The Ziegfeld Society
The Unsinkable Tammy Grimes: A Musical Life in Revue
Lang Concert Hall, NYC, April 29, 2017
Reviewed by Rob Lester for Cabaret Scenes
With a stated mission “to preserve musical theater history through education and performance,” the invaluable Ziegfeld Society and its generous-length presentations are a real treat: real old-school entertainment lovingly presented and often feeling like a happy trip back in time. A tribute to Tammy Grimes, who passed away in October, was a love fest.
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Hosted and directed by ebullient and marvelously strong-voiced Walter Willison, the evening opened with him welcoming Laura Kenyon for a lively duet of “You’d Better Love Me” from High Spirits, the musical version of Blithe Spirit in which Miss Grimes played the ghost visiting her husband and his new wife. From the same musical, Steve Ross delighted with the character’s name-dropping description of life in “Home Sweet Heaven.” Castmate Joe Sirola from the musical that found Grimes as The Unsinkable Molly Brown trotted out his still-rowdy “Belly Up to the Bar, Boys” with a twinkle in his eye.
A special section recalled the successful stage production of 42nd Street, with the classy Jane Summerhays doing the once-upon-a-time Grimes assignment “About a Quarter to Nine,” and cast veteran Lee Roy Reams, ever effervescent, with more of those great old songs. A special treat was Chris Orbach, vocally following in the footsteps of the musical’s original leading man (and his father), the late Jerry Orbach, solid and terrific in his own right, but also quite reminiscent of his dad. One cute moment had him nodding to Reams to take the high note—which he did, with gusto. Klea Blackhurst was impressive and impactful with “George and I,” a more dramatic turn that she’s usually handed in group shows where her pizzazz and punchy delivery are the usual. Patricia Bosworth, a friend and biographer of the late actress, offered a reading of tender reminiscences. Other amusing anecdotes and even more singers filled the stage and the time.
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Happily, we were reminded of the unique voice and personality of the actress herself, courtesy of film clips provided by Rick McKay who filmed interviews with her for his invaluable Broadway: The Golden Age.
The last show until the fall is June 24, saluting songwriters Robert Wright and George Forrest (Grand Hotel, Kismet, Song of Norway, The Great Waltz).
