“Put another nickel in . . .” yes, just like the good ol' days. Spin ‘em around and see what comes up.  In this case, the audience chooses the songs that the evening’s performers will sing from a list provided.  Songs that get the most votes are the ones performed!  It’s a unique and clever spin conceived by loveable, creative producer Scott Siegel, adding just that little bit of extra titillation.  The big bang, however, are the Broadway performers; especially those on Sunday, March 22^th.  Robert Cuccioli, Tony nominee for Jekyll & Hyde, Emily Skinner, Tony nominee for Side Show and Cady Huffman, Tony winner for The Producers!  Oh, what a night!

Powerhouse Cady Huffman was at her best, especially with bonus song “When You Got It, Flaunt It” (The Producers), to which only she could add her inimitable style as Ulla, while “Life Is Just a Bowl of Cherries” from Big Deal was a BIG DEAL in its jazzy, slow swing version.  Emily Skinner surprised everyone with “More Than You Know” from Great Day by presenting the song as it was written in 1929—as a soprano ballad, and had the audience begging for more with her Mae West rendition of “Come Up and See Me Sometime” from Catherine Was Great, with all the right vocal tremor and intonations.  Robert Cuccioli, with fan club in tow and looking like the proverbial dreamboat, hit the bell on every song with his rich, colorful vocals—“Impossible Dream,” “This Nearly Was Mine” and, of course, “This Is the Moment.”

It’s sometimes difficult to choose where we should spend our dollars in these difficult times. But Broadway Jukebox should be on everyone’s list. It will take a hiatus while Sir Siegel scouts a new location for the series. Stay tuned! You will want to be there.

(Pictured: Cady Huffman)

Sandi Durell
Cabaret Scenes
March 22, 2009
www.cabaretscenes.org