Rachel Lind
I’m An Only Child: An Evening of Musical Affirmation
Feinstein’s/54 Below, NYC, April 6, 2018
Reviewed by Chris Struck for Cabaret Scenes
With a title like that, how can you pass up this show? To be honest, the length of the title was probably the only place for any real criticism. Rachel Lind is a magnetic performer who is funny, kind, and prone to electric and infectious dancing. The part about the only child, which she divulged in her show, only meant that she liked to perform and kind of got obsessed with it—obsessed with that and also with TV theme songs. Considering how well she can both perform and recite those (one of two medleys), I think that we can call this a win-win.
A lot of what Lind brought to the table brought out the simple feeling of fun. However, there were definitely a few noteworthy moments. Choosing to go with “I Have Confidence” (Richard Rodgers, The Sound of Music film version), “Both Sides Now” by Joni Mitchell, and “A Piece of Sky” from Yentl (Michel Legrand/Alan & Marilyn Bergman) were all particularly noteworthy considering that included transcendent star singers Julie Andrews, Judy Collins, and Barbra Streisand as exemplar role models. Lind’s performance of each of these deserves mention. From her English accent singing (“I am seeking the courage I lack”) to her depth while sighing over clouds that (“only block the sun” and “rain and snow on everyone”), she definitely won’t have to “settle for just a piece of sky”!
Lind also shared the stage with some talented friends. Sarah Wyatt and Autumn Konopka joined her for the powerful “I Want It All” (Baby, Maltby & Shire), and Jonathan Hogue laughed alongside Lind for Snoopy: The Musical’s “Friend” (Larry Grossman/Hal Hackady). She was also backed up by a stalwart band that included Daniel Mertzlufft as music director/pianist, Joshua Roberts on drums, and relaxed Stefan Haerle on guitar.
When she clapped and shimmied and belted “Get on Your Feet! (John DeFaria/Jorge Casas/Clay Ostwald), we most certainly did! What a fun performer!
