Maureen Arthur’s solo debut at the Gardenia centered around her life and career, but was uniquely framed: Musical Director Todd Schroeder conducted a Q&A with her. The structure worked beautifully, as Maureen’s keen sense of humor and quick wit brought an extemporaneous feeling to what could have been a dry recitation of prepared responses. While many of the questions were known to her, a good number were made up on the spot, as Todd was able to build on her candid answers. The back and forth interplay between the two them was highly entertaining and moved the show along at a comfortable pace.

Well into her 7th decade, Maureen opened with a very appropriate pairing of “Funny How Time Slips Away” and “Sentimental Journey.” Her deep, resonant voice served the lyrics well. A section devoted to her late husband, Aaron Ruben, began with “Little Things Mean a Lot,” the song she sang at their wedding, and ended with “My Yiddishe Mama,” his favorite song that she introduced by sharing a very personal moment that came at the end of his life. It was preceded by a much lighter number when Maureen prompted the audience to join her in a whistle-along to the theme from The Andy Griffith Show, which was produced by her husband.

Maureen, the screen’s Hedy LaRue (How to Succeed...),  took a break from performing during her husband’s illness, but she is back now. She has an easy rapport with the amazing Todd Schroeder, so a return engagement would be most welcome.

Les Traub
Cabaret Scenes
February 4, 2011
www.cabaretscenes.org