Melissa Errico: Funny, I’m a Woman with Children!

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Melissa Errico

Funny, I’m a Woman with Children!

Feinstein’s/54 Below, NYC, September 21, 2016

Reviewed by Marilyn Lester for Cabaret Scenes

Melissa-Errico-Cabaret-Scenes-Magazine_212Absurdities and the ins and outs of marriage and motherhood—these are the themes of Melissa Errico’s new show, in which the star wants you to know exactly where she’s at in life. This tell-all is accomplished through an eclectic song list, which, like any good musical, flawlessly moves the storyline along. From the opening two numbers, “Secret o’ Life” (James Taylor) and “Small World” (Jule Styne/Stephen Sondheim), thence into Errico’s narrative, it was apparent that the evening was going to be intensely heart-on-sleeve personal.

Very few performers can carry off so much (seemingly unstructured) talk, talk, talk without losing the attention of the audience. Errico holds the stage through sheer charm, a willingness to share and the force of personality. A long story about childhood into young adulthood and first loves rolls neatly into “Other People’s Parties”/”Real Emotional Girl” (Joni Mitchell/Randy Newman) and “Ribbons Down My Back” (Jerry Herman). And so it goes through the diva’s life to date with a 20-year marriage to Patrick McEnroe and three lovely little girls (Ewan MacColl’s “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” and Michel Legrand/Alan & Marilyn Bergman’s “The Way He Makes Me Feel”). Errico is an accomplished actress and her voice is legendary for its range, clarity and flexibility, attributes perfect for a mastery of Sondheim’s “Marry Me a Little” and “Children Will Listen,” both sublimely performed.

Errico was accompanied only by Musical Director Tedd Firth’s extraordinary and sensitive piano—a  wise choice for a show that is so directly personal. It was a treat to hear the two present a number cut from My Fair Lady: “Shy” (Alan Jay Lerner/Frederick Loewe), with Firth reading from a handwritten chart. With guest artist Richard Troxell, the duo performed “Do I Hear a Waltz?” (Richard Rodgers/Stephen Sondheim) with the chemistry they exuded in their recent turn in the eponymous musical. Two Brazilian works, thematically related, “Photograph”/”Fotografia” (Antonio Carlos Jobim & Ray Gilbert/Dori Caymmi, Mann, Paulo César Pinheiro) were also especially engaging. With an upcoming Finian’s Rainbow on her calendar, Errico’s encore was the nostalgic “How Are Things in Glocca Morra?” (Burton Lane/E.Y. “Yip” Harburg), executed with haunting beauty. Director Robbie Rozelle can take credit for guiding Errico through a very fine and accessible crowd-pleasing show.

Marilyn Lester

Marilyn Lester left journalism and commercial writing behind nearly two decades ago to write plays. That branch in the road led to screenwriting, script-doctoring, dramaturgy and producing for the stage. Marilyn has also co-authored, as well as edited, books. It seemed the only world of words she hadn’t conquered was criticism, an opportunity that presented itself via Theater Pizzazz. Marilyn has since sought to widen her scope in this form of writing she especially relishes. Marilyn is a member of the Authors Guild, Dramatists Guild, Women in the Arts and Media and The League of Professional Theater Women.