from a man to a woman to recognize and appreciate what they have, adding a layer of depth with her own connection to the evolving song.

Bareilles also embraced her role as a feminist icon with a fierce new song, “Hands Off My Body,” augmented by the Bowl Orchestra. The urgent tone of the lyrics echoed her passion for women’s rights, particularly poignant in today’s socio-political climate. Without direct political commentary, the song, together with her earlier piece “Armor,” conveyed a strong message to the radical right.

The orchestral arrangements bespoke for the occasion added dramatic flair, notably during “Hands Off My Body,” where Bareilles transitioned to a B-stage for an acoustic set. This portion included collaborations with Cunningham, the Milk Carton Kids, and members of her regular band. The orchestral padding during her song “Once Upon Another Time” was stunning, allowing a beautiful, communal moment with the audience.

In the realm of singer-songwriters, it’s rare to find someone who excels equally in both singing and songwriting. Bareilles is an exception, much like her friend Brandi Carlile. Even without her writing prowess, Bareilles’ mezzo-soprano voice and acting abilities would make her a star. The show featured few cover songs, but her rendition of “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” by Elton John, which she revived after a decade, was a testament to her vocal and interpretive skills.

The concert also paid homage to her early hit “Gravity,” rekindling thoughts of what she could bring to other iconic songs.

Bareilles maintained her humility throughout the evening, showering praise on Thomas Wilkins, the orchestra, her crew, and fellow performers. Her humor and ability to laugh off mistakes, like forgetting lyrics and getting help from a fan, made her even more endearing.

The night was already a win before Bareilles or the orchestra took the stage, thanks to a dynamic opening set by her “Girls5Eva” co-star Renée Elise Goldsberry. Goldsberry’s performance included classics like Aretha Franklin’s “Bridge Over Troubled Water” and her signature “Hamilton” song “Satisfied,” reaffirming her immense talent.

While no songs from “Girls5Eva” were performed, seeing both artists reprise key Broadway hits was more than satisfying for the audience.

Source: Various Sources