Billed as “Back to Where it All Began,” David Amram’s program for last week’s engagement at The Theater for the New City, was a continuation of his 85^th birthday celebration, a party that maybe began on his actual birthday in November, but knowing David, may never actually cease till his 86th.  It was supposed to end at midnight, but was still going strong at 12:30 A.M. when folks of lesser constitution left the still packed room. That may be because the program was so content rich, with Amram’s greatest hits as a composer and performer for all these decades. A week later, the evening may still be in its infancy.

Beginning with chamber works, some dedicated to compositions in memory of friends and collaborators, Arthur Miller, Odetta, and Frank McCourt, and moving into what he calls the “Amram Jam,” all of the night’s performances featured the many musicians and vocalists Amram has been associated with for years. He quotes liberally and improvisationally, “Odetta said, Folk music is the root of the tree.” As he quipped, “My music will be proof that we had a civilization.”

A particularly favorite part of the program for me was the Readings from Jack Kerouac’s On the Road with music, with some extraordinary interpretations by Michael Shannon, Adira Amram, Suzanne Hayes, Larry Kirwan, and John Ventimiglia. The 99 Homes star Michael Shannon stepped in, replacing another reader, for a pitch perfect version of “Children of the American Bop Night.” Called one of the finest actors of his generation, his work in Ramin Bahrani’s powerful film is up for Best Supporting Actor Golden Globe, Independent Spirit, and SAG awards, and soon he will be on Broadway for the Roundabout Theater’s production of Long Day’s Journey Into Night.

A most generous host, David Amram wanted to keep the evening a teachable moment, to let younger people know that it is never too late to reinvent oneself. And so he said, “I’m going to wait 5 years till I’m 90. If I don’t hit the stratosphere, I’m going to dental school.” Let’s hope the party continues. There’s still time to talk him out of this last ambition.

Regina Weinreich

Graphic Design: Salpeter Ventura