Well, of course. It’s a natural match. Think of Dinah Shore and the image is: big smile, warm voice with that vibrato, particularly gracious/easy-going personality. Lynn DiMenna projects all that, too, plus genuine affection for her subject. Taking us through career hits and highlights, and not eschewing mentions of troubles encountered by the star who publicly presented a very sunny side, this Shore tour was informative but not verbose. In fact, I’d welcome more facts. Informed views of repertoire/music history came through with Lynn, who’s also co-host/interviewer for radio’s At the Ritz! and a Cabaret Scenes contributor. Wisely, she didn’t overplay the cuteness of items like “Buttons and Bows” or “Dear Hearts and Gentle People,” and such sweet stuff, side-stepping sticky but settling into sentimental snuggliness. Straightforward ballads balanced things, although “Something to Remember You By” might be more effective taken slower and more wistfully, placed as it was after narration about loss.

More often seen as a bass player, Steve Doyle did an admirable job as pianist/bandleader. A chat partner deftly keeping Lynn on track in narration, he also did some singing. His counterpoint vocal on the obligatory song “Dinah,” though, needed to be brought out more. He’s amiable and blithe. Things seemed too showy/ schmaltzy with the mega-medley of ten standards with guest vocalist Bob Spiotto, rather than the more appealing casualness and kidding around when done by Dinah with Frank Sinatra on TV. Director Linda Amiel Burns provided structure for more Shore lore to lure new appreciators (of both ladies).

Rob Lester
Cabaret Scenes
May 8, 2010
www.cabaretscenes.org