Mason Griffin
No Blue Monday
The Duplex, NYC, March 6, 2016
Reviewed by Rob Lester for Cabaret Scenes
When Auntie Mame needed to cure the blues and blahs, early Yuletide decorations did the trick with Jerry Herman’s peppy “We Need a Little Christmas.” Singer-pianist Mason Griffin offered a full platter of the merry Jerry’s determination that optimism must prevail. Life-affirming, uplifting, numbers are the composer-lyricist’s Number 1 strong suit; cut from the same cloth is the grinning Griffin in his likable presentation. His Mame picks included the sweetly hopeful prayer to “St. Bridget,” a non-obvious choice among otherwise mostly best-known selections from Herman’s Broadway scores (and hit musicals). With logical “And then he wrote…” chronological format, songs were set up with behind-the-scenes anecdotes and context-giving plot summaries. Our affable Herman history-focused host helpfully offered perspective and exuded the joy and gentleness in the material.
Clearly a focused, respectful admirer of the tunesmith and the musicals, Griffin’s path was more as entertaining, endearing lecture/demonstration rather than cabaret’s usual agenda (personalizing lyrics). Despite Thomas Honeck’s spot-on tech work, the spotlight was put by Mason on the material, as originally conceived, not himself.
Thus, while obviously a skilled pianist, the performer didn’t choose showcasing deftness by re-styling the familiar. While genial and bright in tone, vocals weren’t as reliably strong and secure as keyboarding. Crisp diction, devotion and emotion were major compensations. Another plus: despite being seated at the piano, he turned to look right at the audience, not at sheet music.
Early on, he encouraged singing along at any point. I shuddered, not loving LOTS of that, outside of piano bars (or even in them). Predictably, rousers “Hello, Dolly!
” and “The Best of Times” brought out the fullest participation. But this target audience seemed satisfied customers. In any case, pleasant Professor Mason Griffin makes a good case for appreciating hero Herman’s songwriting craft, whether preaching to the choir or attracting converts.
