As Sinatra would say, "Wee-wow-wee," about The Power of Two when the two are Michael Feinstein and Cheyenne Jackson. Singing "Me and My Shadow," neither one of these two are the "shadow." With good humor and tight harmony, Feinstein and Jackson breeze through some rich, varied showstoppers, pausing along the way to contemplate a ballad or two. They delivered not only beautiful standards, like Jackson's robust renditions from Finian's Rainbow, "Don't Pass Me By" and "Old Devil Moon" or Feinstein's high-powered "So In Love," (Cole Porter) and his New Orleans jazz fire in, "I'm Gonna Sit Right Down and Write Myself a Letter." (Ahlert/Young). This duo also offered purposeful messages about a timely topic. The gorgeous, "We Kiss in a Shadow" (The King and I) and The Indigo Girls' hit, "The Power of Two," are interpreted as meaningful love songs for couples of both genders. This undercurrent brings the show to a deeper and particularly timely level.

Cheyenne Jackson, a matinee idol with strong theater presence and vocal prowess to match, brought his volume down and sensitivity up with a standout delivery of Ellington and Russell's, “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore.” He took a sweet jazz turn with George and Ira Gershwin's "A Foggy Day" and he joined Feinstein in the opening duet with some updated lyrics to the catchy, "I'm Nothing Without You" from City of Angels. While Jackson shows his boyish charm and lyrical wide vocal range in the intimate, star-studded room, Michael Feinstein is the obvious cabaret veteran with his quick wit, energy, and intimate style.

With its classy complexity, these two talents can take their power, potent musicality and well-delivered message on the road and charm any audience. After the knockout opening night, The Power of Two has been quickly extended from its original run, June 2 - 12, to June 25 – 27.

Elizabeth Ahlfors
Cabaret Scenes
June 2, 2009
www.cabaretscenes.org