I happened upon this show because of a friend, and I didn’t go with the idea of reviewing it, but “Mamma Mia!” it was so good, I just had to!

Here are three incredibly talented performers—Erin Shields (soprano), Giuseppe Spolentini (baritone) and David Shenton (piano and violin)—who treat us to a unique mixture of arias, Neapolitan songs, and jazz, sung in Italian and English. It’s not necessarily a combination one thinks of in cabaret, but it works beautifully, weaving the styles and languages together into a dazzling musical tapestry.

This is a show that’s fast-paced, funny and touching, with two stellar voices and commanding accompaniment. The evening begins with a robust “O Sole Mio” and includes a fun “Funiculì, Funiculà,” a mean “Mambo Italiano,” an obligatory “Godfather Theme,” a medley of “Figaro”/“That’s Amore,” a lovely “Al di La,” and  finishes with “Time to Say Goodbye.” It’s literally one highlight after another, but Stenton is mesmerising on his instrumental version of “Torna a Surriento.” He plays piano and violin simultaneously, switching hands, moving between classical and jazz on both instruments—it has to be seen to be believed—but it’s a true tour de force.

Keep an eye out for upcoming performances.  It’s an evening you’d be crazy to miss.

Harold Sanditen
Cabaret Scenes
September 26, 2011
www.cabaretscenes.org