Future greetings by Marla, Michelle, Tom or Daryl, or service by any of the friendly wait staff will never be the same with my awareness level at greater heights from the jolt it received at the Staff Spectacular!

Liz McKendry (Broadway’s The Producers), newest member of  the Metropolitan Room family, was a focused, exuberant soprano singing “Here I Am,” while Marla Green brought the Great American Songbook to life on “Little Girl Blue.”  It was non-stop singing as MAC/Bistro/Nightlife Award winner Daryl Glenn gave inside scoop on Sondheim’s “Live Alone and Like It” followed by Alexandra Dubov’s sweet “Summertime.”

Powerhouse Lisa Cernades tantalized with “Miss Byrd,” Kimlee Hicks was a screamin’ and a cryin’ at the “Heartbreak Hotel,” and who knew bartender Eddie Jacques is really a comic! Lovely Michelle Collier reprised “Honey Bun” from her show, A Tribute to the Hollywood Blondes, piano bar man Steve Lowenthal provided an opportunistic sing-along to “Artificial Flowers” and host Tom Gamblin’s glorious voice shone on “Just One Night.” Amy Wolk, released from paperwork duties in the basement, tore the house down with Hector Coris’ “My Moment.”

All were lovingly accompanied by multi MAC Award Winner Tracy Stark with superb sound/lights from J-P Perreaux. The evening was orchestrated by Joseph Macchia to benefit Help Is On The Way Today.

Sandi Durell
Cabaret Scenes
July 29, 2009
www.cabaretscenes.org