Bursting with likeable ener- gy and behind-the-scenes stories of a life in show biz, Joan Shepard’s eyes sparkle and so does her show. It’s crisp, folksy, fascinating and fun. The title comes from how a re-cently procured small part was identified in a script. Tales are told casually—if one can be casual talking about auditioning for director/producer/star Laurence Olivier’s 1940 Broadway production of Romeo and Juliet while in elementary school. (She got the part.) Game for anything in the acting game, a highlight was being a member of A Member of the Wedding’s cast with Ethel Waters. Miss Shepard gently sings “His Eye Is on the Sparrow,” which she vividly recalls hearing (through the walls) the star vehemently arguing about being asked to perform in the non-musical play. The act is heavy on talk and the singing voice is light but effective. She doesn’t make it about vocals, but uses her own well-crafted, efficient lyrics to continue the narrative without allowing breaks for applause each time. She just moves on—and soon it’s quite moving, especially the respect and affection shown for many years in children’s theater and the impact the work has on involved young audiences. (She carried off playing a boy at age 40). “I’ll Always Believe in Fairy Tales” (music: Joe Bousard) is a testament to both this dedication and the eternal sprite in this pro whose company is a true pleasure.

Rob Lester
Cabaret Scenes
May 3, 2010
www.cabaretscenes.org