It’s a treat to see such a lovely cabaret debut by someone with a well-established career in…..get this…..uniform design.

I first saw Karen in a group show last year and was impressed enough to want to review her in her first solo show.   She certainly should be proud of it.  She’s engaging, funny, poignant, vulnerable—all important qualities for a cabaret performer.  I’m also impressed by her refreshing choice of music, a terrific mix of well-known standards and more obscure songs.

I would describe Karen as a cross between Carol Channing and Pat Carroll.  There’s a sense of wacky humor, but underneath a knowingness and intellect.  She describes her show as a commentary on the dysfunctional relationships that other people have—a nice deflection device.

She got off to a great comic start with Murray Grand’s “What’s a Lady Like Me,” and, after a minor bit of faltering, her show began to really take off with a moving version of “How Long Has This Been Going On?”  The highlights were a punchy “I Don’t Remember Christmas,” a simple and very moving “How Deep Is the Ocean,” and Amy Powers and Jeff Franzel’s deliciously comic “He Ain’t Mr. Right.”

Some constructive criticisms:  The show was a bit too long, and it started quite late, making for too long an evening.  As it is her debut show, I really question her bringing on a guest performer.

I very much look forward to seeing Karen’s growth as a cabaret artist.

Harold Sanditen
Cabaret Scenes
September 26, 2010
www.cabaretscenes.org