In the latest iteration of her very fun show, Hollywood and Broadway: A Fine Romance, Hilary Ann Feldman finds a conversational way that makes the show connect effectively. Some of that is due to lowering keys, and it works. Her dialogue sets up a “romance” between Hollywood and Broadway, speaking of them as if they were a sometimes fickle and sometimes loving couple. The show is mainly comprised of familiar tunes and a few about show business and film. She offers interesting stories; the audience sighed collectively as Feldman explained how “Moon River” almost ended up on the Breakfast at Tiffany’s cutting room floor. Because Feldman now lets us wait longer before she shows us her strong soprano power chops, we appreciate them more, especially in Lerner and Loewe’s “Show Me.” A Warren/Dubin medley brings us into the golden age of movies. It is entertaining because the songs are familiar and different. The eight-song Disney medley could use a trim, though. It is charming, but too long. While Feldman is an energized entertainer who sings and moves beautifully (and looks damn good in that blue gown), it is when she opens her heart in less staged numbers that she becomes a magical cabaret interpreter. This is particularly evinced in Randy Newman’s “When She Loved Me.” Feldman lets the story come from a place that is simple and true and her stillness is compelling.
Carla Gordon
Cabaret Scenes
July 23, 2011
www.cabaretscenes.org
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