A dazzling evening of songs and stars marked the tribute to David Merrick (pictured) as irrepressible Lee Roy Reams strutted his stuff on “Lullaby of Broadway” and “Penny in My Pocket,” delighting the audience with anecdotes about the man called the “Abominable Showman.” Sharon McNight wowed as “The Life of the Party,” Stephen Bogardus enchanted with “What Kind of Fool Am I?” and ever adorable Jim Caruso and favorite Stephanie J. Block were knockouts on “You’re Getting to Be a Habit with Me.”

“Penniless Bums” Corbin Bleu and hoofer extraordinaire Kendrick Jones were perfect song and dance vaudevillians, and Elizabeth Stanley gave a moving performance with “Is It Really Me?” The "Merrick Dancers" backed Tari Kelly in a lively “Tap Your Troubles Away” and Robert Cuccioli sang a poignant “Her Face.”

Marc Kudisch was a charmer as he forgot and stopped/started “Make Someone Happy,” drawing host Siegel into a duet!  Kudisch was a showstopper with “The Rain Song.”  Carleton Carpenter, now 83 years old, created a nostalgic “It Only Takes A Moment” (remember "Abba Dabba Honeymoon," Debbie Reynolds?). And none of this could be possible without the talented Ross Patterson and his Little Big Band. Scott Thompson directed.

Sandi Durell
Cabaret Scenes
October 16, 2009
www.cabaretscenes.org