Top movie soundtracks 'Wicked,' 'Saturday Night Fever' come to Lindenhurst stage with new show

Soundtracks serve as time markers in our lives. People remember how old they were when they first heard a song from a film or a Broadway show. Those memories are the driving factor behind a new live stage show, "Movies & Musicals with Mor," coming to Manes Studio Theatre of Long Island in Lindenhurst on March 27 and 28.

"I wanted to do something really special with this show," says singer Mor Schwartz, of Commack. "This is the first time I will be performing it so I need it to have a 'wow' factor."

The show will include 24 songs, such as "Lady Marmalade" from "Moulin Rouge," "Memory" from "Cats," "Mamma Mia/Dancing Queen/Waterloo" medley from "Mamma Mia!," "I Dreamed a Dream" from "Les Misérables" and "Let It Go" from "Frozen."

"I’ve chosen the biggest hits from the most popular musicals and mixed them with movie soundtracks," Schwartz says. "These are difficult songs to take on because they are very challenging vocally."

Performing to a track with no band behind her, Schwartz is a soprano, who can hit the notes of an alto as well. However, she not only sings but entertains the crowd with stories about the songs.

"I like to tell my audience what each song is about," Schwartz says. "I think a song has a greater impact when people have that added connection to it. It makes the show more special and keeps the night flowing."

Schwartz first performed at Manes Studio Theatre last year with great success, so management invited her back. "Her vocal talents, combined with her energy and connections with audiences made her a fan favorite," executive producing director Rick Grossman says.

Here are eight hits to expect from movies and musicals that may sound familiar:

'Bohemian Rhapsody'

Schwartz picked "Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen because she believes the song feels like a movie in itself.

" ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ is more than a rock anthem; it is a masterpiece of storytelling," Schwartz says. "It fits this night perfectly because, much like the best musicals, it dares to be everything at once: a confession, a tragedy and a triumph."

'Defying Gravity'

The showstopper from the musical and film "Wicked," "Defying Gravity" was put in the set list because Schwartz wanted to take on a vocal hurdle. "It is the ultimate mountain to climb," she says.  

'Think'

A tip of the hat will be given to the late Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin when Schwartz sings "Think" from the 1980 film "The Blues Brothers."

"When it comes to the soul anthem ‘Think,’ we aren't just talking about a song; we are talking about a vocal earthquake," she says. "Aretha’s performance is one of the most electrifying moments in film history and bringing that energy to the stage is a thrill."

'Stayin' Alive'

Taking on the Bee Gees’ "Stayin’ Alive" from "Saturday Night Fever" is no easy feat because it involves vocal athletics. "I knew I had to include something that would get everyone’s heart rate up," she says.  

'Ben'

One surprising choice is the 1972 Michael Jackson ballad "Ben" from the film of the same name. The song is about a rat that serves as the main character’s best friend.

"I feel that every great show needs a heart — a moment where the character feels alone until they find a friend. I chose ‘Ben’ to represent that universal search for belonging," Schwartz says.

Original debut

At one point in the show, Schwartz will pause the movies and musical theme to debut an original song she co-wrote with Hugh Colocott and Jimmy Santis of Vortex Music called "Twlight." It bridges the gap between modern pop-noir and classic theatrical storytelling.

"The song is about that magnetic, dangerous pull toward something you know might break you," she says.

Dolly & Olivia tribute

Schwartz has been on the tribute scene performing in her "Olivia & Grease vs. Dolly and Divas" show, where she portrays both Olivia Newton-John and Dolly Parton in two different sets, which comes to Manes Studio Theatre on April 11. She also includes music from other divas, including Taylor Swift, Shania Twain, Carrie Underwood, Reba McEntire and Martina McBride.

During her "Movies & Musicals" show, Schwartz will give the crowd a taste of that show by performing the title track to the 1980 film "9 to 5,” by Parton, and "Hopelessly Devoted to You" and "Sandra Dee," by Newton-John from "Grease," as well as "Xanadu" from "Xanadu."

'Con Te Partirò'

Schwartz closes the show with a classical ballad called "Con Te Partirò (Time to Say Goodbye)" by Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman.

"To me, the message of ‘I will go with you’ — of embarking on a new journey with someone you love — is the ultimate cinematic theme," Schwartz says.

By David J. Criblez

david.criblez@newsday.comDavidJCriblez

David J. Criblez is a reporter for Newsday's exploreLI, covering entertainment-related events from local music to stand-up comedy to festivals.