Maude Maggart’s sweet songbird singing, fresh beauty and appealing charm are the stuff that dreams are made on – a perfect combination for her new show, Speaking of Dreams, now at The Algonquin’s Oak Room. Preceded by a low-lighted, mood-setting cello solo of the song, “Dreams,” Maude, quietly glamorous in black, moved into the room to demonstrate her concept. “Dreams help us escape from common life,” she explained – and proceeded to do the same for the audience through a lovely mix of theater, movie and popular songs, interspersed with personal recollections. Among her selections: the ever-moving “When You Wish Upon a Star” (from Disney’s Pinocchio); contemporary songs by Joan Baez and Judy Collins; the intricately rhymed, dilemma-riddled “On the Steps of the Palace” (from Sondheim’s Into the Woods), an LSD fantasy by Joabim and Barer; long-time hits such as “Isn’t It Romantic” (Rodgers and Hart), “Dream a Little Dream of Me” (Gus Kahn), and two Arlen and Harburg classics, “Over the Rainbow” and “Look to the Rainbow.” The finale: Ascher and Williams’ heart-lifting “Rainbow Connection.” Accompaniment, smooth and simple, was provided by John Boswell on piano (to be followed by Lanny Meyers in mid-month) and Yair Evnine on guitar and cello.

Speaking of Dreams runs through May 10. 

Peter Haas
Cabaret Scenes
April 1, 2008
www.cabaretscenes.org