Famous Duets II
Urban Stages, NYC, December 19, 2017
Reviewed by Bart Greenberg for Cabaret Scenes
Savvy producer and elegant hostess Sue Matsuki (pictured) assembled a varied and enthusiastic cast to celebrate the art of duets coming from the worlds of pop, theater, rock, jazz, movies, and the Great American Songbook as part of the gala fundraiser series, Urban Stages’ Winter Rhythms Festival.
Rodgers and Hammerstein got a great deal of attention with both traditional (“I Have Dreamed” and “People Will Say We’re in Love” delivered by handsome Rob Langeder and Laurie Krauz, who charmed by showing off parts of her personality and vocal range not often exploited) and nontraditional treatment (“All Er Nothin’” and “Stepsisters’ Lament” delivered with zeal and camp by husbands Jay Rogers and Aaron Morishita). The latter couple also offered a very touching version of “It Couldn’t Please Me More” (“A Pineapple”) by Kander & Ebb from Cabaret.
More contemporary sounds were offered by a trio of linked songs: “Unforgettable,” smoothly sung by Frank Dain and Tanya Holt; “No More Tears (Enough Is Enough)” belted by Holt and Tanya Moberly; and, completing the triangle, “You Don’t Bring Me Flowers” torched by Dain and Moberly.
The lesser-known Bruce Clough and Barbara Gurskey scored with the lesser-known and very funny “Therapy” from Tick, Tick…Boom! (Jonathan Larson).
Matsuki also got to pair with several partners, all to great effect: Fran Leonardis on “The Grass Is Always Greener”; Peggy Eason on “Bosom Buddies”; and with her longtime singing partner, Edd Clark, for a holiday medley.
