Few vocalists are more admired than Linda Eder. Inspired as a child by Judy Garland, Barbra Streisand and opera singer Eileen Farrell, she began performing cross-country, then spent time as a lounge singer until a 12-week win on the television show “Star Search” beckoned her to Broadway. For her starring role in “Jekyll & Hyde,” she won the Theater World Award for Best Actress in a Musical, as well as Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle nominations. Fourteen solo albums later, she makes her Strathmore debut introducing songs from “Now,” her latest CD. All the songs were composed by Frank Wildhorn, her former husband, who writes with her artistry in mind. The styles range from beautiful, emotional Broadway ballads to big-band pop numbers.
“I used to choose songs that are more melody-based, but as I get older I look to lyrics that are intelligent and meaningful,” Eder said. “The lyrics of ‘No Finer Man’ touch me deeply because they remind me of my dad, a wonderful role model. I love the simplicity of ‘Ordinary People’ and the drama of ‘What’s Never Been Done Before.’ ”
| Onstage |
| An Evening with Broadway Star Linda Eder |
| Where: Music Center at Strathmore |
| When: 8 p.m. Thursday |
| Info: $35 to $78; 301-581-5100; strathmore.org |
“Having heard Frank talk about his show ‘Wonderland,’ I knew the song ‘Mad Hatter’ and liked it a lot. ‘The Heat of the Night’ has a big-band swing type that suits me, so it was a natural. After Frank has composed a melody, he gives it to me and we talk about it. When he chooses a lyricist, we work back and forth until it seems right.”
Eder is very selective about her engagements. At this point in her life, she limits them to weekends and relaxes on her 80-acre horse farm during the week to be a full-time mom to her son, now 12. Wherever she performs, her fans arrive in droves to partake of her lush voice and dramatic presentations.
Like Streisand, she has always gravitated to the American songbook standards, but happily takes chances with pop, country and jazz. “Now” takes her in a new direction without forfeiting the full tones and flexible instrument that are her signature.
“At every venue, I always choose a certain number of classic Broadway songs that people want to hear, but it’s important to add a new twist from year to year,” she said. “Older fans want to hear the songs they associate with me, while younger fans look for something new. The Strathmore concert will have music for everyone.”
