Robyn Spangler exuberantly proclaims, “Let Me Sing and I’m Happy” and envelops the audience in her joy. Her well-crafted hour sparkled with witty patter, relaxed presence, solid vocals and a strong commitment to lyrics. With an easy command of these essential elements of cabaret, she took us on a journey through an innovative program of compositions ranging from Irving Berlin to Duke Ellington to her Musical Director Todd Schroeder.

I was most impressed with her versatility. From a sultry jazz version of “Hit Me with a Hot Note” to Ray Jessel’s clever “Naughty or Nice” to the Leiber/Stoller classic “Trouble” (from the film King Creole), Spangler used her years of experience in musical theater to imbue each number with a distinct emotional weight. Treating us to a bit of a fashion show from her apparently extensive shoe collection, she had great fun with the late Kristy MacColl’s “In These Shoes.” (A note from my bilingual table partner: the Spanish pronunciation in this number could use some polishing.) Her ballad work was equally impressive, especially her deeply felt rendition of Schroeder’s haunting “You’re Free, I’m Gone,” introduced by a personal story of teenage heartbreak. A soulful rendition of Wendy Tuttle’s “Let Me Sing” brought the evening full circle.

Schroeder played energetically and gorgeously and contributed his own vocal solo on a roof-raising “(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66.”

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