Tovah Feldshuh, with shelves of acting awards, has hit the heights in theater and television. As a cabaret performer, however, a safety net is recommended. For her debut at Feinstein’s at Loews Regency, the press material promised a “zany musical evening” with “a gallery of hilarious characters.” What the audience got was a collection of unrelated, unidentified musical pieces, an impersonation of Sophie Tucker, dollops of unfunny stand-up schtik (much of it written by a hired comedy writer), and sweet homage to Tovah’s Jewish heritage and family. An imaginative change of pace surfaced as Tovah turned swiftly from the microphone, moved into the shadows at the rear of the stage, donned cap and jacket, and re-emerged to perform two character monologues – one a tough “New Yawk” street kid, the other a retired working man – both pieces, however, delivered at rapid fire that burned off any feeling. (The audience might have appreciated knowing who these characters were, where the pieces came from, and who wrote them. I recognized the old man as “Joe,” from Craig Carnelia’s Working, only because I’ve played the role myself!) Musical director and pianist for the evening was Matthew Eisenstein, while several theater songs were in arrangements by the late Wally Harper.

Engagement runs Tuesdays through Saturdays, March 4-15.

Peter Haas
Cabaret Scenes
March 4, 2008
www.cabaretscenes.org