“Yes, I have wings and I can fly. . .” sings Bob O’Hare from Flaherty/Ahrens Alone In The Universe.  He has been preparing this debut show for sometime with director extraordinaire Eric Michael Gillett. Born in Brooklyn, NY and a practicing lawyer for the past twenty-seven years, that pesky itch of younger days in regional summer stock needed scratching.

O’Hare has a pleasant enough voice that will continue to flourish with training. However, this show is not about great vocal expertise, it’s about a meaningful, sincere and unassuming man willing to take risk who says "Unless you do, you'llnever win."

Home is a musical journey of carefully chosen songs cleverly intertwined. From straightforward “My House” (Bernstein) to ever humorous “You Can Be a New Yorker, Too” (Strouse), O’Hare is willing to put himself on the line and take chances, continuing to explore his subtle, silly side with that bug in the sink, “Apartment 1-F” (Carnelia), and jump up on the piano and dance around childishly in “Suppertime” (You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown).  He’s all heart on bluesy “A Cottage for Sale” and solid on the rock-ballad “Home to Myself.”

With Musical Director Tom Nelson, Tom Kirchmer, bass and Peter Grant, drums, O’Hare truly realized “My Shining Hour” as his performance path continues to grow. Kudos!

Bob O'Hare returns to Don't Tell Mama June 15 & 22.

Sandi Durell
Cabaret Scenes
May 31, 2009
www.cabaretscenes.org