At Don't Tell Mama
Reviewed by David Roberts for Theatre Reviews Limited
"I
write the songs that make the whole world sing, I write the songs of love
and special things, I write the songs that make the young girls [and boys]
cry, I write the songs, I write the songs."The Manhattan cabaret scene has benefitted greatly by the eastward migration of musician Jim Abbott and press rep/cabaret aficionado Laura Davis. Jim and Laura have teamed up and invited an impressive list of performers to celebrate mega star Barry Manilow's fifty-third birthday. This event at Don't Tell Mama could go down in history as one of the most extravagant evenings of "Big Fun" in cabaret history. Pretending to be nothing other than a shameless night of celebrating the impressive "canon of Manilow music," Laura Davis and her guests revere the legacy of Manilow and his trademark power ballads, jazz, swing, jingles, and key changes.
Beginning with a nice, tight, controlled Count Basie's "Avenue C" and ending with a raucous but respectful "Happy Birthday" (with marble cake!), "The Big Barry Birthday Bash" entertains everyone from the Barry fans in Twelve Step Programs to those not quite sure of what they think of the sometimes campy crooner. The perfect host, Laura Davis (with at least two costume changes) introduces every act and is sometimes seen on stage herself and her labor of love is worth the cover charge, even if your rendition of one of Barry's songs doesn't win you a "Barry Buck" (though no one was denied the rewards on opening night).
Tom
Schmid, who recently appeared as Dodi in "Queen of Hearts," has a wonderful
stage presence and a pleasing, clarion voice which he uses to full advantage
in several of the evening's performances including "Ready To Take A Chance
Again" and a very funny medley of Barry-inspired jingles. Michelle Carter
is a great performer who often teams up with the other singers who give
the audience terrific numbers with nice choreography. Blair Bybee's "One
Voice" and Jim Abbott's "Sunday Father" and "Studio Musician" are performed
with real conviction. Jarrod Cafaro and Elle B. Willson give the audience
a welcome dose of the Barry "power ballad" with their pleasing voices which
deliver at any volume. Lisa Kirchner's rendition of "Sandra" (who "puts
down the phone when her husband comes home") knows exactly how to deliver
Barry's "feeling/story songs" wondering with the audience what it might
mean to have "time for me for myself." Laura Sarma (as Lily Tomlin) and
Doug Anderson bring all their charm and impeccable comedic timing to Manilow's
"Last Duet." After a short break, all the performers return to dazzle and delight with renditions of (among others) "Daybreak," "Paradise Café," "Say No More," "When October Goes," and (yes!) "Copacabana." Though one might not think Barry Manilow when one thinks Charles Cermele, Charles, undaunted, gives a memorable rendition of "When October Goes" (written by Barry and John H. Mercer). Charles Cermele's styling of this song (also made famous by Rosemary Clooney) is a further example of this performer's impeccable phrasing and his exquisite voice.
The evening's comedic highlight is the totally explosive performance of "Copacabana" with none other than Doug Anderson" as Lola! This number, performed to a background recording of Barry himself singing the song, leaves the audience howling, clapping and longing for more Doug Anderson surprises.
Jim Abbott (keyboards), Hugh Mason (bass), and Ray Grappone (drums) electrify the small stage throughout the entire evening of songs. This amazing band is as close to authentic "New York City rhythm" as one can imagine.
Like Bette, Barry knows "You've Got To Have Friends." Laura Davis has friends in this incredible lineup of performers, all paying tribute to a legend in the recording industry, all sharing from their hearts what is means to sing songs of love and, yes, special things.
Reviewed on Monday, June 14 (Opening Night)
"THE BIG BARRY BIRTHDAY BASH"
Produced and hosted by Laura Davis. Band: Jim Abbott (piano, musical director), Hugh Mason (bass), and Ray Grappone (drums). Presented by Cabaret a la Carte at Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street between Eighth and Ninth Avenues (212-757-0788). Performances on Monday, June 14 at 9:00 p.m. and Thursday, June 17 at 11:00 p.m. (Barry's birthday). The cover charge is $11.00, plus a two drink minimum. Barry fans can "tune up" and receive a "Barry Buck" worth one dollar off the cover charge. Visit the comprehensive and wacky "Birthday Bash" web site at http://www.tomschmid.com/barry created by Tom Schmid.
WITH: Doug Anderson, Cornelius Bates, Blair Bybee, Jarrod Cafaro, Michelle Carter, Charles Cermele, Lisa Kirchner, Laura Sarma, Tom Schmid, and Elle B. Willson.