David Sabella
Razzle Dazzle—My Life in America’s Longest Running Musical
Act2PV, Puerta Vallarta, Mexico, November 9, 2024
Reviewed by Lynn Timmons Edwards
What is there to say about the cabaret icon who coauthored So You Want to Sing Cabaret, the most recent entry in the series of National Teachers of Singing (NATS) publications and the bible for cabaret singers? Razzle Dazzle was born for the 20th anniversary of Kander and Ebb’s Chicago, a show in which Sabella played the character of Mary Sunshine more on than off for more than 20 years. His initial goal was to build a show around the entire score. Some songs, such as the mash up of “My Own Space” (The Act) and “My Own Best Friend” (Chicago) were added as recently as 2022. Other tour-de force-numbers such as “Mr. Cellophane” were from the original score. That song was an homage to his much older brother Ernie from whom he learned the craft of performing and with whom he actually shared the stage in Chicago during its Las Vegas run.
From the opening “All That Jazz” (Chicago) and “Yes” (70 Girls 70) to “Razzle Dazzle” (Chicago) and the encore “I Just Move On” (from the film version of Chicago) we were on the ride of our cabaret lives. Sabella has an enviable instrument that still to this day ranges from a Broadway baritone to boy soprano, which is a testament to his work ethic and his understanding of the voice. He currently lives in Puerta Vallarta and is the resident producer of Act2PV, but he tours his shows internationally and is a sought-after voice teacher, which he is able to do remotely; singers take note.
His show was not all razzle dazzle, not all show business. We went inside his head and heart and learned that he was one of the first married gay men in America, that he is an adoptive father of three, and that he had experienced joy and heartbreak and had come out with optimism and purpose. He shared a few visual images of his family; his wedding photo was displayed for the song “Married” (Cabaret), and it took my breath away, as did photos of the children who were not destined to stay long in his life as well as those who are now young adults. Sabella also garnered big laughs with some stories, including his encounter with the Secret Service during President Clinton’s visit to see the revival of Chicago on Broadway.
The show was brilliantly accompanied by pianist David Maiocco, one of the music directors here at Fiesta de Cabaret (Nov. 8-16, 2024, Act2PV). Sabella conceived the show along with the producer of the Fiesta Mark Hartman, and the brilliant arrangements were his. Nearly every moment with the exception of two stories was underscored. That was a way to be sure that every song in the Chicago score was represented, but it also gave a theatrical momentum and magic to the evening. He shared with us that every word and note of the show was written down, yet he has the skills to make it seem new and spontaneous. Sabella’s show was the second in the Fiesta line-up. It was vastly different from Natalie Douglas’ show, which speaks to the breadth, depth, and quality of American cabaret.
