Singer, songwriter, guitarist, actress and cruise-ship entertainer, Dawn Derow brought her diverse talents together in an energy-filled program– her cabaret debut – at The Duplex this winter. Using astrology as an underlying theme, she drew her audience into the concept through an attractive hand-out program in which she subtitled her show “a journey through life’s pursuits, with a little guidance from the stars.” Then, once she got past an unnecessarily lengthy opening narrative about past romantic shipboard adventures, Dawn sang. Supported by a four-piece driving band behind her, she sometimes had to out-shout it, distorting an otherwise pleasant voice that could communicate effectively in quieter moments, including those in which she accompanied herself on electric guitar. Many of Dawn’s numbers utilized back-up singer Lara Janine, who appears to be worthy of an engagement of her own. Songs included several of Dawn’s own works. Director was Tom Wojtunik; musical director was David Kreppel. 

Peter Haas
Cabaret Scenes
February 12, 2008
www.cabaretscenes.org