“The shoes we choose define the life we live” says Dezur Kenna in her original song “My Own Shoes.”  “Welcome to my really BIG Shoe” (Ed Sullivan style). Surely this is as unique a theme as one could create.  Ms. Kenna, an actor/writer, has appeared on the big screen and television and has a penchant for comedy.

Who would have imagined there are so many songs about shoes; and if the song wasn’t actually about shoes, Ms. Kenna somehow creates a relationship between the person or feeling to the choice of shoes.

She is comfortable with who she is as she weaves her unusual theme sensually on Melanie Safka's “Brand New Key” ("I’ve got a brand new pair of roller skates…"), has great fun with Stephen Schwartz’s “Solid Silver Platform Shoes” and gives a passionate example of soul fulfillment with “They Dance” (Barry Manilow).

Her legit soprano is a lovely instrument but can sometimes be shrill. It might serve her better to lower some of the keys to find more vocal shadings, i.e.  “Ruby” (Janis Ian), a sad, bluesy song. The pièce de resistance was the intertwining of an original monologue and the clever lyric of Peter Glenister/Kirsty MacColl/William Correa & Melvin Lastio’s “In These Shoes.”

Musical Director/Arranger: Steven Ray Watkins; Director Lennie Watts.

Sandi Durell
Cabaret Scenes
June 14, 2009
www.cabaretscenes.org