Scott Gryder and Scott Urban

Simply Scotty Squared

Skokie Theatre, Skokie, IL, March 25, 2018

Reviewed by Carla Gordon for Cabaret Scenes

First time cabaret director Eliot Osherman had a notion that Scott Gryder and Scott Urban should team up for Simply Scotty Squared. They, along with music director Nick Sula, presented an evening that was at once funny and sweet. Gryder is diminutive and Urban (whom Gryder lovingly addressed as “Urbie”) is, well, a big guy. The physical differences added greatly to the fun of the show as Gryder almost disappeared in Urban’s big bear hugs. “Mister Cellophane” (Kander & Ebb from Chicago) has been a signature song for both Scotts. When they traded verses in a tender duet, the take from the little guy contrasting with the take from the big guy brought a rich dimension to this song about the longing for validation. Urban is well known as a parody lyricist and his “I’m the Straight Guy in Cabaret” is golden material—no Liza portraits on his walls. Gryder brings a supple tenor and noteworthy physical grace. In the past few years, he has harnessed his once frenetic style to a powerful energy that honors songs and lights up audiences. The duo’s banter was funny, with plenty of vaudeville shtick and many an Abbott and Costello-esque turn. The counterpoint pairing of “Let’s Misbehave” sung by Gryder and “Ain’t Misbehavin” sung by Urban showed Sula’s talents as an arranger. Urban sings big and loud, but is most effective when he does less. This was clear in a simply delivered “That’s All.”  Simply Scotty Squared is simply charming.