Welcome back to the world of operetta where idealized love reigns rhapsodically supreme. Your champagne goblet runneth over at 75 minutes with this toast-worthy songfest. Sampling the genre’s giants, it’s affectionately done. Though each shows versatility, the singers have their specialties: KT Sullivan pours on romance dreamily (a lovely “Kiss Me Again”) with a few trilly or silly moments. Craig Rubano comes on oh-so-robust and formal, perhaps taking the image of “Stouthearted Men” to heart. Mark Nadler shines in the comic relief of The Mikado’s “I’ve Got a Little List,” updating lyrics himself to rant about cell phones, rappers, etc. All combine forces splendidly in Kismet’s romantic “And This Is My Beloved.” Overall, the less fervent and showy moments are often the most effective: “Make Believe” (KT/Mark); “We’ll Gather Lilacs”(Craig). A marvelous string quartet and pianist Dominic Meiman add elegance. The recital respects tradition, but infuses it with energy.
Rob Lester
Cabaret Scenes
June 2008
www.cabaretscenes.org
|
