KT Sullivan exudes class all the way around—the perfect gown, the classic coif, the assured precision of each number. Composer Jerome Kern’s music and a lot of great lyricists are on display in this show delivered with impeccable taste in KT’s semi-operatic soprano. She is the queen of the high notes, tossing off a G sharp with ease. It’s rare to hear a soprano version of “Can’t Help Lovin’ Dat Man,” but Sullivan pulls it off. I find her voice soothing and calm and, if I close my eyes, I see her as an animated Disney fairy tale princess on lovely songs like “All the Things You Are” and the unrequited love song  “In Love in Vain” (lyrics by Leo Robin).

Chicago jazz pianist Jon Weber lends superb accompaniment to the ethereal ballads and backs Sullivan on several choice comedic numbers: “Cleopatterer” (lyrics: P.G. Wodehouse) and “My Husband’s First Wife” (lyrics: Irene Franklin). The Kern/Oscar Hammerstein collaboration on “Life Upon the Wicked Stage” is tailor-made for Sullivan and displays her great humor.

The show’s pacing and song selection are excellent, the attention to the lyrics meticulous and Sullivan’s joy, wit and craft undeniable.

Steve Murray
Cabaret Scenes
June 25, 2010
www.cabaretscenes.org