Cabaret Scenes Review - Rosemary Loar

In one evening of cabaret, you might catch a singer delivering standards, hip hop, rock, or all kinds of jazz, a tribute, a specialty act, even a total novice. Or—you might catch the one-woman versatility of Rosemary Loar. She is an effervescent soprano, a seasoned theater performer, a jazz bird, vivacious, funny and likeable—and also a songwriter.

Which brings us to Loar's recent show, celebrating the release of her latest CD, Indigo and Iridescent, with a packed audience and a crowded cabaret stage. She presented ten original songs, all featuring her own lyrics and music she composed with Jan Folkson. Robert W. Atwood worked with her on arrangements, so Loar had her hand in all aspects of this production. She delivered a rhythmic, decidedly contemporary and mostly soft rock show. With acting a key in every song, Loar sank into the spirit of the lyrics, driving the drama.The songs were diverse and when she introduced the intent before singing, they indicated quality and sensitivity. "I Can Save You," a message to a friend with a self-destructive streak, warns, "I can save you from anything but you." She mentions standing in her crib as an infant, taking a nap with her eyes wide open. This led her into "I Sleep with Eyes Wide Open" and her quip, "I don't want to miss anything." She did not miss the opportunity to remember the magic of a phosphorescent beach in Puerto Rico, her band sashaying into Latin mode for an inviting "Jump Into the Sparkle."

Big, however, does not always mean better and this is a case where less might be more. Loar had seven musicians in her band and three back-up singers. There were notable moments, like the give-and-take between guitarist Jeff McErlain and violinist Deni Bonet. However, presenting a new show with original songs, it is not easy for the audience to evaluate their quality with so many musicians on hand. While the support added to the celebratory zest of the evening, it often made the music sound repetitive and the lyrics incomprehensible. Many songs were intriguing and hopefully Loar will present them again in a simpler way where we can ease back and get involved.

Elizabeth Ahlfors
Cabaret Scenes
June 17, 2009
www.cabaretscenes.org



	Rosemary Loar Indigo and Iridescent Laurie Beechman Theatre New York, NY
In one evening of cabaret, you might catch a singer delivering standards, hip hop, rock, or all kinds of jazz, a tribute, a specialty act, even a total novice. Or—you might catch the one-woman versatility of Rosemary Loar. She is an effervescent soprano, a seasoned theater performer, a jazz bird, vivacious, funny and likeable—and also a songwriter. Which brings us to Loar's recent show, celebrating the release of her latest CD, Indigo and Iridescent, with a packed audience and a crowded cabaret stage. She presented ten original songs, all featuring her own lyrics and music she composed with Jan Folkson. Robert W. Atwood worked with her on arrangements, so Loar had her hand in all aspects of this production. She delivered a rhythmic, decidedly contemporary and mostly soft rock show. With acting a key in every song, Loar sank into the spirit of the lyrics, driving the drama.The songs were diverse and when she introduced the intent before singing, they indicated quality and sensitivity. "I Can Save You," a message to a friend with a self-destructive streak, warns, "I can save you from anything but you." She mentions standing in her crib as an infant, taking a nap with her eyes wide open. This led her into "I Sleep with Eyes Wide Open" and her quip, "I don't want to miss anything." She did not miss the opportunity to remember the magic of a phosphorescent beach in Puerto Rico, her band sashaying into Latin mode for an inviting "Jump Into the Sparkle." Big, however, does not always mean better and this is a case where less might be more. Loar had seven musicians in her band and three back-up singers. There were notable moments, like the give-and-take between guitarist Jeff McErlain and violinist Deni Bonet. However, presenting a new show with original songs, it is not easy for the audience to evaluate their quality with so many musicians on hand. While the support added to the celebratory zest of the evening, it often made the music sound repetitive and the lyrics incomprehensible. Many songs were intriguing and hopefully Loar will present them again in a simpler way where we can ease back and get involved. Elizabeth Ahlfors Cabaret Scenes June 17, 2009 www.cabaretscenes.org

Rosemary Loar

Indigo and Iridescent

Laurie Beechman Theatre New York, NY

Laurie Beechman Theatre
New York, NY