The roots and flavor of international cabaret were much in evidence as two seasoned performers from abroad, Holland’s Frans Bloem and Sweden’s Olivia Stevens, combined their individual talents and warmth for the first time to present Stories of Life. Billed as “a romantic journey of two free-spirited bohemians” and presented at the intimate new Broadway Baby Bistro, the program was a charming tour through life and love as expressed in songs sung in German, French, Swedish and Dutch – selections made comfortably accessible to the audience as sung both in their original languages and in translations. Frans, always an assured performer and now more so, and Olivia, who has starred on theater, films and cabaret abroad, make an excellent and attractive fit – although a more equal share of the program would have strengthened Olivia’s visibility. Top-flight accompaniment and participation were provided by musical director Guus Westdorp. Direction was by Sterling Price McKinney.
Peter Haas
Cabaret Scenes
February 1, 2008
www.cabaretscenes.org
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