The birds were in full feather at Birdland for Jason Graae's new show called, Graae's Anatomy. Triple dynamite, Jason G, boasts confident theatre chops, natural cabaret communication, and a zany quicksilver sense of humor. Talent defines him, and since he has not performed in New York for several years, a one-night-only show was not to be missed.

Graae's energy was non-stop, zapping on a dime from comedy to heartache. When he was introduced, Liz Callaway ran on stage to sing the verse from "I'm Not Getting Married Today" (Company). Jim Caruso came on to join her. What's going on? From offstage, however, we hear a third voice; it's Graae emerging to paraphrase -- "I'm Not Singing Cabaret Today."

This man is born for the stage and is all about finding new ways to present eclectic songs with heart and still keep the audience rolling with laughter. An accomplished oboist, Graae, accompanying pianist Alex Rybeck, played Home for the Holidays with total sincerity and totally off-key. He talked earnestly at one point about the talents of songwriter John Bucchino and then added he was now proud to present two songs by John -- Mercer.

Comedy, however, is just one part of Jason Graae. His tenor-baritone was compelling in the one-act rendition of Jerry Herman's "Mrs. Jacobowsky" (The Grand Tour) and heartbreaking with Bucchino's "If I Ever Say I'm Over You" and a tender "Mama a Rainbow" (Grossman and Hackady), dedicated to his mother. His songs were selected from a songbook showcase, including the big-band era's "Tangerine" and "What More Can I Say?" (Falsettos). When special guest, Mary Testa, took the stage, they presented a troubled couple with "Country House" from Sondheim's early London production of Follies.

Graae tied up the show with a fast, furious and wacky "Holiday for Strings" (Gallop and Rose). Why? Why not? An encore offered the first bars of "And I Am Telling You, I Am Not Going," from Dreamgirls. He wasn't done yet. There was still "Applause, Applause" to mine, with snippets of Al Jolson, Mandy Patinkin, Bobby Darin and Johnny Matthis. "Graah," or "Gray" -- the "G" in Jason Graae guarantees entertainment.

Elizabeth Ahlfors
Cabaret Scenes
January 15, 2007
www.cabaretscenes.org