In a word, Amy Wolk's new show, We Can Wolk It Out, is sensational! Possessed of a brassy, sassy voice that can turn a dozen shades of amber when she peers under her self-deprecating facade, Wolk has quickly matured into a polished performer of the first rank in very short time.

Backed by the shrewd direction of Lennie Watts and the sensitive playing of Steven Ray Watkins, Wolk cleverly combines a refreshing slate of songs with tidbits of sly, funny patter that peel back layers of personality which are themselves reflected in her musical choices. Sound complicated? It's not, really, as Wolk proves with ease.

After opening with a charming, "Hurry! It's Lovely Up Here" from On A Clear Day..., she changes gears with the lilting "A Way Back to Then" from the recent off-Broadway hit, [title of show] and "High School Never Ends", two songs about looking back at the trials and tribulations of growing up that Wolk acts with an understated grace and insight other singers would do well to emulate. In cabaret, less really is more- - the vast majority of the time -- and Wolk seems to understand this axiom with clarity and subtlety.

The rest of We Can Wolk It Out is an embarrassment of riches including a silly replication of Rosemary Clooney's "Love, You Didn't Do Right By Me" from the film White Christmas, a killer rendition of Ben Folds' "Landed" and the craziest medley of Broadway fare (from shows that Wolk worked the 'front-of-house' at) since the Callaway sisters' Sibling Revelry. Wolk concludes with lush versions of William Finn's "Infinite Joy" and Lennon & McCartney's "In My Life," both of which bookend the optimism and innocence expressed at the outset and which Wolk comically dismisses throughout. Don't believe her. Wolk can sing practically anything and, personally, I can't wait to see what she does next. I'll be there and so should you.

David Hurst
Cabaret Scenes
June 4, 2007
www.cabaretscenes.org