Facing an evening of  twenty-five singers might seem like a daunting way to spend a Monday evening, but I am pleased to report that there was not one dud on the stage — and better yet, it seems likely that some of these “kids” will be ready to accept their Tony nominations in the very near future.

Scott Siegel continues his service to the Broadway enthusiast in his latest venture.  I would go as far as saying he should receive some commission from the lucky agents who will profit from these talented finds. Of the show there is so much to cover I must speak plainly.

There are many that might be ready for Broadway or at least summer stock, but the one I would put my bets on was Kristin Duasch.  Singing "Men," a tune from the failed So Long, 174^th Street, she delivered a star turn worthy of Carol Burnett.  A truly individual character, with an amusingly put upon and almost bent posture, she belted this tune in a shockingly secure and brilliantly loose performance, making it her own. If this gal does not make it big, than there is no justice.

An extremely touching and vocally alluring Jordan Person turned the anotherwise clichéd song (“Diary of a Homecoming Queen”) into a touching meditation, due to the delicate emotion and lovely sheen of her perfectly placed voice.  Jackie Washam’s “Elegies” boasted an excellent pop sound and unusually healthy vibrato.

The next group of terrific voices included Rachael Ferrea, Allison Semmes, Shaina Taub — all bringing down the house. Each of them tackled really “over the top,” difficult selections and almost succeeded completely, but each has just a bit of smoothing out to work on.  I sensed it was nerves that got in the way of them being near perfect, something that can probably be transcended as they continue to take chances and go for it all.  The unusually tall and thin Oakley Boycott was memorable for her camp personality – it would serve her well to take her strong, rangy voice down a notch as she is memorable without all the antics.

Tricia Burns and Dara Hartman were also notable: Tricia displaying a cultivated technique with a perfect mix tone; Dara possesses a nice belt but just needed to free her vibrato a bit. Caitlyn Caughell, being “unplugged” for her Chess number, "Someone Else's Story" was up against difficult odds as the selection somewhat succeeded.  I am not a fan of the unplugged numbers in an otherwise miked show, as the contrast is too great and the singers might suffer for it.

The men, while all good, were not quite the caliber of the women. Adam Yankowy (unplugged), Elijah Budwill, Antonio Addeo and Gregory Williams had good voices as did Sam Trussell, Jimmy Boorum (very nice falsetto) and Andrew Chappelle.  They all had good stage presence and sang in tune.  Kyle Taylor Parker displayed great diction and spark in "'T Ain't Nobody's Business If I Do" from Ain’t Misbehavin'.  Gabriel Rodriguez sang a stirring but overly intense “I (Who Have Nothing”).

Sadly, there was an absence of legit sopranos and power baritones of old.  There were very few of the masters represented.  Bridget Ori did tackle Rodgers and Hart’s “It Never Entered My Mind” with a silken voice, but the arrangement was stiff and in the wrong key for this singer. Christina Aranda did use somewhat of a soprano in her performance of “Wonderful.”

Ali Stroker (pictured) delivered the most rousing moment of the evening, singing “Be a Lion” from her wheelchair.  The fear of political correctness dissipated as this singer was a lion(ess). Her well produced and honeyed vocals and sweet passion proved a perfect finale to the evening’s embarrassment of riches.

Melody Breyer-Grell
Cabaret Scenes
July 20, 2009
www.cabaretscenes.org