Showtime at the Apollo
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Kolson was determined that the show would go on; running through the guest list in his head, he realized that his friend Scott Bennett had been invited to the opening. Bennett, who runs an advertising jingle company, plays drums, guitar, and several other instruments (recently he’s been performing as a percussionist and backup vocalist for Brian Wilson). He had just been seated when Kolson tapped him on the shoulder and explained his predicament. Soon Bennett was backstage warming up with a couple of drumsticks while music director Theodis Rodgers Jr. talked him through the first act. The second act featured a long medley of music from Battle’s Broadway shows, including a rhythmically tricky selection from Bob Fosse’s Dancin’. Bennett couldn’t read music, and Rodgers knew they’d need another drummer to get through the medley. As Bennett brazened his way through the first act, a call went out to Leo Murphy, a veteran player who lives near Lincoln Square. Murphy raced over to the theater in time for the second act. “He was wonderful,” says Rodgers. “He managed to play the Fosse segment cold.” There was no performance Tuesday night; by Wednesday, Kolson had learned of Morrisette’s illness and replaced him with drummer Dave Meyers.
Reopening the Case of the Black Orchid
Second Choice
