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Courtenay Day: Take Me To The World

At: Don't Tell Mama

Reviewer: David Roberts for Theatre Reviews Limited

As a lifelong dancer and a dance teacher, Courtenay Day knows that to move from one place to another successfully and properly is not an easy matter. Movement solo is a difficult task. Movement in concert with another human being is even more challenging.

Singing a song is not unlike dancing. The principle, the singer, "moves" with two partners (at least): the music partner and the lyric partner. The more carefully and gracefully the singer dances with these two partners the more successful the result.

When Courtenay Day achieves that "pas de trois"the result is nothing short of spectacular as it is in the pairing of "Get Here If You Can" (Brenda Gordon Russell) and "I Will" (John Lennon/Paul McCartney). These songs suit Ms. Day's vocal range perfectly and in that comfort zone she is free to create some wonderful phrasing and some pleasant stylings. With Christopher Marlowe's accompaniment the result is marvelous.

This kind of simpatico is evident as well in her performance of Harold Arlen and Ira Gershwin's "Dissertation On A State Of Bliss" and A. and M. Bergman's "What Are You Doing For The Rest Of Your Life?" during which Ms. Day is passionately sensitive to the lyric and its appropriate expression.

Even when there is a minor misstep in her handling of a song, the results are not unpleasant. Her performance just isn't as dramatic as it otherwise might be. This was the case in the pairing of two Stephen Sondheim songs: the show's title song "Take Me To The World" and "Anyone Can Whistle." There are notes here that need elongation and emphasis which Ms. Day apparently chooses not to do.

On the whole spending time with Courtenay Day and Christopher Marlowe is a very pleasant experience. With Mr. Marlowe's encouragement and direction, Ms. Day continues to challenge herself and to expand her songbook. Her first CD "Courtenay Day: Live At Don't Tell Mama" is a very pleasant listen. She hints at a second CD with Mr. Marlowe in the near future.

Reviewed on Wednesday, February 7, 2001

Musical director and accompanist, Christopher Marlowe. At Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street between 8th and 9th Avenues. Wednesdays February 7, 21, 28, and March 7 at 7:00 p.m. There is a $15.00 music charge and a 2-drink minimum (cash only). Reservations: (212) 757-0788.

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