The Metropolitan Room was buzzing with friends, professional theater associates and near full capacity as Evangelia Kingsley entered “Traveling the World.”  She is an experienced operatic soprano (with lots of dramatic coloratura), possessing honed acting skills, who is having great fun in the cabaret world when given the opportunity! Seen as “Signora Naccarelli’ in the First National Tour of Light in the Piazza as well as in the Choir in Broadway’s Coram Boy, Evangelia is an exhilarating addition to cabaret.

What separates this soprano from the few others who make their way into cabaret, is her  sense of humor and tongue-in-cheek sensibility.  Having lived and studied in Paris, Italy and being of Greek descent, Evangelia uses all of her experiences to embark on a musical world-wide adventure. Of course, “A Foggy Day” in rich legit soprano does stretch the imagination. However, “How Are Things in Glocca Morra” entwined with “Loch Lomond” is beautiful music to the ears.

The arrangements are clever, segregating the Parisians in one place (“The Poor People of Paris,” “C’est si bon”) and the romantically emotional “Lush Life” and “Hotel.” Not far away on the “Isle of Capri” the humorous Mrs. Wentworth Brewster is lurking at “A Bar on the Piccola Marina.”  Evangelia, a native New Yorker, presents all this with great aplomb as we’re brought to laughter over and over again.

“Jerusalem Gold,” sung in Hebrew and English in memory of Amos Ben-Gurion, along with “The Bells Will Toll,” are serious and reflective moments. Ms. Kingsley “(I) Happen(s) to Like New York” and is in one of the best drunken stupors imaginable as “Radical Sally,” hardly able to lift her head off the piano, as she high kicks her way  thru “I’ll Take New York.”

Attention is paid to current socio-political affairs with “This Land Is Your Land,” “The House I Live In,” “Take Care of This House” and “American Tune.”  Menken/Ashman’s “Somewhere That’s Green” gets some extra color added with special lyrics and heightened awareness as an ode to au natural, raw veggies and solar panels.

Accompanist Chip Prince, bedecked in kilts, is a fine musician adding his own touch of levity. The show is directed by Eliza Beckwith. Perhaps next time, Evangelia will add some additional dates.

Sandi Durell
Cabaret Scenes
October 14, 2008
www.cabaretscenes.org