Something's Coming - Isaac Powell of Broadway's 'West Side Story' | Live from Here with Chris Thile

Isaac Powell sings "Something's Coming" from 'West Side Story' on our December 14, 2019 show. See him in the new Broadway production, beginning February 6, 2020. #IsaacPowell #WestSideStory #Broadway

At the piano: Meg Zervoulis

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[charleshudson]

Best vocal inflections of this song that I've ever heard. So conversational, street colloquial. Modern-day emphasis on so many syllables. He's singing and talking at the same time.

[KRAM]

I loved this. A great reminder that Sondheim songs were written to be *acted* - yes, the singing is important, but they need to be performed by actors who can sing, not singers who can barely act.

[miamiracer]

Loved his performance, makes me think I would like to see Tony portrayed as more of a slick guy not so goody-two-shoes, because after all he is an ex-gang member. His singing is perfect and I never heard a better rendition of this song.

[thainadaterra]

I love how story orientated this is, yes his vocals are also down right great; but my focus is on how conversational and acted he's being. Like, yes Tony, I can feel something's coming too!! Tell me He's got the singing-talking perfected

[pnelson]

The pianist is superb, too. Wow to both of them. Thank you, Stephen Sondheim and Leonard Bernstein for this incredible composition, always full of anticipation and wonder.

[brianfraley]

I love how he brings some jazz inflections into this and acts the song while making the vocal seem effortless. My favorite interpretstion of the song I have ever seen/heard.

[alexandraasmuth]

His actig was so natural in this song and so different from other renditions, I loved it

[MMK]

Just saw the production two nights ago. Isaac Powell was exceptional as Tony. In the clip shown here, he may have still been conceptualizing the song; his performance the other night was more polished and in character. Terrific singer and actor. Shereen Pimentel was also a wonderful Maria; the rest of the young cast was excellent, too. We look forward to seeing the production again!

[Pww]

bravo to the pianist! she's so wonderful

[MA-iuhu]

The youthfulness shines through here and it’s great. I can’t imagine how gripping the rest of this production must be

[Korbin_Arts]

Wesley is definitely in the audience beaming with pride

[briantuma]

The most naturally sung version I have ever heard!

[miasemperteguii]

yall his Maria was RIDICULOUS omg it was soooo amazing!!!!

[pattiturner]

I've never met this young man, but I know his dad and his family. Very proud. Makes you feel like you know him. Go get 'em, Isaac!!

[markmalbone]

Possibly the toughest song in musical theater to pull off. Requires an actor singing rather than a singer acting (the whole show requires it).Bernstein used this voice as an instrument in an orchestral fabric. Referring the voice to bassoon, French horn and piano specifically in this case. He was great but had little right to compose for theater. Maybe the finest conductor of your generation and you compose this tricky wonderful thing? Even Sondheim (young, great lyric throughout) was sheepish about taking the job.
This particular song Bernstein asks that actor singing (as opposed to a singer acting - hence the drudgery of the truly great Carreras trying to record with Bernstein) be just slightly ahead of the beat, leading the music just a little bit. Not by much. That is acting. He knew what he wanted. This guy does it. Great moment.

[TigerPrawn_]

His velvety voice really is something else.

[abbeyalonso]

I came here because I went to see the show and got to meet Isaac he’s so amazing ❤️

[TheHenryshead]

ISAAC POWELL, BEST RENDITION!!! THANK YOU!!!

[ANightworkerslife]

Damn, this must be the best version I have heard until now. Great voice, great understanding of the lyrics, great control . Super inflections and really made this song woth listening to. New favourite to follow :)

[ppcdnce]

This is I like his attitude, with a smooth vocal, with jazz inflections, and contemporary movement. All of that in 3min. I must see this show 💜