Terri Dannenberg
Everything!
Don’t Tell Mama, NYC, July 24, 2026
Reviewed by Alix Cohen
Photo by Stephen Hanks
“I want to learn what life is for/I don’t want much I just want more” Terri Dannenberg earnestly sang from “Everything” (Rupert Holmes/Paul Williams). She continued with “Here’s to you long shots/You dark horse runners/Hairbrush singers, and dashboard drummers” (“Crazy Dreams”; Carrie Underwood/Troy Verges/Barry Dean). Together the songs signified a vast fraternity of young artists.
Dannenberg’s own “everything” is comprised of “family, friends, my dog, and cabaret dreams.” Like many, she had put aside performance aspirations for a civilian career and now has circled back. This show illuminated her journey.
A lilting arrangement of “Take Me to the World” (Stephen Sondheim), tinted with a Latin feel, arrived understated and thoughtful. There were no superfluous gestures this evening. When her arms rose or a hand fisted, the movement emerged as an extension of emotion.
We heard about loving parents and her beloved father’s death. New to me, “Now When the Rain Falls” (Nan Knighton/Frank Wildhorn) tiptoed in on delicate piano, then circling brushes and low bass. The combo—Gregory Toroian on piano, Skip Ward on bass, and David Silliman on drums—practically breathed together. Dannenberg’s rendition was palpably tremulous.
“The Night I Ate New Orleans” (Susan Werner) was engagingly animated. Grins popped up like bubbles all over the club. The vocalist has a feel for The Big Easy and its sound—more please. A connection to the narrative subject, in this case her mother, was, however, a reach.
A similar sassy attitude was showcased in “They Just Keep Moving the Line” (Marc Shaiman/Scott Wittman), a song about the glass ceiling. The performer’s bluesy interpretation spot-lit fine, frustrated phrasing.
Stephen Stills’ “For What It’s Worth,” with an infectious bass vamp, super percussion, and jazz-infused piano, was splendidly arranged to feature repetition of Toroian’s intoned “stop, watch, look” in counterpoint to Dannenberg’s impassioned list of injustices. A highlight.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, my love life in three acts” introduced a chanteusey “I Got Lost in His Arms” (Irving Berlin), during which Dannenberg appeared smitten, and ended with Berlin’s entreaty “How About Me?” An “epilogue,” “I Don’t Remember Christmas” (Richard Maltby Jr./David Shire), erupted the perfect feisty topper.
Dannenegerg’s message? “Face your fears, live your dreams.” Alan & Marilyn Bergman/ Michel Legrand’s “A Piece of Sky” placed the artist’s feet firmly on the ground, her head happily in the clouds.
Song choices were intriguing, but two fewer would’ve served. The arrangements by Gregory Toroian were original and adept. Note to artist: Please look at us, into eyes; share.
