The room was dark when we heard the words, "It was 1949 when I was born. Harry Truman was President. And next year I will be 60 years old." As the lights went up, the quirky, perky and adorable Helen Baldassare, in a suit jacket, was telling funny stories about what she and her friends wanted to be back in grade school.  The audience was already hysterical with laughter as the talented comedienne/singer opened with “Mack The Knife” (Weill/Brecht/Burke) in German with some English thrown in for good measure.  As she shed the jacket, looking more familiar in her slim black scoop neck dress, she not only had platitudes and clichés about getting older, but words of wisdom from a good friend, "Cabaret is narcissism masquerading as an art form" and it was all uphill from there.

The Baby Boomer’s lament was evident as she gave us tidbits about growing up in New Hampshire; Sundays spent with family, listening to favorites like Patti Page and then singing “Mockin’ Bird Hill," Connie Francis, where she showed 78 album covers of Connie Francis sings Great Italian Songs, Connie Francis Sings More Italian Hits and Connie Francis All Time International Hits (everyone roared with laughter) and then she sang “Torero” (not the expected “Where The Boys Are”).

Her prowess as a singer is always evident with beautiful standards like “Ain’t That A Kick in the Head" (Van Heusen/Cahn), “It’s Been A Long, Long Time" (Styne/Cahn), “Saturday Night Is The Loneliest Night in the Week “ (Styne/Cahn), “No Love, No Nothin” (Warren/Robin).  A highlight is the very funny and creative Stephen Schwartz song “It’s An Art” about a waitress who "pleasures each guest, keeps it aesthetic" and the hilarious “Much More Married” (Keane/Anderson).  “Don’t Forget the Guns” (Cheryl Wheeler) and “Love in a New Tempo” (Ronny Graham) were other rip-roaring, laugh-a-minute songs along with “Samba della Rosa” (deMoraes,Toquinho, Vanoni, add’l lyrics Burke/Baldassare)—a tribute to Fellini like you’ve never heard before!  Her special material is sensational ! 

What Helen Baldassare gives us is herself. She’s an open window to her talent as both a comedienne and a singer—no holds barred. It’s a master class, especially well received by a room filled with fans and students. Her long time friend and accompanist Bobby Peaco is her musical support at every moment, along with Gerry Geddes, Director and Richard Burke, her artistic inspiration. Helpful to those born after 1965 is the Glossary of Terms on the tables! Do not miss this fabulous show ! 

Sandi Durell
Cabaret Scenes
March 2, 2008
www.cabaretscenes.org