In Arc of a Love Affair, Ann McGregor demonstrates her growth in the art of cabaret. Her vocals are becoming richer and more resonant, particularly in the lower register. She selected songs to reflect the phases of love affairs in general, rather than one love affair in particular. In “Will He Like Me?” from Sheldon Harnick and Jerry Bock’s She Loves Me, McGregor offers up that wave of insecurity that so often accompanies new romance. In Johnny Mercer and Richard Whiting’s “Too Marvelous for Words” (arguably the best number in the show), McGregor brings us joy with a delicious jazz bounce. There’s some comedy in Christine Lavin’s “Good Thing He Can’t Read My Mind.” The show could use even more funny numbers and next time, McGregor can dig deeper into the tension of Lavin’s seesaw of love and irritation. The Bonnie Raitt-recorded “I Can’t Make You Love Me” (Mike Reid and Allen Shamblin) rang true in McGregor’s delivery as a discovery, without the pop frosting with which that song is generally delivered. That song and also the understated offering of John Bucchino’s “I’ve Learned to Let Things Go,” were looks at the insight coming from the difficult, but honest understanding that the love affair was not meant to be. McGregor’s dialogue is witty. Explaining why, after relationships with men, she now lives with two cats, was funny and struck a familiar chord.

Carla Gordon
Cabaret Scenes
September 30, 2011
www.cabaretscenes.org