Serving You Sondheim
The Green Room 42, NYC, May 27, 2019
Reviewed by Bart Greenberg for Cabaret Scenes
Those who regularly patronize the comfortable and eclectic The Green Room 42 know Daniel Dunlow as the genial, wise-cracking host. But, he’s also a skilled director, music director, arranger, and singer (his “Being Alive” revealed emotional power and intelligent approach). However, this multi-hyphenate didn’t hog the stage as he created a showcase for the waitstaff, technicians, and associates of the club, plus, one very special guest.
What tied the evening together was the craft of Stephen Sondheim, in both comic and dramatic mood, including a few obscurities among the standards. Ever heard of “Where Do I Belong?” Neither has almost anyone else; it’s from one of Sondheim’s teenage works under the tutelage of Oscar Hammerstein II. As presented by Mia Melchiorri, it may not be a lost treasure, but it was interesting to hear as a promise of what was to come.
Some of the familiar songs were presented with arresting twists. A rap version of “Getting Married Today” was thrilling as delivered with amazing clarity by Kea Chan with beatbox support from Marty Gasper. “Not a Day Goes By” was given a Motown-inspired treatment by Harris Turner. Among the more traditional, but outstanding performances were the soulful Colin Egan (“Good Thing Going”), the shifting emotions of Faith Porter (“Moments in the Woods”), the mesmerizing intensity of Quentin Garzon (“Finishing the Hat”), and the extraordinary maturity and subtlety of Monroe George (“Send in the Clowns).
And then there was Paige Kapinski, celebrating her 16th birthday, who received the very special present of reprising her performance of “On the Steps of the Palace” from her high school production. This was arranged for her between her mother and Dunlow. Once she began to sing, the giggly, slightly flustered teen vanished to be replaced by an assured and exciting young talent.
Strong musical support throughout was provided by pianist Eugene Gwozdz, bassist Leo Smith, and drummer Sarah Tompkins. Other performers, all of whom fully established their talents, were Nikki Cannon, Gavin Cranmer, Quentin Garzon, Thaddeus Kolwicz, and Lauren Robinson.
