They say you must take the bitter with the sweet. With Dominic Sheahan-Stahl, there’s no bitter, but lots of sweet via his uber-earnest (some would say “naïve”) I-believe-in-my-dreams mantra. And the voice is both sweet and strong. Here comes the “but…”: His positivity/visualizing blindingly bright-eyed presence is at first cheering and endearing, but joy turns to coy, then cloy, then “oh, boy,” then “oy!” and a (surely unintentional) sense of smug entitlement creeps in, curdling what was cream. And too much talk!!

He promoted the show as “new” but much was like the one I saw in his 2008 “NYC cabaret debut” year. He’s wisely added comic relief: Hector Coris’ spiffy spoof, “My Moment,” is a winner. Guest singer Ivory McKay brings spice and vigor (their “Muddy Water” clearly brings waves of excitement—and applause). Overstuffed with the stuff that dreams are made of, Dominic’s dizzying Disney determination segment showed why he’s been cast as Disney heroes who think faith cures all ills, this Peter Panacea. Musical director/pianist Brett Kristofferson brought some spine, but clearer direction and tightening is needed, with less solipsism allowed. The potential is considerable and so is Dominic’s basic talent. There is skill that can thrill here. I have… yes, I believe in that.

Rob Lester
Cabaret Scenes
April 29, 2008
www.cabaretscenes.org