Rita Gardner
Much More: A Tom Jones & Harvey Schmidt Songbook
Laurie Beechman Theatre, NYC, September 25, 2018
Reviewed by Randolph B. Eigenbrode for Cabaret Scenes
The original Luisa from The Fantasticks, Rita Gardner, entered rather simply at her latest outing. Wearing an understated ensemble, the octogenarian demurely stepped to the mic and began those signature lyrics.
“Just once. Just once. Just once before I’m old.” She stopped for a second and then added, “Well, older.”
Who better to celebrate the music of Tom Jones and Harvey Schmidt than Gardner? And, with a naughty glimmer in her eye, she finds humor at every turn. Whether it’s an ex-husband’s skepticism regarding the future of that little allegorical musical after its opening night or her own antics lampooning an acting teacher widely regarded as an institution, she infuses just the right amount of wit to balance the ballad-heavy evening.
And with more than six decades of experience, Gardner excels at inhabiting rich pieces like “Try to Remember,” “Simple Little Things,” and “My Cup Runneth Over.” Each is brimming with an unwavering honesty that comes from years of experience. It’s almost eerie experiencing Jones’ lyrics when Gardner sings them—they are vibrant with an almost unintended perspicacity.
Director Jeff Harnar has masterfully sculpted this piece, trimming away the slack and keeping it constantly engaging. Yet, as sharp as Gardner is, she doesn’t always invite the audience to go on the journey with her—particularly in the musical selections. Some pieces are directed to the balcony (of which there is none at the Beechman), and the audience is left as spectators rather than participants.
Still, the price of admission is worth “They Were You” alone. Seemingly frail before this finale, Gardner conjures a weeping willow—strong, even while buffeting in the breeze. And imbuing a nostalgia to the love song, it becomes a perfect ending to this love letter seemingly between friends. Alex Rybeck was music director and occasional duet partner.
