Daryl Nitz & Company: The Artist Must Be Free—A Salute to John F. Kennedy

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Daryl Nitz and Company

The Artist Must Be Free—A Salute to John F. Kennedy

Skokie Theatre, Skokie, IL, May 28, 2017

Reviewed by Carla Gordon for Cabaret Scenes

Daryl Nitz

At a commencement speech, President John F. Kennedy said, “If art is to nourish the roots of our culture, society must set the artist free to follow his vision wherever it takes him.” For those among us in the Baby Boomer generation, we remember how the concerts produced at the White House (often arranged by the First Lady) conveyed the national value of supporting the arts. Upon reflecting on JFK’s sentiments, Producer Daryl Nitz (pictured) went about creating a centennial tribute to the President that featured selections made famous by many of Kennedy’s favorite performers, ranging from Judy Garland to Mahalia Jackson to Jimmy Durante.

Durante was honored well with Bob Moreen’s gently delivered “September Song.
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” A remarkable surprise came from veteran entertainer Denise Tomasello who is known for working a room with gold-medal wisecracks. However, she made the right choice to forego the shtick and to thoughtfully approach “Happy Days Are Here Again” and “Over the Rainbow” with energy and honesty, as well as strong vocal support. Another excellent surprise came from creator/host Nitz himself. While he is recognized and appreciated for his comical cavorting every Saturday in Davenport’s front room, one seldom hears him offer ballads.
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It was therefore meaningful to hear his heartfelt journey from the wistful to the inspirational in “The Impossible Dream.” Musical Director Andrew Blendermann, ably assisted by Jim Cox on bass and Phil Gratteu on drums, provided yeoman service accompanying a wide variety of jazz and cabaret artists. Blendermann’s solo of “Day-O” (“The Banana Boat Song”) helped us remember Harry Belafonte and got the audience singing along. Liz Mandville brought jazz sensibilities, cabaret-style reflection, and her rich alto to stand out among a bevy of talented singers in saluting Julie London with “Cry Me a River.” 

In the current political climate, arts funding seems uncertain. Is it the job of the cabaret community to connect with how important support for the arts is to our society? This reporter hopes that she will be joined by many answering with a resounding “Yes!”

Carla Gordon

Carla Gordon is a singer/songwriter, director, and producer. The Chicago Tribune cited her among “Chicago’s most accomplished cabaret performers….a major player in Chicago cabaret.” Reviewer Pam Peterson called her “Honey-voiced wisecracker!” Ageless Magazine called her performance as Sophie tucker, “A gem!” Gordon writes custom material for singers nationwide. Her flagship show, "Blacklisted," featuring songs made famous by artists blacklisted under McCarthyism, has toured to critical acclaim. She serves on the Board of Directors for the Chicago Cabaret Professionals and on the Advisory Board of the Skokie Theater. Her songs air on WFMT’s Midnight Special and are being performed performed by cabaret artists nationwide. carlacabaret@aol.com