Broadway on 22nd
Metropolitan Room, NYC, September 7, 2014
Reviewed by Joel Benjamin for Cabaret Scenes
The latest chapter in the Metropolitan Room’s wonderful series Broadway on 22nd was a multi-faceted look at Broadway (and some from Off-Broadway) music, accompanied by the indomitably talented Tracy Stark.
Andrew Chapelle began with a clarion-voiced version of “Everybody Says Don’t” (Sondheim), but softened up with a pensive “When You’re Home” (Miranda). His thoughtful “Infinite Joy” (Finn) came with a moving vignette about his grandfather.
The ageless Anita Gillette (pictured) started with a “A Cock-Eyed Optimist” (Rodgers & Hammerstein) as interpreted by one who’s seen everything. In her red-hot mama persona she blasted “Lovie Joe” (Jordan/Cook; 1910!). She was joined by Jeremy Abrams for the classic “You’re Just in Love” (Berlin), ending on a ruminative note with “The Party’s Over” (Styne/Comden & Green).
Michael Mejía’s “The Diva’s Lament” (DuPrez/Idle) caught the over-the-top, kvetching quality of the number. “Breathe” (Miranda) was internalized as an expression of his own self doubt and was quietly intense, as was “I Won’t Send Roses” (Herman).
Doreen Montalvo put her sexy stamp on “Stoney End” (Nyro) and a passionate “Enough” (Miranda). Her “What I Did for Love” (Kleban/Hamlisch) was haunted by the recent loss of her mother to cancer and evoked tears from many.