Up from down under, the New York cabaret community will hopefully get to see and hear a lot more of this redhead, perhaps on her next go-round. Referring to herself as a “sensual ginger ninja,” Marika Aubrey is a powerhouse of vocal artistry in a debut tribute to Redheads—Ethel Merman, Lucille Ball, Marni Nixon, Rita Hayworth and more.

Aubrey is lighthearted and filled with great wit as she relates stories about Lucy and others, punctuated with a sexy “Hey, Look Me Over.” A Merman medley featured songs from Girl Crazy and Gypsy including a soaring “Some People”/“Rose’s Turn.”

The Marni Nixon medley had playful gems and showed softness in “Our Love Affair” and “Getting to Know You.” “She’s a Star” (Serge Lama /Alice Dona/Fred Ebb) is reminiscent of Brel’s “Carousel” in its urgency and anger. “Burning the Sauce” (Mark Campbell/Steve Marzullo) presented another round at sensual expression. However, I’m not quite sure what the latter two have to do with redheads! “If You Hadn’t But You Did” and “I’m a Brass Band” are performance highlights.

Aubrey has good patter and notes that float like liquid in and through a wide-ranging register. She needs to learn to reign in all her power as it can become overwhelming, and to try producing less elongated notes where appropriate.

She’s a gutsy gal with a big voice and good dramatic skills which should get her far as she gains more experience. The show is clever, well constructed and shows off her performance abilities. She will be appearing at the Adelaide Cabaret Festival.  Her piano accompanist was Geoffrey Castles.

Sandi Durell
Cabaret Scenes
April 19, 2010
www.cabaretscenes.org