Assuming the show’s title meant we were in for a night of self therapy, I girded myself and hoped for the best.  Surprisingly, Adam’s story consisted of songs from child-oriented movies—mostly Disney pictures (Mary Poppins) and feature-length animated films from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs to the more recent movie-to-stage shows such as Beauty and the Beast.

At first I cringed at this concept as well, but  by the third number (a medley of “Over the Rainbow” and “Rainbow Connection”), I was drawn in. Truth be told, there are many so-called children’s songs that have an honest message and pleasing melodies that appeal to large audiences.

Mr. Shapiro delivered these tunes with a true love of the genre and sincere patter that at times was a bit cloying as he campily pointed out the obvious regarding his “persuasion.”  I am not asking him to deny who he is, but a bit of balance would be welcome.

With a voice both strong and sweet, he aptly interpreted the material with his best vocals being in a jazzy, honky-tonk rendition of “Cruella De Vil” from 101 Dalmatians.  As with many of today’s cabaret vocalists, it would serve him well to manipulate his instrument less.  He takes his God-given voice and sometimes yells out his notes, then attempts to spin them out with a heavy vibrato.  Adam does not always do this as his head voice/falsetto are free of these vocal mannerisms.

All in all, the show was an entertaining and enlightening piece that, if polished off and delivered cleanly, has potential to make a real impact. A. Michael Tilford was game and amusing on the piano and assisting Shapiro on some vocals.

Melody Breyer-Grell
Cabaret Scenes
September 12, 2009
www.cabaretscenes.org