Paul Fraccalvieri
Road to Joy!
Don’t Tell Mama, NYC, June 14, 2019
Reviewed by Bart Greenberg for Cabaret Scenes
The charismatic Paul Fraccalvieri charmed a packed room as he recounted the fascinating journey that his life has taken. The often sung “Corner of the Sky” was especially appropriate to this tale; his search for joy took him through the military (“When Johnny Comes Marching Home” with extra emphasis on the lyric “we’ll all be gay”), a career in teaching, time spent in China—“(I’d Like to Get You) On a Slow Boat to China”—Morocco (“Old Devil Moon”), a disappointing romance (“The Man That Got Away” delivered with absolutely no camp), and a long-lasting one (“Some Enchanted Evening”).
Throughout, Fraccalvieri used his malleable tenor and expressive delivery of lyrics to create moods both comic and emotional.
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His “Anyone Can Whistle” was offered with a delicacy and sweetness that drew the audience in and an a cappella “Some Enchanted Evening” dazzled the heart.
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“Coffee in a Cardboard Cup” filled the stage with distinct, amusing characters, and “Poison Ivy” gave him a chance to rock and swing.
The singer also took the opportunity to pay tribute to one of his musical mentors, Phil Springer, with one of his best-known songs and one of his least-known, “How Little We Know” and “All I Am,” with great feeling.
Throughout the evening, music director David Gaines provided flexible assistance, capturing every style and mood shift. The entire production was directed with her usual skilled invisibility by Lina Koutrakos.
