Audiences never get enough of America’s treasured songwriter Cole Porter.

Jazz/pop singer Stevie Holland presents an ambitious twist of Porter songs from the standpoint of his wife, Linda Lee Porter, with a narrative that weaves throughout. This theater piece gives limited insight into Kentucky-born Mrs. Porter and her role as a driving force behind Cole’s success. Discreet homosexuality was not a surprise to the highly cultured, wealthy divorcee, who chose to enter the marriage regardless.

Songs come out of a timeline, starting at the Ritz in Paris, 1918, where Cole played piano, and into his Hollywood years, highlighting his indiscretions with sleek, tanned Adonis types (“Ridin’High”), and tragic horseback riding accident leaving Cole crippled.

Jazzy, fast swing arrangements on “Miss Otis Regrets” and “Love for Sale” show off a more dynamic side of Ms. Holland, who is tall and very attractive. “The Scampi,” the original version of “The Tale of the Oyster,” was craftily presented to her credit. Two of my favorite Porter songs, “In the Still of the Night” and “Night and Day,” are included.

As the piece develops further, we would hope for additional insight into the real Mrs. Porter.  The show is deftly directed by Ben West with arrangements and book by Gary William Friedman and Ms. Holland.

Sandi Durell
Cabaret Scenes
November 7, 2009
www.cabaretscenes.org