Stephen Wallem is in-your-face funny. He also has a marvelous voice that delivers.

Wallem’s show at Davenport's salutes the works of songwriter Stephen Schwartz. After a riotously self effacing parody to “The Wizard and I” he launches into “overdone” Schwartz songs. The medley contains snippets of better known numbers from “Corner of the Sky” to “Colors of the Wind”-- a quirky juxtaposition of lyrics that gets progressively funnier.

Wallem has the interpretive skill to deliver ballads without falling into the “it all sounds the same” trap. “Where is the Warmth?” is sexual, yet yearning for emotional connection. “Dreamscape” explores choices in an uncertain world.

Wallem’s original lyrics, “Defying Parody” are a hoot, perfectly fitting Schwartz’s “Defying Gravity.”  His seemingly sincere introduction sets us up a celebration of smartass. In the lyric, Wallem calls himself “the biggest snot in town.” Luckily for us, he is also one of the biggest talents. May the Schwartz be with him!

Carla Gordon
Cabaret Scenes
November 28, 2007
www.cabaretscenes.org