Cheryl Szucsits presented her tribute to Eydie Gorme, All About Edie, with a newly discovered confidence and poise. In the past, Szucsits had a tendency to sing in keys that often did not showcase her vocal abilities to their best. In All About Edie, as a vocalist, she is in full control. She explores different stages in Gorme’s career from pop singer in “Soda Pop Hop” to her shot at country music with “I Walk the Line.” A very effective moment in the show came with the simply delivered “Softly, As I Leave You,” which was preceded by a discussion about Steve (Lawrence) and Eydie’s son, Michael, who died suddenly from ventricular fibrillation resulting from an undiagnosed heart condition in 1986, at the age of twenty-three. This heartfelt story went far to keep the dialogue from having a tepid feel and offered needed contrast to the mainly mid-tempo ballads. Speaking of Steve Lawrence, Musical Director/accompanist George Howe was especially effective in his solo turn on “Go Away, Little Girl.” Hearing Gorme signature tunes again was lovely. “Too Close for Comfort” and “Blame It on the Bossa Nova” landed well.

Carla Gordon
Cabaret Scenes
June 30, 2010
www.cabaretscenes.org