Peter Gallagher thoroughly charmed the audience with his autobiographical stories, referencing his education at the hands of some of the greatest performers of the day: James Cagney, Peter O’Toole and Jack Lemmon. His gift for spinning yarns is equaled by his natural, unaffected singing style. With over 2,000 Broadway performances under his belt, Gallagher knows how to deliver a show tune, evidenced by material from his glowing performance as Sky Masterson in Guys and Dolls. He works Frank Loesser’s tunes “I’ll Know,” “I’ve Never Been In Love Before” and, of course, “Luck Be a Lady,” in a youthful, confident stride. The sweet and dark world vision of “I Can See It” from The Fantasticks highlights Gallagher’s controlled tenor.

My favorite songs, however, were the non-show tunes. Here we see a different side to Peter’s talents, an opportunity to showcase the lyrical interpreter. Leon Russell’s much-recorded love song, “A Song for You,” is given the evening’s most heartfelt delivery. A cover of the soul great Solomon Burke’s hopeful “Don’t Give Up on Me” was a set highlight. His encore of Lucinda William’s “Still I Long for Your Kiss” was inspired. Gallagher showed he’s much more than a handsome Broadway star. He’s got substance to bolster his many talents.

Steve Murray
Cabaret Scenes
October 22, 2011
www.cabaretscenes.org