Commanding the stage for a nearly flawless debut, California native Jessica Reiner-Harris presented a program of mostly Broadway and Disney songs, sensitively accompanied by Jesse Cook on piano. With a voice clear and high as a bell, flawless diction and a great knack for comedic storytelling, Harris opened with "Belle," acting out multiple characters’ dialogue. "Over the Rainbow" was a tour de force, channeling Garland, Andrews, Peters, Merman, Streisand, Dion, Spears and Aguilera to side-splitting perfection.

Equally impressive (and almost overshadowing Ms. Reiner-Harris) was the vocal duo Dakaboom, whose musical interludes were a mixture of vocalese, beat-box and doo-wop, well-blended with artistry and wit.

Re-enter Reiner-Harris with a hilariously schizophrenic reading of "The Rose" as three-year old Jessica auditioning for a beauty pageant (spot on with gesticulations and mispronounced words) and the adult Jessica alternated between fits of coughing! "Baby Mine" and "The Music That Makes Me Dance" were among the straight, non-comedic numbers and, while done beautifully, it is obvious this woman's passion lies in tickling the funny bone.

The Disney emphasis, as well as the in-jokes and crowd sing-along, may have been lost to those not fans of modern animation, but the wonderful presentation overcame any myopia and, despite occasional piercing tones from a voice too strong (and too close) for the mic, Reiner-Harris is a pure natural on stage. It is hoped that her next show will be a true one-woman show; this young lady has the talent and guts to pull it off!

Dave Bass
Cabaret Scenes
June 5, 2011
www.cabaretscenes.org