Cole Porter 125:
A Birthday Celebration
Auditorium Theatre, Chicago, IL, September 25, 2016
Reviewed by Carla Gordon for Cabaret Scenes
Cabaret, jazz and concert made for wonderful bedfellows in a class act tribute to Cole Porter. From the Art Deco set, replete with white feathered palm trees and wolfhound statuary, to the big band sound of the tuxedoed 20-some piece City Lights Orchestra (under the direction of Rich Daniels) elegance was on deck.
Under Joan Curto’s smart direction, Cole’s birthday party began brassy and sassy with an energetic overture.
Curto’s signature rendition of “My Heart Belongs to Daddy” followed, woven around a smile-inducing story about Sophie Tucker cluing in naïve Mary Martin as to the naughtier intention behind Porter’s lyric. Jazz singer Tammy McCann delivered particularly dazzling performances throughout the evening, with a swingy pairing of “You’d Be So Nice to Come Home To” and “Something to Shout About” as well as “All of You” in the second act.
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Singing live in front of a big band has its challenges. Among cast members, McCann met them most effectively, not once being out-volumed by the big orchestra. The perfect, simple, introspective moment was delivered by Tom Michael with a well-sung “In the Still of the Night,” accompanied by Beckie Menzie, who added intriguing layers of musicality to the classic song. It was just the right time for quieter moments. Menzie and Michael closed the first act with a sizzling, sexy harmonic offering of “Too Darn Hot.” Paul Marinaro was particularly compelling in “Get Out of Town,” combining his solid jazz sensibilities with an interpretive edge.
Menzie made “What Is This Thing Called Love?” the meaningful query that beautifully reflected Porter’s lyric. “E’vry Time We Say Goodbye” as sung by the ensemble made for a thoughtful, embraceable eleven o’clock number, which was then followed by a high-octane “Blow, Gabriel, Blow” and “Let’s Do It (Let’s Fall in Love).” Charles Troy’s smartly edited video talks added visual interest and some intriguing Cole history.
Swellegant! Just swellegant!
