So that there's no question about this show, the Edith, Jacques and Charles named in the subtitle refer to Piaf, Brel and Aznevour - an undeniably attractive group. And, speaking of undeniably attractive, the four performers who present this evening of songs - Greg Purnhagen, Brenda Bush, Philip Anderson and Carmen Lamar - are personable, professional and praiseworthy. The foursome dishes up a tasty plateful with engaging voices, appropriate theatricality, and panache.

To its Metroploitan Room audience, Rendezvous served a musical repast of songs popularized by the European composer/performers. The opening bars of most were almost instantly recognizable, including "I Love Paris," "If You Loved Me," "If We Only Have Love," and "Je Ne Regrette Rien." There were also a few carefully selected side dishes by Americans Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein II, Cole Porter, and the Bergmans with Michel Legrand.

If the familiar tunes were presented by a single vocalist, the result might have been overload. With the four alternating and occasionally dueting at the microphone, reminiscent of the format of Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris, it provided a satisfactorily refreshing variety, as well as an auspicious crowd-pleaser for a room full of Francophiles. The production was produced and directed by Terry Moyer. D. Jay Bradley was musical director with Tom Hubbard on bass. Michael Barbieri provided tasteful lighting and sound direction.

An Evening with Edith, Jacques, Charles & Friends will move uptown for performances at Feinstein's at the Regency on June 11th and June 18th.

Peter Leavy
Cabaret Scenes
March 10, 2007
www.cabaretscenes.org