Adam Pascal & Anthony Rapp: Acoustically Speaking: Celebrating 20 Years of Friendship

Adam Pascal and Anthony Rapp

Acoustically Speaking: Celebrating 20 Years of Friendship

Feinstein’s/54 Below, NYC,  October 14, 2016

Reviewed by Randolph B. Eigenbrode for Cabaret Scenes

Adam Pascal (L) & Anthony Rapp
Adam Pascal (L) & Anthony Rapp

Looking around the audience of Adam Pascal and Anthony Rapp’s new offering, you’d be surprised at the youthful demographic that was in attendance. This isn’t your typical cabaret crowd, judging by the dozens of camera phones capturing various songs throughout, but then again, the duo aren’t your typical cabaret performers. And, as their show unfolded, their performances ultimately revealed a departure from the youthful impressions ingrained in our collective minds to new, more mature versions: Mark and Roger all grown-up.

Pascal took the stage first, deftly accompanying himself on the guitar, and some things seem unchanged: an economical use of language and that edgy rock voicing.
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He still seems uncomfortable communicating with his audience, evident in his signature closed-eyed delivery, yet what has evolved is his vocal technique. Placement and tonality were stronger than ever and the difference between full-throttle rock belt and sweet falsetto mix were negotiated with a superb dexterity.
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Most surprising was his intonation, notoriously Pascal’s Achilles heel, and songs like “Open Arms” (Steve Perry/Jonathan Cain) and “One Song Glory” (Jonathan Larson) soared with a confidence that he has aged into. A playful vibe also trickled in here and there, particularly in song choice, and pieces like “Memory” (Andrew Lloyd Webber/T.S. Eliot) and “Maybe This Time” (John Kander/Fred Ebb), with their requisite rock-shuffle arrangements (both fabulous), revealed a softer and more vulnerable side than we’ve seen in the past.

Rapp, an actor never afraid of vulnerability, performed what seemed like a mini solo show, with rehearsed patter and fuller accompaniment. (Daniel Weiss – piano/guitar; Peter Sachon – cello. Great.) Opening with his Rent audition song, “Losing My Religion” (Bill Berry/Peter Buck/Mike Mills/Michael Stipe), and following with “Origin of Love” (Stephen Trask), Rapp let loose and demonstrated his vocal growth, allowing a new, hushed nuance creep into his rock stylings. Unfortunately he ventured into lengthy personal stories of loss and strife. While cabaret is indeed about storytelling, this subject matter might be better served in a full solo cabaret and, moreover, with a good helping of humor.  Back to back to back ballads (six to be exact), no matter how well sung, make it difficult for an audience to stay connected.

Yet the evening’s payoff was when they took the stage together and finally gave the audience the two Larson songs they wanted – “What You Own” and “Seasons of Love” (as a sing-along, of course).
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Watching the two glance over at each other in the latter and flash an unexpected grin and wink, we got a glimpse of the 20 year connection between these performers. And while they’ve grown up and grown past the Gen X, boho boy characters they found fame with, the duo still displays a rare authenticity which allows them to carry that rock musical torch. And that, surely, keeps Larson’s legacy cemented for a new (and camera-phone ready) generation.   

Randolph B. Eigenbrode

Randolph is the newest addition to the writing staff at Cabaret Scenes. He is a cabaret teacher, previously teaching with legend Erv Raible, and his students have gone on to success in the field with sold-out shows and many awards. He is also a director and that, combined with a knowledge of the art form and techniques that cabaret performing encompasses, makes him love reviewing NYC’s cabaret scene. When not catching the Big Apple’s crazy talent, Randolph loves 1970s variety shows, mall Chinese food, Meryl Streep films and a good cold glass of pinot grigio.