Claudine Cassan-Jellison: Am I Blue?

Post author:Bart Greenberg
Post published:July 3, 2026
Reading time:2 mins read

Claudine Cassan-Jellison

Am I Blue?

Don’t Tell Mama, NYC, June 27, 2026

Reviewed by Bart Greenberg

Claudine Cassan-Jellison
Photo by Melinda Tanner

Claudine Cassan-Jellison brought many emotions to the stage of Don’t Tell Mama, but despite the title of Am I Blue?, being blue was not a prominent one. Optimism, anger, compassion, and hope were all on full display. So was her excellent taste in songs; her charming singing voice contained echoes of Blossom Dearie, Estelle Parsons, and Katharine Hepburn, but she made it all her own using her powerful acting skills.

The center of the show was Cassan-Jellison’s interpretation of a variety of people she met as she worked as a telephone canvasser for the Democratic Party. These monologues brought to life an immigrant who was devoted to American baseball; an elderly lady of the South whose patriotism, family life, and religion were interwoven; and several more. Her creations, vivid and compassionate, moved the audience. Her mix of joy and cynicism gave the show a deep substance.

This isn’t to negate her fine delivery of some beautifully chosen and contrasting musical numbers such as “The House I Live In” (Earl Robinson/Lewis Allan) and “Blizzard of Lies” (Dave & Samantha Frishberg). Music director/pianist David Gaines, in collaboration with Ritt Henn on bass, provided sterling support throughout. The opening medley of “Be Optimistic” (Harold Spina/Walter Bullock) and “A Cockeyed Optimist” (Richard Rodgers/Oscar Hammerstein II) served to expose Cassan-Jellison’s true persona. “That’s Good, That’s Bad” (Mary Rodgers/Stephen Sondheim) was an example of her political views, and a dandy example of finding an obscure song that perfectly fits the moment. That may be one of the trademarks of expert director Barry Kleinbort.

By bringing the show to a close with Jason Robert Brown’s “HOPE” and with the very gentle “Goodnight, New York” (Julie Gold), Cassan-Jellison gave a warm and optimistic ending to her sometimes problematic view of politics today. It was a lovely way to end this powerful program. Bravo to all involved.

Tags: David Gaines, composer, Harold Spina, Am I Blue, Katharine Hepburn, Blizzard of Lies, Bart Greenberg, A Cockeyed Optimist, Hope, Earl Robinson, Claudine Cassan-Jellison, Walter Bullock, Mary Rodgers, American Songbook Association, ASA, Don’t Tell Mama, Estelle Parsons, Democratic Party, Lewis Allan, Dave & Samantha Frishberg, Be Optimistic, That’s Good That’s Bad, Goodnight New York, Melinda Tanner, Clubs, Cabaret Scenes, Barry Kleinbort, Broadway, Cabaret, Broadway Musicals, Stephen Sondheim, Jason Robert Brown, Blossom Dearie, Richard Rodgers, Ritt Henn, American Songbook, Lyricist, NYC, Julie Gold, Oscar Hammerstein II, CD, Reviews, Cabaret Reviews, The House I Live In

Bart Greenberg

Bart Greenberg first discovered cabaret a few weeks after arriving in New York City by seeing Julie Wilson and William Roy performing Stephen Sondheim and Cole Porter outdoors at Rockefeller Center. It was instant love for both Ms. Wilson and the art form. Some years later, he was given the opportunity to create his own series of cabaret shows while working at Tower Records. "Any Wednesday" was born, a weekly half-hour performance by a singer promoting a new CD release. Ann Hampton Callaway launched the series. When Tower shut down, Bart was lucky to move the program across the street to Barnes & Noble, where it thrived under the generous support of the company. The series received both The MAC Board of Directors Award and The Bistro Award. Some of the performers who took part in "Any Wednesday" include Barbara Fasano and Eric Comstock, Tony Desare, Andrea Marcovicci, Carole Bufford, the Karens, Akers, Mason and Oberlin, and Julie Wilson. Privately, Greenberg is happily married to writer/photographer Mark Wallis, who as a performance artist in his native England gathered a major following as "I Am Cereal Killer."