Amanda Seyfried Stuns Audience with Enchanting Performance at “The Testament of Ann Lee” Screening
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Amanda Seyfried, the talented actress, surprised the audience with a captivating performance at the screening of “The Testament of Ann Lee” in New York City. The 40-year-old actress joined composer Daniel Blumberg in singing two songs from the film, including a reimagined Shaker hymn and an original song.
In the historical musical drama directed by Mona Fastvold, Seyfried portrays the legendary Ann Lee, who founded the devotional sect known as the Shakers. The film delves into a compelling narrative about grief, power, and social equality. Blumberg, the composer, wrote three original songs for the movie to complement the numerous hymns adapted from historical sources.
The performance began with Seyfried and Blumberg sitting at the piano to sing “Beautiful Treasures,” an adaptation of a traditional Shaker hymn featured in a poignant sequence in the film. Seyfried shared, “One of the hardest things was the week in the studio where I did ‘Beautiful Treasures,’ which is the montage where I lose all my babies…Mona wasn’t feeling it yet, and we would come back the next day to the studio, and I was like, ‘Okay, so, should we try it more talky or whispering?’ She’s like, ‘No, I just want you to lay on the floor and just imagine giving birth.’”
The duo then introduced “Clothed by the Sun,” an original song from the film that Blumberg initially recorded with his voice and a guitar. Blumberg explained, “When I write songs, usually the best ones happen very quickly and naturally. With ‘Clothed by the Sun,’ I plugged in my electric guitar, and it all came out in one piece.” The song was originally intended as a solo but evolved into a duet, adding a contemporary feel to the film.
Aside from the remarkable soundtrack, the film also explores the ecstatic movements and vocalizations of the Shakers. Seyfried expressed, “Basically, I follow Mona into the light and anything goes because there’s so much freedom, and the only threat is to not use that freedom to your advantage as an artist to go as far deep as you can go to make the craziest sounds. I’ve never been let loose in this way.”
“The Testament of Ann Lee” features an ensemble cast including Thomasin Mckenzie, Lewis Pullman, Stacy Martin, Matthew Beard, Scott Handy, Viola Prettejohn, Jamie Bogyo, David Cale, Tim Blake Nelson, and Christopher Abbott. The film is set to release in theaters on December 25.
The surprise performance by Amanda Seyfried added an extra layer of magic to the screening event, leaving the audience mesmerized by her musical talents. Seyfried’s portrayal of Ann Lee promises to be a compelling and moving experience for viewers as they delve into the historical drama brought to life on the big screen.
As the anticipation builds for the release of “The Testament of Ann Lee,” audiences eagerly await the opportunity to witness Seyfried’s captivating performance and the musical brilliance woven throughout the film. With its blend of history, music, and powerful storytelling, the movie is poised to make a lasting impact on viewers.
The star-studded event in New York City highlighted the talents of Amanda Seyfried and Daniel Blumberg, showcasing their incredible chemistry and musical prowess. As the film’s release date draws near, fans of Seyfried, Blumberg, and historical dramas alike are poised to be swept away by the emotional and captivating journey of “The Testament of Ann Lee.”
In conclusion, Amanda Seyfried’s surprise performance at the screening event added a touch of magic to the night, setting the stage for the upcoming release of the highly anticipated film. With Seyfried’s exceptional talent and Blumberg’s musical expertise, “The Testament of Ann Lee” promises to be a cinematic experience that captures hearts and minds alike.