Andy Karl and Orfeh: Songs from the Crypt

Andy Karl and Orfeh

Songs from the Crypt

Birdland, NYC, October 31, 2016

Reviewed by Randolph B. Eigenbrode for Cabaret Scenes

Orfeh & Andy Karl
Orfeh & Andy Karl

There’s an interesting dilemma that often happens with musical theater singers. Technical training seems to cause a loss of stylistic authenticity when approaching pop/rock/R&B. Add an acting journey, a Top-40 taboo, and you get a watered-down version of those who seem to embody, rather than style. In the case of power couple Andy Karl and Orfeh’s Halloween offering, the audience was tricked, more than treated, with a half-baked show. Combine that with an evening paying tribute to deceased artists of the iconic ilk and so often what one gets are tribute band-type performances.

Orfeh, a former Top-40 singer, seemed to fare better —given her smoky voice and pop-tinged riffs— particularly in “If I Can’t Have You” (Barry, Robin and Maurice Gibb), honoring the late Yvonne Elliman. Strong musically, her emotional connection to this piece (or any) was nowhere to be found. (Sad.) “Kiss” (Prince) had the most spot-on vocal of the night, perhaps because it closed the show, and Orfeh let herself have some honest fun by settling into a groove that finished with a pyro bang.

Karl, more musical theater, seemed to struggle with his pieces, often sounding like a karaoke-track guide vocal. Playing into the Halloween theme, both “Candy Man” (Leslie Bricusse/Anthony Newley) and “Disco Inferno” (Leroy Greene/Ron Kersey) were awkward and offered no insight into Karl’s point of view. “If I Can Dream” (Walter Earl Brown), for Elvis Presley, was a departure, as Karl didn’t attempt to ape the King’s stylings. Yet, for a piece with such inherent political messaging, Karl showed little interest in connecting to its sentiments. (Sadder.)

Karl and Orfeh have made careers out of being Broadway standouts, but, for their Birdland showing, they were ill-prepared, preventing them from making any impact. In keeping with the Halloween references they set up, one can only say, “Boo.”

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.