When Christine Reisner was just a wee one, she would sing and dance and, as happens, also had musically inclined sisters and brothers. Uncle Al (Albert Hague) would be on hand and so she was introduced to many of his songs and was present when he excitedly showed the family his first hit record, sung by Burl Ives, the novelty number, “The Bear on the Ball.”

Reisner is a charming and sincere performer trained as a dancer-singer, spending time performing in France and in the company of famous choreographer Alwin Nikolais.

Albert Hague made his mark on Broadway with Redhead (Dorothy Fields, lyrics) starring Gwen Verdon, with Bob Fosse as director/choreographer and winning a Tony Award. From that show, Reisner opened with “I Feel Merely Marvelous” and “Look Who’s in Love.” Donning bowler hat, jacket, with cane and cockney accent, she appeared most at home with the musical comedy-styled “Erbie Fitch’s Twitch” and the swing novelty “The Right Finger of My Left Hand.” Playing violin on several songs, Reisner added a nice dimension.

Her alto vocals are missing vibrato warmth. But lower sensual tones were highlights on “For the Rest of My Life.” “Young and Foolish,” Hague’s only real standard, was lovingly sung. Reisner’s performance level would dramatically rise finding an inner connection to many songs rather than the perfunctory delivery. However, this is a show filled with heart and information about Albert Hague.

Reisner is accompanied on piano by the talented Tex Arnold with Jon Burr on bass and directed by multi-award winner Eric Michael Gillett.

Sandi Durell
Cabaret Scenes
April 10, 2010
www.cabaretscenes.org