In You Taught My Heart to Sing, singer/pianist Michelle Greenberg shares her personal story of a year in Paris in the 1970s shared with her late husband. Although Professor Gary Greenberg died in early 2008, his wife’s story is, thankfully, no maudlin remembrance. Shows about a performer’s personal history must resonate beyond the performer herself. Fortunately, Greenberg leads us to where we can relate—remembering being young and adventurous with the love of one’s life. No belter, Greenberg has a gentle, sometimes fragile voice that ultimately reveals a powerful heart. She finds both anticipation and joyful discovery in Grusin/Bergmans “It Might Be You.” Her offering of “Why Did I Choose You?” (that good song by Michael Leonard and Herbert Martin from the unsuccesful musical version of The Yearling) was layered, thoughtful and she did not oversing it as some others have done. Greenberg’s conversations with her audiences are better focused than in prior shows and, because of that, funnier and more engaging. The story about the tent stolen from the campground on the French Riviera is a hoot. Her growth in the art over a few short years is palpable and due at least in part to good advisers like Beckie Menzie and Daryl Nitz. Set another chair at the grown-ups’ table, please.

Carla Gordon
Cabaret Scenes
October 4, 2009
www.cabaretscenes.org