Ironically, just before the planned trio show at The Duplex, I've Never Been on a Reality Show... So, I Guess I Won't Be on Broadway, one singer (Sarah Bolt) was cast inWicked!  This left talented singers Jeremiah Downes and Stearns Matthews to wing it ---with casual banter on the development, substituted songs, and even phoning Sarah on stage. (Cute!) They soloed and duetted wonderfully, played piano for one another, demonstrating an ease and playful teasing, the spontaneity a nice break from overly polished shows.  Gifted and gutsy, Jeremiah’s emotion-laced voice rang with aching sincerity as he nailed numbers such as “Wichita Lineman.” A taste of his own powerful songwriting left one wanting more samples.

Ingratiating Stearns, more in musical theater mode, garnered laughs with Marcy Heisler/ Zina Goldrich’s piece about “The Morning After” with a no-longer-wanted bedmate.  Stearns since became a finalist in the Metropolitan Room’s MetroStar contest.  Bravo!

Rob Lester
Cabaret Scenes
July 20, 2008
www.cabaretscenes.org