It’s especially refreshing to see a woman who isn’t afraid to let people know her age. Carole Demas is seventy years old, looking much more youthful, slim and trim and proud of every moment of her long and fulfilling career.  After all, she can relive the joy of playing the original Sandy in Grease on Broadway in 1972.

The title of her show belies the actual content, which is jam-packed with memories, like her days as a fan of the Brooklyn Dodges and stories galore, including one about a Philco TV, resulting in “You’re My Home” (Billy Joel) and “Somewhere Between Old and New York” (Goodrum/Loggins).

Demas’ soprano radiates a softness, with dramatic touches, that works well in “Whatever Happened to Us” (Wainwright III) and a nostalgic fervor in the simplicity and sweetness of “Try to Remember” (Jones/Schmidt), which she sang in The Fantasticks when she played Luisa at the Sullivan Street Playhouse.

Her audience couldn’t get enough of “Summer Nights” from Grease, with long-time friend Paula Janis (together on TV in The Magic Garden), original cast members Ilene Kristen and Joy Rinaldi with Josh Franklin (understudy for Danny in the Broadway revival) as back-up singers. “Tell me more!”

Having originated the title role in the pre-Broadway L.A. production of Stephen Schwartz’s The Baker’s Wife, Demas produced a touching, almost tearful “Meadowlark.” A special connection and passion also seemed evident on “Something” (Harrison). An attempt at “My Handyman Ain’t Handy No More” wasn’t a strong suit as the song requires a fuller and sassier vocal.

Her creative team includes Musical Director Ian Herman, guitarist Sean Harkness, with direction by Charles Repole.

Carole Demas performs again on October 27.

Sandi Durell
Cabaret Scenes
October 13, 2010
www.cabaretscenes.org