Launching her career in the Miss America pageant with a bravura singing performance, and going on to a successful movie, television and stage presence, Mary Ann Mobley has now taken on the world of cabaret with her debut at Tom Rolla’s Gardenia. Describing her show as Mary Ann Mobley and Friends, with the friends being both people and songs, she gave her audience a good blend of both. The friends included her fellow Mississippian Elvis Presley, with whom she made two movies. Mary Ann shared some interesting stories about him before singing what she noted were his two favorite songs: "Can’t Help Falling in Love" and "Love Me Tender."

Her opener, "Feeling Good," was sung out with gusto, indicating that we were going to be hearing a powerful voice singing challenging arrangements with confidence and polished technique. Highlights included a swinging Hard Hearted Hannah and a plaintive "Soon It’s Gonna Rain" preceded by a perfect mood-setting introduction. During a Judy Garland medley (she once baby sat for Lorna and Joey) and in other songs, she demonstrated that speaking a lyric in the right places can effectively convey emotion and meaning. On the musical side John Rodby at the piano, Harvey Newmark on bass and Mark Stevens on drums provided her superb accompaniment.

Unlike some stars that take themselves too seriously when starting out in cabaret, Mary Ann was quick to acknowledge her trepidation about premiering a cabaret act. She need have no fear for her premier effort left us eagerly looking forward to future gigs.

Les Traub
Cabaret Scenes
October 18, 2008
www.cabaretscenes.org