Ménage – the French dictionary defines it as a ‘household.’ Welcome to the household of three classical voices who have come together to “(I’ll) Weave You a Tapestry” (Barnes/Fredrick) — a tapestry about relationships — love, lust, obsession.

Marni Nixon is "The Voice of Hollywood" (West Side Story, The King and I, My Fair Lady); Sarah Rice the original Johanna in Sondheim’s Sweeney Todd (Theater World Award) and Edd Clark, tenor co-founder of the New Opera Group in NYC and cabaret newcomer. How did they all come together?  Well, we never get any information about that but audiences will be pleased listening to these three superior singers who blend the classical and somber with the humorous and sassy.

Not in everyone’s repertoire is the beautiful “Moonfall” from The Mystery of Edwin Drood on which Ms. Nixon’s bell-like quality shines. If it’s “Freefloating Anxiety” that grips you, Sarah Rice interprets Canadian Nancy White’s lyric and patter song with just the right amount of comedic edginess. Turning to more serious matters, Ms. Rice’s soaring soprano relates the urgency of “Love in Wartime” and how love becomes a chore when fighters are heroes no more. (both from the album Stickers on Fruit. Although Edd Clark is most at ease on songs like Bernstein’s “Oh, Happy We” (Candide), he does a fine rendition telling the story about his idea of the perfect girl ("she could be brunette or redhead or ….brunette!") as he makes his way down Goldrich & Heisler’s list in “That’s All.”

Nancy White is well represented again by Marni Nixon in “A Dream I’ve Had of Late.” "...I want to be taken care of...by the government." Politically incorrect I would think, but funny and clever all the same! Leiber & Stoller’s “Ready to Begin Again” is comedy at its best with Ms. Nixon taking out her "teeth from the glass and hair from the drawer down the hall!"

Together the three voices are a melodious harmonic blend as they “Sing For Your Supper” (Rodgers & Hart), leaving smiles and lots of applause in their wake. The material is noteworthy with the inclusion of important contemporary songwriters while paying homage to the traditional.

Musical direction is by Bob Goldstone, with Amy Ralske on cello.  Additional shows are January 21, 22 and 24, 7:30 pm at the Metropolitan Room.

Sandi Durelll
Cabaret Scenes
January 18, 2009
www.cabaretscenes.org