Putting together a cabaret act is a daunting enterprise and involves numerous elements. In her debut at the Metropolitan Room, Connecticut-based Lynn Henderson made some very impressive choices, and many of these elements came together in a most delightful way.

First and foremost, Mark Planner was an excellent choice as director. He helped keep the autobiographical details of her musical journey well tracked and interesting, following her through her single days in Greenwich Village in the 1960s, her years as a mother, marathon runner and equestrienne competitor, to her present status as a globe-trotting divorcee. Cabaret 101 insists we, the audience, know the performer better at the end of a performance and we did. With her expressive eyes and warm alto and engaging presence, she was very likable indeed.

Secondly, choosing Doug J. Cohen as musical director, arranger, accompanist and duet partner was critical. A noted songwriter as well, Cohen’s ease and competence wearing multiple hats enhanced the obvious rapport they’ve developed and added to the overall enjoyment of the show. With Robert Sabin on bass and Sherrie Maricle on drums, Henderson showed equally excellent musical taste.

Thirdly, her song list was chock full of choices that suited her lighthearted style and charted the course of her life. Cy Coleman and Dorothy Fields’s “My Personal Property,” for example, described her feelings of ownership when, in her youth, she shared a first apartment in the Village. Maltby and Shire’s “Stop, Time” coupled with “Dirty Hands, Dirty Face” (Al Jolson/Grant Clarke/Edgar Leslie/James V. Monaco) described the very different ways she felt following the births of her daughter and son.

And finally, she also managed to incorporate effectively some very delightful new songs with music by Cohen and lyrics by two songwriters in attendance, Lawrence DuKore and Tom Toce. “Cool Days Ahead,” “It’s Showtime” (lyrics: DuKore) and "Singer at Work" (lyrics: Toce) could easily be added to the relatively short list of contemporary songs who are able to match the substance and skill of our Great American Songbook giants.

Lynn Henderson is a winsome and welcome new addition to the cabaret scene.

Lynn DiMenna
Cabaret Scenes
May 31, 2012
www.cabaretscenes.org