Close your eyes and listen! Who’s that singing on stage? Why, it’s Betty Davis, it’s Julie Andrews, it’s Joan Rivers! It’s Hepburn, Minnelli, Garland, Merman! It’s Streisand, Channing, Kitt! Now open your eyes: it’s Christine Pedi, impersonating a dozen stars – all in one song – for a hilarious, virtuoso finish to her newest show, Great Dames, at the Laurie Beechman Theatre. The show boasts other voices too: Christine’s own, in several straightforward, nicely delivered standards, and the voice of the evening’s co-star, blues singer Karen Murphy, a fine song interpreter in her own right. 

The show utilizes what appears to be a growing concept in cabaret: the pairing of two strong talents to provide an even stronger show, more varied and entertaining than some performers can deliver alone. While both Christine and Karen handily hold a stage solo, both benefited – as did the audience – from the byplay and the changes of pace and style.

Their show included still a third element: musical director/accompanist Fred Barton, himself a cabaret headliner. Some of his comic solos went over the top, and some of his arrangements for the two women got draggy. But, overall, the three created a quick-paced, varied show that swept through a generous hour and a half, finishing off with a rousing, moving combination of – appropriately enough – “Happy Days Are Here Again” and “Get Happy.” 

Peter Haas
Cabaret Scenes
January 11, 2008
www.cabaretscenes.org