Hats off to Carol Shedlin for a well-constructed show revealing the decades of her life, and for unearthing some really groovy songs that are not part of the usual song toolbox. The 1941 Ellington/Price/Sheehy “Just a-Sittin’ and a-Rockin’ ” and the 1938 sexy, cutesy tune “Sent for You Yesterday (and Here You Come Today)” (Rushing/Baste/Durham), were vehicles for Shedlin’s imaginative focus, further evidenced on the come home baby’tune, “Mad About Him, Sad Without Him, How Can I Be Glad Without Him Blues” (Charles/Marks-1942). She sings these songs openly and honestly with poise and a good sense of the lyrics. Countless personal stories enhanced many of the songs.

“Cow-Bow Boogie” (Raye/dePaul/Carter-1941) gave latitude for fun-making while Leonard Bernstein’s 1952 opera, Trouble in Tahiti, provided “Suburbia,” an aria made simple, relying on the wondrous lyric list.

Although she has great affection for Paul Simon, her attempt at “One Trick Pony” doesn’t work, nor does McCartney’s “Ballroom Dancing.” She doesn't sound good attempting these contemporary songs.

Vocals are not Ms. Shedlin’s strength but her interpretation of the clever songs of the 1940s is reason enough to hope that ever youthful Shedlin will continue to share her “Secret o’ Life” (James Taylor)!

Musical Director/pianist Jon Delfin with David Dunaway on bass were notable. Aaron Morishita directed.

Sandi Durell
Cabaret Scenes
October 20, 2009
www.cabaretscenes.org