Pittman is the earnest, lyrical, doe-eyed, emotive mezzo. And Boston-the evening's musical and dramatic center point-is the supremely controlled low alto with a voice so casually and artfully powerful that, when she wants it to, it will toast your day's distractions, then melt your heart and spread it over them ... her opening gambit … is the simple declarative, so instantly persuasive that it's sad and funny at the same time, like "You're mean to me" from Ain't Misbehavin'. "Downhearted Blues" was another Boston solo highlight, as was "His Eye Is on the Sparrow" during the divas' rousing gospel sendoff.

Pittman shone most brightly in "Your Daddy's Son" from Ragtime and "Solitude." N'Kenge, blaringly versatile even in the context of this versatile trio, draws dashingly from Rent's "Seasons of Love," The Wiz's "Home," and even-so sportingly-from Cab Calloway's "Minnie the Moocher." The trio's harmonies were exceptionally sharp and vibrant throughout, particularly striking in "Harlem Nocturne" and "Moody's Mood for Love." Joubert's ensemble was tight in the good sense, and invariably sensitive to the divas' pacing and intensity … wonderfully cast stars shine in the way they shine best-by singing. They're real divas, after all, so give 'em some space."

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