[DeanFL]

We went with friends- Bernstein's 100 birthday with Bill Doherty and part of the Central FL Lyric Opera performers. The evening and performances did not quite meet past perf of Doherty and Lyric Opera at Savanna:

- Bill on piano and a 4 piece...'band'. bass, violin, guitar, drums. They tried their best...but still a band attempting to play 'orchestra music' by Bernstein.

- 6 singers, all did their best for sure - but timing and pitch issues along the way. Impressed by a new performer, Devin Eatmon - a wonderful young tenor talent with superb voice.

- Song selection was a bit questionable, esp the first half...'Candide' music. Last half, all 'West Side Story', which fit the bill. Personally I was hoping/expecting more popular Bernstein classics - so the first part of the show was a bit odd.

- We were 6 rows back from stage, and the sound from the singers mikes could have been stronger overall.

- 5pm perf was 1/2 full. Couple next to us left during intermission, and appeared others did as well.

- $25 per ticket. Was hoping for better music selection from Bernstein's tribute - and crisper performances. But not quite there last night for us. Can't expect a 'Sharon' performance at the Savannah at those prices of course - will not impede us attending more in the future.