Will and Anthony Nunziata launch from the audience at Feinstein’s with revival meeting enthusiasm, delivering a rendition of Andrew Lippa’s “Raise the Roof” that might do exactly that. Backs straighten, smiles erupt.

Faced with decisions in formulating this new show, the brothers decide they do not want to play the twins card. They’re different men at different places in their lives. “When I Fall in Love” (Victor Young/Edward Heyman), Will sings sweetly, sighing into the notes. He wears his hopeful heart on his face. Anthony’s clear, new excitement in the waltzy “Real Live Girl” (Cy Coleman/Carolyn Leigh) implies he’s found a lady. Still, they share a jazz-centric “One Track Mind” (Marvin Hamlisch/Craig Carnelia.)

Numbers by Stephen Sondheim and Stephen Flaherty/Lynn Ahrens follow, describing what the two respectively feel. Second tenor voices sail high, while baritone capability also emerges, from lush standards’ melodies to buoyant pop. Warm, personable anecdotes elicit duets.

A section on family is next, beginning with a rousing, affectionately corny Neapolitan classic, "Funiculì Funiculà," sung partly in Italian.  A song for their grandmother, "The Prayer" (David Foster/Carole Bayer Sager) is moving, the charming “Getting Tall” (Maury Yeston) speaks to growing up together as “I Will Never Leave You” (Henry Krieger/Bill Russell) does to their future.

The Nunziata brothers harmonize beautifully, play off one another without melding, and connect with the audience. They solo with a bit less confidence, but as much heart. This is a deftly calibrated evening. It flows seamlessly. And it’s fun.

Tedd Firth’s splendid arrangements are a solid contribution.

Alix Cohen
Cabaret Scenes
July 19, 2011
www.cabaretscenes.org