Events and Happenings
In Conversation: An Evening With Vivian Reed, Standards & More
photos courtesy of Vivian Reed
Eclectic. Elegant. Entertainer.
I recently sat down with two-time Tony nominee, Vivian Reed, who is currently in residency at the Metropolitan Room serving soprano spirituality and soul in her one-woman concert series, An Evening With Vivian, Reed Standards and More.
THEE legendary Vivian Reed. “God Bless The Child” Vivian Reed.
Well, they say Rome wasn’t built in one day and legend status certainly isn’t achieved overnight. Vivian walked me through her life. She was born a classical singer, making melodious tones at the age of three. Started voice lessons at eight. Went on to study at Juilliard, starred on Broadway (Bubbling Brown Sugar, The High Rollers Social and Pleasure Club, Marie Christine), and navigated a successful career as a recording artist.
After taking some time off to care for her mother, Vivian is back like she never left. The time is now! We have the opportunity to see her in an intimate setting, presenting her powerhouse vocals and one of a kind arrangements with the accompaniment of a four-piece band.
From watching her past performances, she exudes vibrancy and energy in a way that makes it clear that performing is her passion. Performance is met with storytelling that is deliberate and direct, structured and intentional.
In response, she said, “People say I take them on a journey. You can have a powerful voice, and not be an entertainer. I am an entertainer. That’s what I do. It’s an adventure. Laugh. Cry. Think. When you come to my show you should bring a hanky.”
Now that’s a word.
Put perhaps what’s best, is that every song she picks to perform means something to her. She’s telling her story. The story of a Pittsburgh native. The daughter of Lucille and Clyde Reed. The story of an accomplished singer, a standout dancer, a striking actor— a true entertainer, a woman who has traveled and performed around the world and then some.
She leaned in and told me,“I am very real, nothing is rehearsed or scripted.”
As to her longevity in the business, she credited learning many parts of the business and the importance of making a living when not performing. She’s conquered acting, singing, dance, fashion, and teaching. She’s currently on staff of Marymount College in New York, and previously taught at Berklee College of Music. She is a photographer. And she has a line of customized scarves that are certainly worth checking out.
Vivian Reed is a Broadway legend. Truly a representation of the excellence that is Broadway Black. In light of the spectacular season of talented Black actors and actresses dominating the stage, I asked if any performances stuck out to her.
Immediately she spoke of The Color Purple’s Cynthia Erivo and Shuffle Along’s Audra McDonald.
“Cynthia blew me away. I wanted to jump in the middle of her song and just scream.” As for Audra, Vivian spoke admiringly of Lady Day At Emerson’s Bar and Grill, saying “Audra put in the work and I was truly impressed.”
So were we, Vivian. So were we!
As for her future, Ms. Reed sees more films on the horizon. She’s a supporter of original pieces, and doesn’t mind directing. So can we get an original piece with Audra McDonald and Cynthia Erivo? We’ve got our director! It’s out in the atmosphere now!
Vivian Reed doesn’t live in one vein. She effortlessly transitions from pop, blues, rock and roll, musical theater, and gospel. She is dressed for the Gods. She is flawless. And honey, if it’s not clear yet, she can SANG! Don’t miss your opportunity.
An Evening With Vivian Reed: Standards and More will be at the Metropolitan Room Monday, May 23 at 7 PM, Friday, June 17 at 9:30 PM, and Thursday, July 21 at 7 PM. To make reservations visit www.MetropolitanRoom.com or call 212-206-0440.
