Sings His Way Through Disneyworld
by Melissa Griegel with Photos by Melissa Griegel Photography
Nineteen-year-old Andrew Barth Feldman, of Dear Evan Hansen fame, was such a delight at his solo performance on July 9th at Feinstein’s/54 Below. His show Park Map takes the audience through his memories and experiences at Disneyworld via song, costume changes, and humor. Lots of humor. Feldman is very poised and confident and very, very funny. His show was part stand-up as he regaled the audience with stories about his life.
Shortly after winning the Jimmy Awards as a 16-year-old, Feldman took over the role of Evan Hansen on Broadway. He can be seen in current television series “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series.” The multi-talented Feldman will be heading to Harvard University this fall.
Several guests arrived at the show wearing Disney attire, Mickey ears, and in one case, an Evan Hansen outfit. Feldman centered his entire show around his knowledge of the Disney Parks. He started going as a two-month-old and continued to go with his family year after year. His set walked us through the Disney park map, with stories and songs related to that portion of the park. Feldman started and ended the show singing Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow.
Some of the set included Disney songs such as selections from The Little Mermaid and The Finding Nemo Musical, while others were a departure from Disney but still on theme with the portion of the park he was discussing. His obsession with Tomorrowland being ever-changing and never quite right, led him to the piano to accompany himself as he sang Elton John’s Rocket Man. Donning a Goofy hat, Feldman sang an ode to the Disney character that he wrote himself.
Speaking very rapidly, Feldman showed off his expertise about the park rides with 45-second bits. Audience members were asked to write their favorite Disney attraction on a piece of paper and put it into a Boba Fett jar. Throughout the show, he would pull a paper and put 45 seconds on the clock and say as much as he can about the ride or attraction. This brought laughter and applause from the crowd.
The show took a brief serious tone when he talked about his mother’s passing in 2019. He is mature beyond his years and smoothly transitioned back to the humor after a poignant tribute to his mom. His aunt, brother, and close family friends were there to cheer him on. Also in the audience that night were Broadway artists and fashion designers Irwin Karabell, David Josef, and Daniel Forrester who were impressed with the confidence, humor, and music stylings of Feldman. “This young man is going to go far,” said Josef.
In addition to piano, played by musical director Jon Balcourt, Feldman also played the guitar for some of his songs. As promised, Feldman took us through all the lands of the Disneyworld in an enjoyable evening that will not soon be forgotten. www.54Below.com
