Dawn Derow
The House That Built Me
The Laurie Beechman Theatre, NYC, June 16, 2019
Reviewed by Marilyn Lester for Cabaret Scenes
When Miranda Lambert wrote “The House That Built Me,” little did she know that her song would become the perfect title for a nearly flawless cabaret offering, presented by a supremely accomplished artist. The show, thematically falling into the “story of my life” genre, was so much more than most of its type.
https://beautybeforeage.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/jpeg/finasteride.html
Thanks to tight construction, literate writing, and a carefully curated set of songs, Derow steered well clear of tedious narcissism by miles and miles. Instead, her homage to her roots, inspired chiefly by her father’s record collection, which filled the house of her youth, anchored the show. Thus, with “Daughters” (John Mayer) and “Old Cape Cod” (Claire Rothrock/MiltonYakus/Allan Jeffrey), “Make Your Own Party” (Zina Goldrich/Marcy Heisler) and more, she delivered a package of eclectic numbers that hit universal themes. Direction by Jeff Harnar and Derow’s own ability to possess a stage made for an assured, polished presentation.
https://beautybeforeage.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/jpeg/strattera.html
Another tremendous asset was Derow’s band, under the musical direction of the very talented Matt Baker. His sweet duet with the singer on “People Will Say We’re in Love” (Richard Rodgers/Oscar Hammerstein II) was a lovely added touch. Guitarist Peter Calo provided backup vocals on several songs, and bassist Steve Doyle also showed his singing chops. His arrangement of and vocals on the combination of “Our House”/“Our House” (Graham Nash/Madness) also served to add texture to the lineup of numbers. Derow is more than a well-trained vocalist.
https://drugeriemarket.co.uk/wp-content/languages/new/zithromax.html
Her rich, clear voice with a hugely pleasing tone has a remarkable range.
https://drugeriemarket.co.uk/wp-content/languages/new/flagyl.html
More than that, though, she shines in a variety of genres.
https://drugeriemarket.co.uk/wp-content/languages/new/xenical.html
There was country––“They Don’t Make ’em Like My Daddy Anymore” (Loretta Lynn; alternate lyrics, Richard Eisenberg); contemporary––“When I Was a Boy” (Dar Williams); and opera––“Che il bel sogno di doretta” (Giacomo Puccini). And there was a liberal dollop of show tunes. Her “bad girl” medley of 11 classics was a droll, affecting treat. The one shortcoming of The House That Built Me was the sound quality on many of the up-tempo contemporary numbers. On these, Derow, who really doesn’t need mic-ing, verged on piercing. It’s an issue that’s easily corrected and would make an already remarkable show even more so.
