Michael Krajewski and Debbie Gravitte 'Bond' in Two Parts

THE CONDUCTOR:

"This music is from the most exciting action sequences of these super-popular films."

Michael Krajewski spent a decade with Long Beach Symphony and has dedicated his career to developing entertaining programs infused with clever humor for symphonies in Houston, Atlanta and Philadelphia. Krajewski returns to Long Beach with Tony Award-winner, Debbie Gravitte, for "Bond and Beyond," part of the successful Pops! Concert Series at Long Beach Arena.

"Some of this music is rarely performed," said Krajewski. "We're using the music from some of the biggest Bond films like Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace. This music is from the most exciting action sequences of these super-popular films. People think of the action first, but I think of the music!"

"Bond and Beyond" is filled with other iconic, memorable music, some boast soaring vocals suited perfectly to soloist Debbie Gravitte. "She's terrific and can sing anything well," says Krajewski. "I think of the great songs like 'Goldfinger' and, for more contemporary audiences, 'Skyfall,' the Oscar Award-winning song performed and originally written by Adele."

Second in five Pops! Concerts for the Long Beach Symphony, the Bond and Beyond show is special because it takes place in the Long Beach Arena. A casual environment that includes the POPS! Bistro and Bar, with tables and a dance floor for a more intimate, party-style vibe to attract younger audiences.

Krajewski also has a few tricks up his sleeve. "We create a fun, tongue-in-cheek piece that we think audiences will appreciate," slyly says the conductor. "Let's just say it involves a cellular phone as a solo instrument in the orchestra. If that isn't a wink toward Bond, then nothing is."

THE PERFORMER:

"The stage is the one place I feel at home. I have no fear. I'm a bit ner- vous, of course, but really what I feel is joy."

Debbie Gravitte has "no fear." Not unlike Idina Menzel or Sutton Foster, this Tony Award-winner for Jerome Robbins Broadway is a show stopper and she knows it.

Gravitte joins Michael Krajewski and the Long Beach Symphony Pops! Series for "Bond and Beyond," a sensational show celebrating the world's most famous spy. The concert is filled with all the iconic music and songs from over 50 years of the series, including "From Russia With Love," "Goldfinger," "Diamonds Are Forever" and "Skyfall," plus tributes to other spies and detectives from around the world.

Gravitte was visiting her son who attends Clemson University in South Carolina when we finally found a way to connect for this interview. Breathless and energetic, just like she is on stage, "I'm excited to come to Long Beach and Michael Krajewski (LBSO conductor), has done an amazing job putting together some amazing music for me and for the audience. It is going to be a blast," Gravitte stated. "I get to sing some classic Bond and we have a few surprises that I can't tell you about."

Never one to be coy, Gravitte has a full-throttle voice that audiences all over love - especially her gay following - which is huge. "I never think of my audience as a gay audience... they are just my audience," she claims. "For the community to embrace me means everything and more. They are my kindred spirits, friends and family."

She abruptly pauses and says, "Honestly, I think I am too normal to be gay. I'm just not artistic enough!" Untrue of course, because Gravitte has also been nominated for a Drama Desk award for Perfectly Frank and the New York Show-stopper Awards; when she sings her voice rattles the rafters and she"leaves everything on the stage."

Then Gravitte laughs, "The stage is the one place I feel at home. I have no fear. I'm a bit ner- vous, of course, but really what I feel is joy. And, when you feel that kind of joy, you never want to stop."

Catch Krajewski, Gravitte and the Long Beach Symphony for "Bond and Beyond" on Saturday, November 22, in an informal "picnic" setting with tables of 10. Guests can relax, cater in, or bring their own picnic meal. For tickets and more information call 562.436.3203 or go to lbso.org