With Staff Spectacular, with ease, employees seize the day— and make mine. I’m referring to folks with two things in common: they’re experienced, gifted performers—and regularly earn a buck toiling at the Metropolitan Room, performing duties other than stage performing—on the other side of those stage lights. Ted Stafford, staff tech wizard, also lit up the stage with guitar playing/vocals, collaborating with marvelous Metropolitan Room-mates: radiant Julia Cook and the always-colorful Lorinda Lisitza. Speaking of color, Marla Green and “Little Girl Blue” blissfully blended with a thoughtful take on that Rodgers & Hart gem. The same songwriters’ oeuvre was mined artfully Tom Gamblin. Booking manager Tanya Holt (pictured) saucily served up fabulous “Frim Fram Sauce.” She sizzled. Darron Cardosa nailed the LOL demented “To Excess” (Kooman/Dimond). And there was much, much, more—wisely varied in a long but satisfying night. For piano duties, the call went to MAC winner Tracy Stark (not on staff, but no stranger to the club, certainly “at home” on the range of music selected). Having attended the annual (make it monthly, please!!) highlight before, I wasn’t surprised. And the dazzling discovery was recent hire Robert Ima, as Emcee, revealed to be a natural comedian, brilliantly self-deprecating and needling co-workers, mischievously listing their idiosyncrasies. It was, like the title of host/greeter Brad Wills’s rich, resonant choice, “Some Enchanted Evening.” One theory why: Osmosis. Be around enough shows, you learn what works.

Rob Lester
Cabaret Scenes
September 7, 2011
www.cabaretscenes.org