Sara Bareilles: A symphonic night at the Hollywood Bowl
A multifaceted artist
Sara Bareilles has always been a name synonymous with versatility. While her last studio album, Amidst the Chaos (2019), and its subsequent tour might seem like distant memories, Bareilles has been anything but idle. Over the past decade, she has seamlessly transitioned from a pop singer-songwriter to a Broadway composer and actress, and even a TV star. Her Broadway triumphs include composing and starring in Waitress and Into the Woods, while her TV ventures feature creating Little Voice and starring in Girls5Eva, now in its third season.
A rare concert experience
Given her diverse commitments, any Sara Bareilles concert in the 2020s is a rare gem. This rarity was underscored by her recent performance at the Hollywood Bowl, where she performed in a symphonic format for the first time. Fans from across the country and even overseas flocked to witness this unique event, accompanied by the Thomas Wilkins-conducted Hollywood Bowl Orchestra.
In a summer filled with pop artists embracing full orchestration, Bareilles’ performance stood out. Her show highlighted various facets of her career, with a significant focus on her Broadway achievements.
Broadway at the Bowl
One of the most thrilling aspects of the night was Bareilles’ homage to her Broadway roots. She concluded the performance with “She Used to Be Mine” from Waitress, a song she described as a turning point in her life. This rendition was made even more special by the presence of Madison Cunningham, who joined Bareilles for a duet.
Bareilles also revisited her Tony-nominated role in Into the Woods with “Moments in the Woods”. This complex, seriocomic piece showcased her acting prowess and philosophical musings on fresh experiences.
Adding to the Broadway flavor, Bareilles premiered a new song from her upcoming stage musical adaptation of Meg Wolitzer’s novel The Interestings. The ballad, “Enough”, is a poignant plea from a man urging a woman to appreciate what she has. This song, even without its theatrical context, resonated deeply with the audience.
A voice for feminism
Bareilles’ role as a fierce feminist cheerleader was evident in her new song, “Hands Off My Body”. This powerful anthem, augmented by the Bowl Orchestra, addressed women’s rights with lines like, “If I whisper it in silence / And deliver it softly / If I can make it sound godly / Would you get your hands off my body”. The song’s debut electrified the audience, highlighting Bareilles’ commitment to social issues.
A seamless blend of old and new
The concert also featured a mix of Bareilles’ classic hits and new material. Her acoustic set, performed on a B-stage in the middle of the Bowl, included collaborations with Cunningham, the Milk Carton Kids, and members of her usual band. This intimate segment was a testament to her ability to connect with the audience on a personal level.
Bareilles’ rendition of “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” was a standout moment, showcasing her vocal prowess and adding a new dimension to the classic song. This was followed by her own “Gravity”, a performance that left the audience in awe.
A humble star
Throughout the night, Bareilles maintained a sense of humility, expressing gratitude to Wilkins, the orchestra, the crew, and her fellow musicians. Her genuine appreciation for the Hollywood Bowl and its history was evident, as she reminisced about her previous performance there in 2019.
Even when things didn’t go as planned, such as forgetting the lyrics to one of her songs, Bareilles handled it with grace and humor. She enlisted the help of a nearby fan to feed her the words, turning a potential mishap into a memorable moment.
Opening act: Renée Elise Goldsberry
The evening’s success was further bolstered by a spirited opening set from Bareilles’ Girls5Eva co-star, Renée Elise Goldsberry. Her performance included standards like Aretha Franklin’s version of “Bridge Over Troubled Water” and a lively rendition of “You’ll Never Walk Alone”. However, the highlight was undoubtedly her rendition of “Satisfied” from Hamilton, reminding the audience of her Broadway roots.
A night to remember
Sara Bareilles’ Hollywood Bowl concert was a testament to her multifaceted talent and enduring appeal. From her Broadway tributes to her feminist anthems, Bareilles delivered a performance that was both powerful and intimate. For fans, it was a night to remember, filled with music, emotion, and a touch of magic.
For more information on Sara Bareilles’ work, check out the trailers for Waitress and Into the Woods. You can also listen to her latest songs on Spotify.