Would cabaret’s beloved and charming KT Sullivan let 100 years go by without notice? Not if she can gather the talents of Jon Weber at the piano and John Loehrke on bass along with a cast of ultra talented performers to celebrate and pay tribute to a golden age! This series happens once a year and brings to life the singers and songwriters born 100 years ago. It became a significant reality with songwriter Bernie Bierman seated ringside who recently celebrated his 100^th birthday!

Elegant in top hat, tails and long skirt, KT welcomed her guests into, what felt like, her home with the “Hostess With The Mostes; on the Ball,” a song that Ethel Merman made famous. Stepping in last minute was Steve Ross to sing a Rex Harrison (whom he dubbed "Master of the Non-Singers") song, “I’ve Grown Accustomed to Your Face,” made especially poignant with Mrs. Rex Harrison seated before him.  The sultry, sexy and playful Terry Burrell paid tribute to Johnny Burke (considered to be a great poet) with “Here’s That Rainy Day,” as Jon Weber, pianist of flying fingers, added some improvisations all his own.

Russ Columbo, who died tragically at the age of 26, was brought to life by crooner Gregory Moore, who looks and sounds more like Russ than Russ, with several songs, including “You Call It Madness.”  Bernie Bierman’s young protégé Michelle Pirret (she calls him "gramps") is a jazz stylist with great inflections and interpretations and made Gramps proud as she sang several of his songs, including “My Cousin Louella.”

She says "it’s cool to have a friend who is 100 years old!"

Beautiful Stacy Sullivan celebrated Lee Wiley with “I’ve Got a Crush on You” holding and cuddling Mr. Bierman’s hand. No wonder he wouldn’t let go!  KT did a simply maah-velous rendition of Bette Davis’ film debut song “They’re Either Too Young” from Thank Your Lucky Stars and a duet with husband Steve Downey was a fun surprise.

The night went on and on, with the rich sound of Craig Rubano singing “Easy To Love” (Jimmy Stewart,1936 movie Born to Dance) and musical tributes to Harold Rome and John(ny) Green, followed by a “Craig’s List” of all the noteworthy and insignificant things that occurred 100 years ago. . . too long for this short review!  The culmination was Bernie Bierman singing and playing a song he wrote for Hildegarde, “When I’m Here With You.”

The evening was filled with wonderful music, voices and nostalgia along with lots of information, some of which might be suitable if trivia is your game. For those who weren’t there, sorry, you’ll have to wait until 2009 for the next 100 year treat celebrating 1909!

Sandi Durell
Cabaret Scenes
November 2, 2008
www.cabaretscenes.org