Sexy and charming, Marc Kudisch warned his Feinstein’s audience that he was going to “dissect dysfunction,” a lofty intention that led him on a quick autobiographical sweep through his early life. Ironically, there hadn’t been much thought of a singing career. Originally wanting to be a scientist à la Carl Sagan, he explored his “mother’s chest,” a piece of furniture containing record albums, opening himself to the world of pop entertainers and Broadway shows. He was most influenced by Sammy Davis, Jr. and Harry Belafonte, singing songs associated with them: “The Candy Man” (Newley/Bricusse) and “Day-O” (Irving Burgie/William A. Attaway).

There was a wonderful story of his long—successful—audition for the Tommy Tune production of Bye Bye Birdie, playing Birdie, his first musical part after performing mostly in “straight” theater. His “Honestly Sincere” proved that Kudisch’s voice (and hips!) are still youthful.

He sang two songs from The Wild Party, crediting that show’s songwriter/co-librettist Michael John LaChiusa with helping to form his career. He sang Kander and Ebb’s “Winning” (cut from Steel Pier) and Jule Styne/Comden and Green’s “Just in Time” (Bells Are Ringing) and told witty and moving stories of his associations with most of these theater giants and their effect on his developing artistry.

He brought his booming, yet subtle, baritone to songs celebrating his Jewishness, from Fiddler on the Roof and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

The charismatic Kudisch had the perfect musical support of Michael Croiter on classical guitar and percussion, Ritt Henn on bass and, most of all, his musical director Timothy Splain, all of whom sang harmony and wittily kept pace with Kudisch.

Joel Benjamin
Cabaret Scenes
July 17, 2011
www.cabaretscenes.org