Kristopher McDowell sings beautifully in Roles I’d Like to Play, Sundays at 5: 00 PM at Davenport’s Cabaret, 1383 North Milwaukee, Chicago, 773-278-1830. McDowell brings remarkable vocal range and energy. That he is good looking with a great smile only adds to the mix. McDowell recently moved here, and is becoming noticed in Chicago as performer, producer and artists’ representative. His guest for the opening of his January run was local favorite Spider Saloff, who wowed the crowd. Her take on "Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered" plumbed both the sexiness and fragility of an older woman both delighted and amazed by her romance with someone younger. Saloff’s show stopper, “Vodka,” had the audience howling with laughter. Melissa Young also appeared briefly, offering up a sassy rendition of “Hanky Panky” Madonna style.

McDowell himself presented an interesting mix of Broadway favorites, especially those written by his muse, Anthony Newley. (When young, McDowell implied in his Newley segment introduction, that no one other than Newley and now Kristopher could sing complete scores to Newley shows such as Stop the World, I Want to Get Off. He may have been setting his bar a bit high, not having quite the unusual mix of grittiness and vulerability that made Newley unforgettable.) Other male singers with wide ranges and big vocal chops have tackled Newley roles with success. Nevertheless, McDowell is a fine entertainer with noteworthy musical theater skill.

Arguably McDowell communicated best in the show’s more intimate moments. He finds all the layers in “The Morning After” by Marcy Heisler and Zina Goldrich. It’s is a funny, true story of simultaneous, conflicting feelings of desire for emotional connection and discomfort following a sexual encounter.

Roles I’d Like to Play continues Sundays through January at Davenport’s. Upcoming guests include Joan Curto and the popular duo Beckie Menzie and Tom Michael. McDowell will also be presenting The Newley Project at Davenport’s in March and showcases featuring local and visiting talent beginning Sundays in April.

Carla Gordon
Cabaret Scenes
January 11, 2009
www.cabaretscenes.org