Appropriately titled, this engagement by the legendary Wesla Whitfield and Mike Greensill concludes their 27-year run at the soon to close Empire Plush Room. When fabled cabaret joints are closing, the years pass by at speed of light pace, and the price of oil hits record highs, we should be thankful for the few remaining constants in life -- one being a remarkably satisfying, technically adroit, romantically wistful performance by this couple. Tack on friends Vince Lateano on drums and John Wiitala on bass and you're all set for an evening of favorites ("Thou Swell," "The Best is Yet to Come," It's Fate") and some lesser known gems ("The Moon is a Harsh Mistress," "Photographs" and "My Ideal") all performed with Whitfield's trademark clarity, succinctness and intuitive understanding of the lyric and phrasing. Performing material from her new CD Message From the Man in the Moon, Wesla sailed through the show mentioning her first ever Plush Room gig and remarking how this wasn't the end, but a new beginning. I couldn't think of a better show to usher in the New Year.
Steve Murray
Cabaret Scenes
December 31, 2007
www.cabaretscenes.org
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