The versatile Linda Eder, 52, is an amazing talent. Looking striking in black pants and a white jacket, the tall performer has full command of the stage and audience in her show this week at 54 Below. Not only is her look classic yet contemporary, but her presence is commanding and her voice is crystal clear. She has the volume, texture and range.
Inspired by the late Judy Garland, this impressive singer’s show is loosely packaged around the theme of key memories from moments in her career from a teenager in Minnesota to her 1987 run on Star Search to her one and only Broadway Show, Jekyll & Hyde, with ex-husband, composer Frank Wildhorn. She really connected with the audience during her rendition of “Someone Like You” from that show.
For the past seven years, she’s worked with classically trained pianist Billy Stein who is her musical director. David Finck on bass and Peter Calo on guitar provided excellent back-up as well. She sang “Climb Ev’ry Mountain” which she did in her high school theatrical debut; that’s when she had to choose between choir and drama and selected the first. She had fun with “Fernando” inviting the audience to sing along. She was at her most animated in the “The Mad Hatter” composed by her ex-husband for “Wonderland,” which closed after one month. The number is featured on her latest CD. She closed with the song that started it all off for her, Harold Arlen’s “Over The Rainbow.”
The impressive Linda Eder appeared at 54 Below thru April 13 www.54Below.com