Last year, Andrea Levitt survived some very serious health problems, so, to celebrate, she put together a new show honoring all that she loves—music, theater, family, friends, and, most of all, life. Her show is true testament to the triumph of the human spirit.

Levitt delivered an interesting and relevant mix of songs, including “I Will Survive,” “Nothing Can Stop Me Now,” Jason Wynn’s hilarious “Not Another Cabaret,” “A Cockeyed Optimist,” “That’s What Friends Are For,” a medley of “Over the Rainbow”/“Never Never Land,” Brian Lasser and Gary Gardner’s poignant “(I’m) Becoming My Mother,” “But the World Goes ‘Round” and ended with the Streisand/Garland medley of “Happy Days Are Here Again” and “Get Happy,” with Musical Director Gerry Dieffenbach singing the “Get Happy” part.  Levitt may not have their voices, but she delivers each song very personally and with an enormous amount of heart and soul.

Admittedly, this is a bit of a family affair, but the show can touch any of us, and we can all certainly learn something from Levitt’s feistiness and joie de vivre. She was joined on stage by her adorable grandsons, Noah and Hayden Baum, who tap danced to “I’d Do Anything” while Levitt sang. Noah sang a sweet and cute solo of “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” with Hayden providing a tap break.

Hats off to Levitt for showing us that we can overcome adversity and bounce back even stronger than before, in this very touching and humorous show.

Helen Baldassare directed beautifully, with Dieffenbach on piano.

Harold Sanditen
Cabaret Scenes
September 25, 2011
www.cabaretscenes.org