Billed as "a determined, if ditsy, cabaret debut," Marissa Mulder keeps her word. She seems to have been "born in a trunk," with a remarkable ease and stage presence displayed for one so young and inexperienced. Off on ì"Route 66," Marissa stops midway through to chat with a friend sitting ringside, without a care in the world. Her big, expressive voice is rivaled only by her big and lovely head of red hair, and her pretty smile.

She chose an eclectic grouping of songs that showed off the multi-colored facets of her voice: the high drama of "Apathetic Man," an urgent rendition of "Another Hundred People" paired with "Night Song," and a breathy "Detour Ahead."

She paid tribute to Grandpa with a grouping of standards, posing atop the piano. "Sentimental Journey" needed some work on top notes, while "It's Only a Paper Moon" didnít show off her better vocal attributes. She's much more at home with the bluesy "I Enjoy Being a Girl" and novelty wit of "Everybodyís Girl." Deep emotions rose, singing to her brother, after telling a story about her Grandmother's influence, in "No One Is Alone."

Mulder bubbles with a breathlessness relating stories that set up her songs. She is what is known as "good on her feet"! She's playful, has high energy and this "ditsy" redhead should do well in her chosen path. Kudos to Karen Oberlin, in her directorial debut, and to Tracy Stark, Musical Director.

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