A library auditorium, magically transformed into an intimate cabaret, provided the perfect backdrop for Norman Lasiter. He took the stage buoyantly to say “Yes” (Kander and Ebb) and followed with an hour of lush vocals, riveting programming and crisp wit. Backed by the innovative arrangements of Musical Director Christopher Marlowe, Lasiter showcased the infinite possibilities of cabaret with songs ranging from Broadway standards to classic pop from the 1960s.

A recording artist with two CDs under his belt, Lasiter moved to Palm Springs from New York eight years ago and his too-rare cabaret appearances attract an ardent following. A native Hoosier, Lasiter uses a deadpan Midwestern wit to great advantage in his comic numbers. His rendition of “Norman” (#3 on the Billboard charts by one-hit wonder Sue Thompson, 1961) was both a tribute to his old-fashioned moniker and an opportunity for show and tell with his treasured childhood 45 rpm carrying case. A novelty number, “Secrets” (written for Lasiter by Michael Thomas) paid tribute to the singer’s eccentric devotion to his three cats.

The afternoon included several emotional peaks. In a medley of Frank Loesser’s “I Believe in You” with Sondheim’s “Good Thing Going” and “Not a Day Goes By,” Lasiter took us on a journey from optimism to nostalgia to heartbreak with each sentiment deftly nuanced. (The latter two were originally arranged by Marlowe for Nancy LaMott.) This medley, followed by a searing “Marry Me a Little” highlighted one of Lasiter’s greatest assets—his stillness—which allows his silken tones, impeccable diction and total investment in his lyrics to carry the day.

He provided several “buried treasures,” including a haunting and plaintive rendition of “Like a Map” (Harnick & Bock) which was cut from The Rothschilds before the show opened on Broadway.

His skillful reading of Joni Mitchell’s “Both Sides Now,” set to Marlowe’s gorgeous arrangement, focused our attention on the sad contradictions of Mitchell’s verse. An enthusiastic invitation to come “Downtown” via Petula Clark (another reminder of Marlowe’s collaboration with LaMott), closed the show on ebullient note. As it happened to be Mother’s Day, Lasiter offered an encore of Brian Lasser’s “Becoming My Mother,” dedicated to his own mom who was in attendance. It was a sweet bookend to an afternoon in the library.

Jerome Elliott
Cabaret Scenes
May 8, 2010
www.cabaretscenes.org