My pre-show prep work alerted me to the fact that Ms. Olivor was oft compared to Barbra Streisand, but I wasn’t quite prepared for the uncanniness of the comparison at my first introduction to this phenomenal vocalist. Her physical look, her Brooklyn accent and her vocal inflection all screamed very early Streisand but softer, sweeter without the heavy baggage of icon-ness. But once the similarity ebbs, you discover the beauty and power in Olivor’s performance.

 Olivor has had a storied career herself and this show contained both the bouncy, positive upbeat life philosophy (Irving Berlin’s "Sun in the Mornin’") and beautifully sung ballads ("Stay the Night") that have endeared her to her fans. Olivor doesn’t have to sell songs – they breathe a life of their own with her pitch perfect, soft as a summer breeze delivery. She offered slightly altered arrangements of the classic "Some Enchanted Evening’ and "Isn’t It Romantic" to great effect. A lovely rendition of the haunting "Vincent" was followed by  Michel LeGrand/Bergman’s "Little Boy Lost" from the '70s movie Pieces of Dreams. She soared on "Last Time I Felt Like This," the Academy Award nominated duet performed with Johnny Mathis. The highlight of the show for me were two magnificent Burt Bacharach songs: "Where Knowledge Ends" and "Alfie"— showstopper material adeptly performed, enhanced by Alex Rybeck on the piano.

Olivor has a stunning voice that demands rapt attention to every lyric and nuance. She’s now comfortable onstage and is as fine an interpreter and stylist as you’ll see.  We’re glad she’s back performing in intimate settings like the Rrazz Room.

Steve Murray
Cabaret Scenes
May 22, 2008
www.cabaretscenes.org