Judy Rossignuolo Rice & Bernie Rice
Once Upon a Time
Skokie Theatre, Skokie, IL, June 3, 2017
Reviewed by Carla Gordon for Cabaret Scenes
Husband and wife cabaret team Judy Rossignuolo Rice and Bernie Rice (the newly elected president of the Chicago Cabaret Professionals) took their sold-out audience at the Skokie Theatre on a sweet and sentimental musical journey. Opening with “Try to Remember” (The Fantasticks) and “Heart of My Heart” set the tone as a reflection of simpler times. The Rices, both of whom have strong roots in musical theater, presented an entertaining selection of duets that have become iconic through television, theater, and film. We enjoyed “Bella Notte,” ”Make Believe,” “Small World,” and more. A particular highlight was “Do You Love Me?” from Fiddler on the Roof. The song had a lovely build, transitioning from the weary irritability that can characterize long-married people. It was also effective because the Rices were physically close as they sat side by side on a bench. (They seldom touched during their show, which, in a sense, created a physical distance that was at times at odds with their otherwise well-connected duets.) Ms. Rice offered song selections from Peter Pan doing the lyricists proud in sassy offerings like ”I Won’t Grow Up” (Leigh) and “I’ve Gotta Crow” (Leigh), with an effective transition to the tender “Never Never Land” (Comden & Green). Mr. Rice delivered a passionate rendition of “The Impossible Dream,” along with some impressive upper-register notes. A challenge to any nostalgia-centered show is that it can easily become too sweet. The Rices made a smart decision in adding the Villain Medley, which included “Captain Hook’s Waltz,” “Who’s Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf,” and “Ding Dong! The Witch is Dead” to the show. Musical director Beckie Menzie provided just the right support. Kudos to director Dale Calandra on evoking from Ms. Rice one of her most grounded performances, and from Mr. Rice one of his most animated. Closing with “Thanks for the Memory” was both a fine homage to a nostalgic standard and a grateful expression of how the Rices convey their joy in performing.
