Laura Benanti

Tales from Soprano Isle

Feinstein’s at the Nikko, San Francisco, CA, July 29, 2016

Reviewed by Steve Murray for Cabaret Scenes

Laura Benanti is on a roll—a very big roll. She just starred in the critically acclaimed Broadway revival of She Loves Me, for which she received a 2016 Tony Award, Drama Desk Award, Outer Critic’s Circle Award and Drama League Distinguished Performance Award Nominations. She’s been on major hit TV shows, been nominated for five Tony Awards and, for her portrayal of Gypsy Rose Lee in Gypsy opposite Patti LuPone, won the 2008 Tony for Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical, as well as the Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards.  It’s a career trajectory that most performers would kill for. Add to that résumé “internet sensation” after her hilarious viral video spoof of Melania Trump on Stephen Colbert’s Late Show topped 8 million views. Oh, and after this funny, poignant and beautifully performed show, she’s a cabaret star as well.

Benanti opened with a medley from She Loves Me: “Tonight at Eight,” “Dear Friend” and the delightful “Ice Cream,” showcasing her remarkable vocal range. She follows in the footsteps of two other wonderful sopranos who have played the role of Amalia—Barbara Cook and Judy Kuhn. In addition, Benanti sang the title song from The Sound of Music, a role she played in a Broadway revival in 1999 (she understudied Rebecca Luker and played the role the last three months of the run), of course following Julie Andrews in the 1964 film adaptation. I reference these other leading lady sopranos only as a comparison, a bar to judge by. Benanti sees the bar, and raises it.

She’s holding all the aces.

Funny? Benanti has that covered with a hilarious story involving a prop-related groin injury, an ice pack and Patti LuPone displaying her charm and openness.
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Smart? Yup, her set list included beautifully selected material from her favorite songwriters: Joni Mitchell’s love triangle “He Comes for Conversation,” Harry Chapin’s “Remember When the Music,” and Tori Amos’ emotionally painful “Hey Jupiter.” She knows how to take on these brilliant lyrics, wrap her voice around the meanings and deliver stunning interpretations. Über-talented? Certainly. Her voice is clear, distinct and technically perfect.

She and Musical Director/pianist/backup vocalist Todd Almond meld together seamlessly. She closed the show with a touching a cappella rendition of “A Quiet Thing” from Flora the Red Menace.

Benanti is a special gift that comes around every once in a blue moon.
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She’s the total package and this show is another golden notch in her ever growing repertoire.
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