Screaming, applauding, hollering, standing ovations!  Who’s that 80-year-young blond in sequins on stage ?  “Celebration"/Good Times,” “It’s My Party/Applause” (and the audience accommodates giving plenty right on cue) sings Marilyn Maye making her fourth appearance to a packed house here in New York. She quips “It’s good to have fans with vigorous hands!” This classy, sassy, jazz singer who believes every performance should be, and is, a party, opens her arms and heart along with her belting, booming but gentle voice to the audience comprised of her entourage of gay groupies and young and old lovers of the art of what cabaret and nightclub performance is really about. What can one say when all the accolades have already been said?  But who cares! I don’t mind (and I know Marilyn won’t) if they’re said again and again.

The woman is purely electrifying on stage and off. Her voice moves with ease. She’s found the magic of youth. Or as someone next to me said “she even moves young.” Just make a party, invite everyone you know, sing all the songs everyone wants to hear succinctly, intelligently, with humor and candor…and we love it and her.

This new show is another triumph to the Diva of blues, swing and Latin; “I’ve Grown Accustomed To Your Face”/ “I’m Glad There Is You,” “Let There Be Love”/ “It’s Love” and the snappy “Walkin’ Happy” sung with accompanist Billy Stritch. “Easter Parade” included audience participation— ‘On the Avenue (audience ‘ la, la, la, la’), Fifth Avenue (la, la, la, la), followed by Marilyn’s (or the audiences’) parody lyrics ‘I could write a letter…about how you do it better’ or ‘I could write a Haiku…because I’d really like to’; one after another – just fill in the blanks! Her poignant and emotionally charged “Guess Who I Saw Today” – a winner! “That’s Life,” more personal parodies; I’ve been progressive, obsessive, a stooge and a star…but I know what I are. Just when I think I’m too old to come back…I get on a fast track” (all true!). “Here’s To Life” (performed by someone who has earned the right to sing this) takes on a whole new meaning. “Rain” (Sadie Thompson) is another top choice.

Among the many stories Marilyn tells is one about her appearance on the Joey Reynolds Show. “I didn’t get a chance to talk because he pontificates so much . . . until I sang 'Joey, Joey' and then he kept quiet.” Celebs present included Lesley Gore and Klea Blackhurst.

Marilyn is the 2008 Back Stage Bistro Lifetime Achievement Award Winner. With Billy Stritch on piano, Tom Hubbard on bass and Jim Eklof on drums, run to the Metropolitan Room! There are a total of 7 performances over two weeks. In September, a whole new show maybe entitled “Lady at the Bar”.

Sandi Durell
Cabaret Scenes
April 14, 2008
www.cabaretscenes.org