CCPs’latest showcase at Drury Lane Theater saluted the ladies of MGM musicals, with each performer representing particular darlings of the silver screen. Keeley Nicole, elegant in red, sang well honoring Ann Miller with dance tunes, but could have danced a step or two. Energetic Pam Peterson captured theatricalized soprano Jeannette McDonald to a tee. Hillary Feldman shone paying tribute to Judy Garland in a sweet, funny “You Made me Love You” and finding truth in the wistful “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.” Cheryl Szucsits did well on “Can’t Help Loving That Man of Mine,” but needs to rethink key placement and trust her middle and lower registers, too. Melissa Young brought fun and energy to a medley from Singin’ in the Rain, overcoming some technical glitches.

Showcases at large downtown venues should honor the decorum such events require. It’s not the place to plug individual artist’s upcoming gigs or to low-five the musical director while exiting. This isn’t the high school auditorium: it’s the Magnificent Mile.

Carla Gordon
Cabaret Scenes
August 18, 2008
www.cabaretscenes.org