Mauricio Martinez’s 5’11”, Based in NYC cabaret at 54 Below was based on the premise of what is it like to be in the room where it happens while casting a Broadway show. Since the pandemic, actors have been confined by the“self-tape.” Martinez from On Your Feet brought Broadway songs alive through a series of self-tapes.
The highlights was the beautiful rendition of Sondheim’s “Good Thing Going” from Merrily We Roll Along. He dedicated this song to friends who were gone. “All I Care About is Love” from Chicago, “ If Ever I Would Leave You” from Camelot, “Another Hundred People” from Company and “Music of the Night,” which he dedicated to his mother brought the traditional songs of theatre to life.
Martinez with with his mother
In every show Martinez sings one song in Spanish. For this show it was “Music of the Night” as his mother, is a lifelong fan of The Phantom of the Opera. Justin Timberlake’s “Can’t Stop the Feeling,’” written for Trolls was high vibe.
Martinez with Alexis Michelle
There were two guest stars, the first was Alexis Michelle, of RuPaul’s Drag Race. Martinez proved he should of play or should have played Nicky Arnstein as we were treated to “You Are Woman” from Funny Girl.
Martinez with Linedy Genao
His second guest star was Linedy Genao (Bad Cinderella) in a medley that included “Man of La Mancha,” “Money Kept Rolling In,” from Evita and “Marta,” from Kiss of the Spider Woman. These were all shows that included roles for Latino performances
Martinez was supported and led by his music director, Brian J. Nash whose arrangements were a highlight. Mary Ann McSweeney on bass, Jeremy Yaddow on drums, and Eleanor Norton on cello. Director Robbie Rozelle showed what a great cabaret director he can be.
Martinez has such a rapport with his audience. He is warm, charming and has the “it” factor. Ending the show was a pop version of “The Impossible Dream,” but Martinez is truly living that dream.
Make sure you catch Mauricio Martinez, when he returns. You can follow him @martinezmau on Instagram.
The post One Night Only With Mauricio Martínez first appeared on Times Square Chronicles.
