Working at the Metropolitan Room has been a day job (OK, “night job”) for Tom Gamblin, bartender and singing host of their MetroStar Talent Challenge. When not working at that club, he’s been swinging a club….in the off-Broadway cast of Golf: The Musical. And it’s “par for the course” to know what not to do when you’ve been around so much cabaret: Tom avoided and winked at some typical cabaret excesses, presenting a down-to-earth persona, robust singing, humor and spunk, connecting strongly with audience and material.
He showed vocal heft and brio, yet revealed some vulnerability beneath the confident, “good guy” image. Referring to his “not nice all the time” father, he personalized Rodgers & Hammerstein’s portrait of the difficult King of Siam who’d occasionally do or say “Something Wonderful.” More musical theater stuff—mostly vibrant—was on the bill. (The title of the show comes from the [title of show] score.) Bravo for the parody lyric that showcased Tom’s skill at comically playing frustration: Rachel Kaufman’s revamping “Waiting for Life” with words about a maddeningly long wait for a subway. Referring to toiling as Santa in Radio City Music Hall’s Christmas show, he sang—with glee—of his alleged secret fantasy: “I Wanna Be a Rockette” (Alan Menken/Tom Eyen). These deliciously demented doings and the tender moments were more rewarding than some pop songs that need a more personal stamp (or stomp). Tom’s solo debut impresses with big voice and big songs. And pianist Jeff Cubeta is a big plus.

Rob Lester
Cabaret Scenes
March 24, 2011
www.cabaretscenes.org