1979 - “It was the worst of times…really,” says host Scott Siegel.” Hussein took power in Iraq, the Ayatollah in Iran, 3 mile Island had a power meltdown and we all waited on long lines to buy gasoline. Even the Guardian Angels were formed that year here in New York!  Ah, a prelude of things to come! Yes, it was a very dark year! Appropriately Sweeney Todd opened on Broadway and the “Ballad of Sweeney Todd” opened the Broadway Musicals of 1979 as Chuck Cooper, Max Von Essen and Jeff McCarthy were joined by the other talented cast members.

Wherever there is dark, it is balanced by light and 1979 was the year Smallpox was eradicated, the Sony Walkman, AOL and the Garfield comic strip were introduced. As for strange happenings: James Brown performed at the Grand Ole Opry! Speaking of light, the loveable Jason Graae pranced brilliantly around the stage in “They’re Playing Our Song” and made the audience cheer with laughter with “Mrs. S.L. Jacobowsky” (The Grand Tour). Terri Klausner, playing Eva Peron every Wednesday and Saturday matinee in the original Broadway Evita, rekindled the passion with “Buenos Aires” and “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina,” displaying her rich vocal prowess.

Scott Siegel’s on-going series, nurtured by some of Broadway’s finest, has grown and developed to the point where not only do audiences expect great singing talent, while getting a historical overview from Scott, but also fine dancers, like Melinda Sullivan performing “Sarava” and a sexually charged duet/dance with Noah Racey, “Daddy,” from the 1940’s Radio Hour”as well as “I’m Keepin’ Myself Available For You"/"Exactly Like You” (Sugar Babies). Much of the exquisite choreography can be credited to Noah and Melinda. Jeff McCarthy, currently starring as Billy Flynn in Chicago was a bit Norwegian mixed with a little Russian on the side as we laughed at “It’s Going to be Good to be Gone” (I Remember Mama) with lovely ladies Melinda, Terri, Sara and Lorin.  Lilting soprano Sarah Uriarte Berry gave us “Green Finch & Linnet Bird.”

Max Von Essen wowed us with “Oh, What a Circus” (Evita) and Scott Coulter was amazing learning not only his material for this show, but also John Treacy Egan’s who was unable to perform last minute. Scott was hysterically funny, highlighting the evening in “On This Night of a Thousand Stars” (Evita) with Noah and Lorin Latarro performing the choreography. Scott even hunted up his old toupee for this one! Kudos go to Emily Skinner who directed the show and also performed “I’m a Woman” from Carmelina with great gusto in her feisty, take it or leave it fashion.  Ross Patterson (Musical Director/Arranger/Pianist) and his Little Big Band rounded out another of the “hot ticket” Broadway by the Year evenings!

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