Cheryl Coons, Beckie Menzie, with Bob Mason
Old Friends
Davenport’s, Chicago, IL, December 31, 2018
Reviewed by Carla Gordon for Cabaret Scenes
Real life old friends and collaborators Cheryl Coons and Beckie Menzie, along with guest Bob Mason, graced Davenport’s SRO New Year’s Eve crowd with musical reflections on long friendship expressed through song. Opening with the trio’s pairing of Sondheim’s “Old Friends” and “Good Friends” set the show’s tone. Each performer shared an engaging story or two about how their friendships began and grew.
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The opening sequence was followed by “Comrade Putin,” a hilarious parody of “Mister Sandman.” In addition to being old (and as explained, close) friends, Coons and Menzie have been a successful songwriting team. “Love Handles” was a highlight from their Redneck Song Cycle. Coons honored fellow lyricist Lynn Ahrens with “We Can Never Go Back to Before” (music: Stephen Flaherty), delivered with the conviction that Ahrens’ lyrics require. (Coons shared her awe at meeting Ahrens in person.
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) Menzie delivered “It Ain’t Yours to Throw Away” (Lee Brice/Jon Stone/Pam Tillis) with quiet passion rooted in her unique experience as a mentor to aspiring singers.
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Mason delivered Harry Chapin’s “Taxi” with the simplicity and truth the song merits. (This reporter believes that Chapin’s rich story songs are underperformed in cabaret.) Closing with the audience singing along to “You’ve Got a Friend” was a lovely choice for the New Year.
