Jesse Mueller

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, Scottsdale, AZ, November 17, 2019

Reviewed by Lynn Timmons Edwards for Cabaret Scenes

https://pregnancytesthome.com/wp-content/languages/new/aciphex.html

jpg” alt=”” width=”212″ height=”212″ /> Jessie Mueller
Photo: Jacqueline Harriet

Tony Award-winning actress Jesse Mueller opened the first of four touring cabaret shows at the Scottsdale Center for the Arts (SCA). In addition, Mueller hosted a master class for young singers the night before the show. Kudos to the SCA for their partnership with producer Mark Cortale in bringing this slice of New York to Arizona.

Seth Rudetsky, known primarily in Arizona for his presence on SiriusXM, accompanied every song with sensitive attention to his singer, and provided the comic thread throughout the evening. Decked out in red sneakers, he bounced between host and pianist with the energy of a kid at Christmas. His questions and spontaneous commentary on Mueller’s stories brought laughter throughout the 800-seat theater.

Mueller brought her A game to 11 numbers which, of course, included songs from Waitress and Beautiful. Her haunting rendition of Joni Mitchell’s “Both Sides Now” was among my favorites. She shifted her voice comfortably between the middle range and the lilting higher notes that emphasized the poetry of the piece. Not only is Mueller the perfect Carole King in her look and sound, but she amazes when she transforms herself into a legitimate soprano in nailing “Vanilla Ice Cream” (Bock/Harnick) and in her medley from Carousel (Rodgers & Hammerstein).

The Cabaret Series continues with shows starring Sutton Foster, Audra McDonald, and Jeremy Jordon, each with host Seth Rudetsky.