Somewhere, in the subterranean reaches of Park Avenue’s Regency Hotel, there must be a secret room to which only Michael Feinstein has the key and to which he disappears periodically to rejuvenate his eternally youthful spirit, his enthusiasm for the Great American Songbook and his constantly improving singing voice. All these qualities were much in evidence for his varied, sweet-spirited, end-of-the year show, Swing…in’ the Holidays, presented throughout December at—where else?—Feinstein’s at Loews Regency.

Mixing holiday classics with popular and theater songs, and supported by a twelve-piece orchestra and two back-up singers, Michael offered a charming, neatly paced menu of music that also allowed for a relaxed personal give-and-take with his packed-house audience. Holiday-related numbers ranged from “We Need a Little Christmas,” “That’s What I Want for Christmas” and “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” to a finger-snapping “Dreidel Song.” Michael took to the piano to offer Leslie Bricusse’s “You and I” and, in honor of today’s fighting forces, two movingly sung World War II classics: “For All We Know” and “I’ll Be Seeing You.” Other popular numbers included Lane and Lerner’s “What Did I Have That I Don’t Have?,” “The One I Love Belongs to Somebody Else” and a lovely piece, “After the Holiday,” written many years ago by John Meyer for his then-lover Judy Garland’s last Christmas. The orchestra, jammed onto the tiny stage, was led usually by pianist John Oddo, but for several evenings during the run, including the one reviewed, was under the fine musical direction of Kenny Ascher.

Peter Haas
Cabaret Scenes
December 17, 2010
www.cabaretscenes.org