The late Fred Ebb – the lyricist half of the Broadway writing team of Kander and Ebb – was known for his hard-edged, sometimes satirical yet affectionately understanding portraits-in-song of the characters the duo brought alive on stage. Lyrics from his dozen shows were presented in a warm-hearted salute in February’s edition of Lyrics & Lyricists, at the 92nd Street Y. Under the artistic and musical direction of Rob Fisher, the evening was tied together neatly with a friendly, informative narrative written and delivered by actor-singer David Garrison, replete with quotes from both Kander and Ebb. The numbers, presented in unpretentious concert form, featured a quintet of talented singers – Brent Barrett, Judy Blazer, Diana Canova, Tyne Daly and Garrison. – whose interpretations, in a welcome return to the best years of L&L, permitted the songs to speak for themselves. An added treat was a film clip of Ebb singing “Cabaret.” The curtain-call sing-along? “New York, New York,” of course.
Peter Haas
Cabaret Scenes
February 23, 2008
www.cabaretscenes.org
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