Fresh and flirty, glowing with youth and genuine sweetness, and exhibiting growing professionalism, Jenna Esposito returned to the Laurie Beechman Theater in a new show celebrating love, romance and, as the show's title reveals, a smooch or two - or three, or four. In her theater-honed clear soprano, switching styles from romantic to sultry to perky to hit-the-back-wall, Jenna held the stage, and an appreciative audience, solo and firmly in her grasp in a varied program of old and new songs. Backing her, with strong rhythm and equally strong exuberance, was a quartet led by musical director/virtuoso guitarist, Fortune Esposito, beaming on his daughter. Adding to the mix were smooth back-up vocals by Kelly Esposito-Broelmann and Sue Matsuki, who seemed under-used considering their show-long presence on stage.

Jenna's songs were well chosen to reflect a variety of moods - from mellow standards by Cole Porter, Rodgers and Hart, Comden/Green/Styne and Duke Ellington to Christine Lavin's witty "Good Thing He Can't Read My Mind" to Kander and Ebb's merry mate-hunt, "Ring Them Bells", plus a medley of international kiss-friendly songs.

For someone who has seen Jenna in several shows since her cabaret debut only a few years ago, it was a special pleasure to witness her growth in stage presence and in the variety of her vocal offerings. Applause for both her good Fortune and her good guidance from director Erv Raible.

Peter Haas
Cabaret Scenes
February 9, 2007
www.cabaretscenes.org