Bobby Cronin (pictured) is a singer/songwriter whose time is close at hand. He writes about life situations, feelings and thoughts in a contemporary musical theater style. He’s had productions/readings of several of his shows (B.R.A.T.T. Camp, A Christmas Carol, ‘Til Death Do Us Part) and on this momentous occasion, he was recording his first CD live—sung by some of today’s young musical theater performers—and about to burst from excitement and happiness.

The title song, “Reach the Sky,” sung by Marcus Paul James, set an inspirational mood with the lyric, “one day I will fly.” “Don’t Think,” wailed by Jenn Furman, was strong, while the essence of B.R.A.T.T. Camp was expressed in “Run Away”/ ”Fine Is All I’ve Got” and the duet “The Best Is Yet to Come” (Katie Thompson/Brian Gallagher) portrayed the confusion, torment and never-ending hope of youth. Cronin’s songs cover a gamut of emotions sometimes reminiscent of The Who’s Tommy. His styles are humorous, passionate and filled with the love of art: “Just Choose Right” (Andrew Kober); “Dance Your Troubles Away” (Ben Cameron); and Anne Brummel’s rendition of “The Understudy” receiving my standing ovation. The closing song, “Daybreak,” is Cronin’s mantra: “Make it through the day and tomorrow can be even better...now is my time to shine!”

Sandi Durell
Cabaret Scenes
August 3, 2009
www.cabaretscenes.org