Marcy & Zina & Friends
Feinstein’s/54 Below, NYC, February 13, 2018
Reviewed by Peter Haas for Cabaret Scenes
Are you familiar with one of the great love stories of all time? No, not that of Napoleon and Josephine, or Antony and Cleopatra, or even Romeo and Juliet. I refer to that of Marcy Heisler and Zina Goldrich— in composite, on one side of the romance—and, on the other side, “Taylor, the Latte Boy.” He is the object of their affection in one of their classic comedy songs, among a dozen-plus numbers they brought back to life in a jam-packed one-nighter at Feinstein’s/54 Below, celebrating the duo’s 25 years as a songwriting and performing team.
Another of their songs, “Make Your Own Party,” was the evening’s operating philosophy, as a roster of singing guests romped through the duo’s works. With Goldrich at the piano throughout—backed by an on-stage three-piece band— guest vocalists included Amanda Green (no slouch herself as a songwriter) singing “Baltimore”; Jessica Vosk, offering “Faraway”; Anika Larsen performing “One True Love”; a poignant performance by Goldrich of “Out of Love”; and a perky “Who Needs Love,” performed by Heisler. James Snyder came aboard as another guest, offering a powerful, cheer-provoking rendition of “Right Before My Eyes.” These last two numbers are in the score which the duo created for Ever After, their variation on the Cinderella tale, based on the movie of the same name.
The pair wrapped up the evening with several of their fans’ favorites, including “Taylor…,” performed charmingly by Goldrich; “Alto’s Lament,” by Heisler; “Los Penguinos,” by both; and “Boom Boom” by the whole cast. The evening’s final sound: the audience’s huge applause and cheers.
