‘Pausing On A Sunday’ With Billy Porter

Thee Billy Porter (photo: John Ganun)
On his acclaimed live concert album, At The Corner Of Broadway And Soul, Billy Porter serves up this soulful gospel take on the Stephen Sondheim classic, “Sunday.” The 2006 album is a collection of 16 Broadway, Gospel and original R&B songs that were performed live in 2004 at Joe’s Pub at New York’s Public Theater. It is a soulful and empowering compilation of some of Billy’s favorite songs and composers who inspired him from the time he was young to become the success he is today. It teaches you about taking chances and not taking “no” for an answer and more importantly lifts you up through his interpretation of the music. Some of the songs on the album include “Heaven” by Rick Ian Gordon, “Why I Sing,” by Kirk Franklin, “Let it Sing,” by Janine Tesori, “Awaiting You,” by Adam Guettel, “King of the World,” by Jason Robert Brown, “Sunday” and “Last Midnight” by Steven Sondheim, and a six original tracks written by Billy himself. Back then, Billy seemed to be a bridge between Broadway and Soul. He wanted to produce an album that allowed him to express himself fully in both worlds so this CD is divided into two parts each devoted to a single genre. “Pausing on a Sunday…”

Broadway: “Sunday in the Park with George” Montage

Terrific montage of the gorgeous production of Sunday In The Park With George, which began in London at the Chocolate Factory and then moved to Broadway in 2008.

Creative Director Timothy Bird worked in collaboration with set and costume designer David Farley to create the design for Sam Buntrock’s Chocolate Factory production. The show transferred to the West End, where it won six Olivier Awards, including Best Design for Timothy and David.

Buntrock’s show then moved on to New York’s Broadway, playing at Roundabout Theatre Company’s Studio 54, where it was nominated for 9 Tony Awards, including Best Design of a Musical. The show made a fourth appearance at the 5th Avenue Theater Seattle to great critical acclaim.

I’ve always loved the song “Sunday” from this show. There’s a sense of eternity to the piece.