Ah, April in Chicago! Part of the Musical Mondays series, April Love: Romance in Song, proved not merely “for the very young,” but for anyone ever smitten.

Musical director James Cebastien’s piano solo was a heart-warming opening. Enter baritone John Eskola beautifully delivering “April Love.” Joining him in “Soon It’s Gonna Rain” was coquettish Claudia Hommel, later charming us with French stylings.

Hilary Ann Feldman engaged with her sassy “It’s De-Lovely” and an effective pairing of “When I’m Sixty-Four” and “When You Are Old.” “You Must Believe in Spring” was delivered with optimism by Carol Moss, later offering a delightfully ditzy “Minute Waltz.”

Allen Nichols exuded personality in “April in Paris” and “Spring, Spring, Spring” while honey-voiced Bradford Newquist shone with “Almost Like Being in Love” and “It Might As Well Be Spring.”

Another highlight was “Deep Purple,” a dreamlike duet between Newquist and pianist/vocalist Ester Hana. Soloing, she nicely delivered “April in Portugal” and “The Hippopotamus Song.”

In addition to directing, Carla Gordon provided a velvety “The Man I Love,” later bringing down the house with her timely original, “I’ll Keep My Investment in You” paired with “If My Nose Was Runnin’ Money (I’d Blow It All on You).”

“April Showers” made for a tender finale.

Pam Peterson
Cabaret Scenes
April 20, 2009
www.cabaretscenes.org