Steven Zumbo
Pangea, NYC, September 10, 2022
Reviewed by Bart Greenberg
Mix a dash of cynicism, a large sampling of power tenor belt, several grams of camp, and a healthy dose of humor, and you get Steven Zumbo. The veteran entertainer, along with his long-time music director/pianist Gerry Dieffenbach, gave the audience a full evening of entertainment. It ranged from the slightly sardonic opener “When You’ve Got It, Flaunt It” to the immensely touching closer “With So Little to Be Sure Of.” The material in between was occasionally serious, always personal, and very often in line with his announced credo, “there’s always room for some hijinks!”
Among the highlights (and hijinks) were “Where the Boys Are,” delivered in Italian, with Dieffenbach providing excellent vocal backup; “It’s Not Easy Being Green,” as a self-coming-out song gently rendered; and “I Want to Hold Your Hand,” presented as a sweet ballad with a Bach-lite accompaniment. Perhaps the only uncomfortable fit of material was Laura Nyro’s “Save the Country,” not because of the delivery but simply because it was the only number that didn’t seem to come from a personal place. Beyond that, the entire evening demonstrated good taste in fitting songs together.
Between the numbers, Zumbo shared the personal experiences that inspired some of his selections, such as the nightmare of gym class for an unathletic gay kid (“Last One Picked”), and early romances (“At Long Last Love” as delirious celebration of romance), and “Can That Boy Foxtrot” (as a sardonic celebration of certain “wrong” guys). He also shared some of the wisdom he garnered from the internet. Throughout the evening, Dieffenbach provided not just fine musical support, along with the delightful prodding and poking of a longtime best friend.
A few more highlights were a contemplative and rueful “Send in the Clowns,” a celebratory “Too Old to Die Young,” and the fine mashup (the only one of the evening) of “I Happen to Like New York” and a passionate “Theme from New York, New York.” Spending the evening with Zumbo was a delightful experience that hopefully will be available again soon.