The always gorgeous, always gracious Siân Phillips debuted her new cabaret show, Crossing Borders, at Wilton’s Music Hall as part of Live At Wilton’s.

Her cabaret shows are always of the more traditional type.  She’s had a long and very impressive career, and her show followed its progression, with backstage anecdotes about the people she’s met and worked with along the way.  It may not be edgy, but it’s a truly delightful evening, by a truly delightful performer, in a truly delightful venue.  Who needs more?

I particularly like it when I’m introduced to new composers and lyricists, and tonight she sang two songs by Susan Werner, who I’m glad to have discovered.  Ms. Phillips’ rendition of “Let’s Regret This in Advance” was one of the highlights of the evening.  Not only are the lyrics poignantly funny, but her voice fit the song perfectly with its warm depth.  Werner’s other song, “Nice Seeing You Again,” is perhaps a bit simple, but makes a great closing number.  Other highlights were “Have Some Madeira, M’Dear.” Ms. Phillips explained that madeira was the rohypnol of its day.  She treated us to a delicious “Liaisons” and a beautifully simple, unmiked version of “If Love Were All.”  But the best number of the night was “I Wish I Were in Love Again,” where I felt she and the song merged seamlessly.

Some criticisms: Her opening number, “Makin’ Whoopee,” faltered at first, because Ms. Philips began offstage and had to maneuvre some steps before making it down to the stage, during which time, her mic was all over the place.  Better that than fall, but better not to draw our attention to that at the start of the show.  Her “Ne me quitte pas” ended gloriously, but surprisingly, there was no connection at first, and the pathos of the lyrics didn’t come across until the very end.

The show plays again January 21 and is expected to play New York.  Look out for it there!

Harold Sanditen
Cabaret Scenes
January 13, 2011
www.cabaretscenes.org