I’m sure that the name Seth Rudetsky isn’t the topic of conversation in most circles. However, to avid Broadway fans, Seth is a legend. Seth has played pit piano for more than a dozen shows, and performed in even more concerts and special productions. I first learned of him through his Sirius Radio Broadway show. Last summer I noticed he was hosting a series of concerts with Broadway stars, Jessie Mueller, Cheyenne Jackson, and Kelly O’Hara right here in Boston. Occasionally we’ve bought tickets to a series of concerts or shows, and have rarely been disappointed. This series was hosted by the Emerson Colonial theater in Boston. Newly refurbished, this historic theater has been the venue for many out of town Broadway tryouts. It’s smaller than the neighboring opera house, so the events seem more intimate.

Jessie Mueller was our first outing and she was incredible. Having seen her in Beautiful, The Carol King Story, and Carousel we were very familiar with her voice and energy. I call it a soiree because they sit and chat, then sing, then sit and chat, then sing, and everyone has a great time.

I loved that she felt comfortable enough to take her shoes off and get comfortable.

Though we’d not seen Cheyenne Jackson live, we’ve known of his work on stage and television for many years. Recently he performed the stunning duet, Lily’s Eyes from A Secret Garden with our other favorite male soloist, Ramin Karimloo. We’ve played the YouTube video a few dozen times to say the least. Cheyenne and Seth have an incredible chemistry, and the air was filled with continuous laughter and applause.

The third and final evening featured Kelly O’Hara, one of Broadway’s premier divas. We narrowly missed seeing Kelly in Nice Work If You Can Get It seven years ago, but our wait was worth it. This Tony award winning artist has appeared in many major shows, and is a regular performer for the Kennedy Center honors and other prestigious events.

Though I’ve always proudly worn the Broadway geek badge, I believe my influence has rubbed off on my wife. She’s ready for another series if Seth comes back to Boston. She knows the stars, and the shows. It’s great we can share this activity, and it’s so much easier when you’re as close to the action as we are here in New England.

“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.” – Helen Keller