Cheri Coons moves me more than the average cabaret bear.  For her “surprise” fiftieth birthday party, Coons offers It’s About Time (Again). Coons is a gold medal wordsmith.  The “genus tuchas titus” line in “Gloria” (music by Eric Lane Barnes) had everyone howling. Moments later all were rapt hearing “Ghost at the Bijoux” (written with Beckie Menzie) about spirit and longings in a closed theater.  If “Hanging On” (music by Michael Duff) doesn’t touch your heart as the rodeo rider hangs on to the saddle horn then ultimately for his young life, I’ll eat my Stetson.   Coons’ voice honors the reflective and the ballsy with equal grace. Humble enough to sing other composers’ works, in “It’s Time” (by Susan DiLallo and Jeffery Harris) Coons guides us on how time reflects life in both mundane and meaningful ways. Guests Tony Gibson, musical director, Beckie Menzie and especially Sara Davis and Steven Wallem added to the fun.

Carla Gordon
Cabaret Scenes
February 8, 2008
www.cabaretscenes.org