When you’re growing up as a shy child and asked to sing, it’s a pretty good way to find a modality to counter the shyness and to blossom.  That’s what happened to Craig Pomranz when he found his voice through music in elementary school and discovered that his visceral reaction to singing and acting had a great effect on an audience.

Although his latest show at the Metropolitan Room is virtually lacking in a theme and is not necessary made up of jazz vocals, it does cover a wide variety of styles and seasons!  Imagine going from “The Summer Knows” (Bergmans/Legrand) and “Summertime” (Gershwins/Heyward) to “Winter Wonderland” (Smith/Bernard) and John Meyers’s “After the Holidays!”  Craig did say at the beginning of the show that he was celebrating summer with lessons to be learned. Perhaps the lessons are more pertinent here!

That aside, Craig possesses a commanding four-octave range with strong belt frequently showing it all in a song as he whispers pianissimo and jumps to lively fortissimo, perhaps a little too extravagantly.  In between, he and accomplished accompanist Stephen Bocchino have lots of repartee, sometimes appearing to be nervous chatter that has nothing to do with the material, but Craig pulls it off as he possesses a wittiness and affable personality. And he’s good-looking too! He’s passionate and works hard to connect to his audience and they very much appreciate it.

He’s had a successful career as a studio artist working with composer/artists and in commercials and voice-overs.  He credits Doris Day’s voice and intimate interpretations as his inspiration, along with Sammy Davis, Jr.  Craig is a likeable and sincere performer who is just being Craig Pomranz! 

Some of the other selections in his show include: “ Heigh Ho the Gangs All Here” (Adamson/Lane); “Heat Wave” (Berlin), the witty novelty “Don’t Talk, Just Sing” (Van Heusen/Cahn) with some lively set up patter between himself and Stephen, along with Amanda McBroom’s “Hot in Here” to which Craig does justice.  Comden & Green & Styne’s “Fireworks” is even brighter with special effects by Michael Barbieri on lights.

With preliminary words of wisdom “sign a pre-nup,” Craig embarks on a jovial version of “Makin’ Whoopee” which seemed to have some extra-added attraction lyrics. Murray Grand’s wild and innovative “Love at an Auction” came off strong between Bocchino and Pomranz.

Craig can be seen at the Metropolitan Room every Wednesday thru August 6^th.

Sandi Durell
Cabaret Scenes
July 16, 2008
www.cabaretscenes.org