It’s always reassuring to hear about a new venue for cabaret opening up and, for this season, Urban Stages, has taken the plunge!

The theater began twenty-five years ago developing and producing new plays. Recently, it added musicals and, as artistic director, Frances Hill pointed out in the evening’s program, that they’re thrilled to be stepping into the world of cabaret by initiating Urban Stages Cabaret Nights running from December 7 through December 16.

Michael Ogborn had two nights devoted to his original songs and he had a fun-loving trio of talented friends who showcased his clever material with great flair.

After Ogborn & Friends started the evening off with a rousing opener, “The Company You Keep,” Ogborn’s first “friend,” Tracie Higgins continued the fun with “The Boy for Me,” a song about two sisters eyeing the same boy. Higgins used her own eyes to maximum effect adding sexy sparkle to each of her numbers. She also handled Ogborn’s “tongue twister” lyrics in ”With My Past Far Behind Me” from Café Puttanesca, one of several full off-Broadway scores he’s written, with impressive vocal agility.

Chuck Sweeney was all about “eyes” as well and he, too, used them effectively. They were delightfully devilish in “One Ticket” from Box Office of the Damned and divinely diva-esque in “Judy Garland Christmas” from Sophisticated Twinkie, another of his off-Broadway productions. He had the audience in stitches throughout the show with his “impish” antics and superb comic timing.

Lorinda Lisitza has a long list of off-Broadway theater credits. As I see it, she’s a “right role” away from a career on Broadway. Her voice, compelling presence and once again, expressive Piaf-esque eyes spoke volumes in songs like “Pocketful of Buttons,”  “Ou après la guerre,” and “Oh, How I Miss the Kaiser” also from Café Puttanesca.

Ogborn’s songs are fresh, friendly and above all fun! Mike & Co. had a ball and so did the audience.

Lynn DiMenna
Cabaret Scenes
December 9, 2009
www.cabaretscenes.org