In his youth, Charles Troy dreamed of being a Broadway lyricist. The winds, however, blew Troy’s sails in a different direction and he became a graphic designer. Thus, in saluting Mercer, Troy’s enthusiasm reflects the admiration of one lyricist for another.

Although Troy doesn’t sing a single note in his show, he dishes out tasty helpings, via recordings accompanied by fascinating visuals. The politically incorrect one of Bing Crosby in blackface had the audience chuckling away. There are great recordings by Judy Garland, Billie Holiday, Andy Williams and more. Though Troy clearly admires Mercer, he does not merely gush. He shares insights about Mercer’s foibles, including a love affair with Garland while they were tied to others, and his demons with alcohol. We learned about his many songwriting collaborators and how he could try the patience of some. That Troy tells the story in person and in the moment keeps the show from seeming canned. For lovers of the Great American Songbook, Troy offers up a fine program of musical history and entertainment.

Carla Gordon
Cabaret Scenes
November 23, 2009
www.cabaretscenes.org