Joan Curto and the Jerry Herman songbook are beautifully matched in There’s No Tune Like a Show Tune. Curto can deliver soprano money notes with the best of ‘em. However, as of late, and with greater reliance on a rich lower register, she has become a warm and enriching storyteller and most definitely Jerry’s girl. Placing “If He Walked Into My Life” (Mame) following a sweet anecdote about one of her son’s regretted wardrobe choices made the song all the more personal, poignant and sometimes even fierce.  “Tap Your Troubles Away” is happy and charming. On “Song on the Sand” from La Cage aux Folles, Curto adds just the right touch of wit to Herman’s wistful rumination.  “I Am What I Am” (La Cage) is thoughtful and proud. In the closing number, "I'll Be Here Tomorrow" (The Grand Tour) with harmony provided by Musical Director Beckie Menzie, Curto finds the simplicity of delivery that makes the song especially tender and emotionally powerful.  She offers up interesting reflections about Herman and his musicals. For example, it wasn’t per se the musical that made the simplistic “Hello, Dolly!” an iconic tune; it was, of course, Louis Armstrong’s gravelly rendition. Her charcoal sheath with the flaps moves almost as gracefully as Curto herself. There’s No Tune Like A Show Tune is a top-shelf show and Ms. Curto is quite the Hermanitarian.

Carla Gordon
Cabaret Scenes
November 17, 2010
www.cabaretscenes.org