If I were King of Cabaret, I would command that Robin Brooks Sullivan journey to New York for more than just one performance a year. A professional singer/guitarist based in Oklahoma, Robin—a mem- ber of the “Singing Sullivan” clan—comes to town annually to participate in the family’s spring concert. She often detours to mount her own show—and did again this year, at Don’t Tell Mama.

Robin is, quite simply, a striking, warm and winning performer. With natural, sunny charm, she served up an entertaining mixture of genres: country, pop, standards, blues and show music. Solos included “On Broadway,” “Blues in the Night, “I Cain’t Say No” and “Dream a Little Dream of Me”—some performed to her own guitar accompaniment, some aided by the skillful piano collaboration with Jon Weber. Several guests contributed. Brother-in-law Tim Sullivan joined Robin in a country music “cheatin’ duet,” “Jackson,” while Robin’s young son, Montana, performed with her sweetly on “Rainbow Connection” and—maybe not the song for his age—an Elvis number, “Don’t Be Cruel.” Singers Tony Nash and Tabithe Fan rounded out the visiting cast. More of Robin—it’s hoped—sooner than next year.

Peter Haas
Cabaret Scenes
May 23, 2010
www.cabaretscenes.org