Created in 1985 as a non-profit arts organization, The Mabel Mercer Foundation serves to both perpetuate the memory and spirit of its legendary namesake and to promote public interest in classic popular song and the art of cabaret.
Here’s to Donald Smith! What was bandied about among friends so many years ago continues, despite frequent pronouncements of its death, to draw cabaret faithful and curious to city watering holes big and (increasingly) small. This, our annual community celebration, goes on year after year bringing fans together with appreciation.
Hosts Jeff Harnar and Andrea Marcovicci (Steve Doyle-bass)
Kurt Julian Weill (1900 –1950) was a classical, popular and theater composer active from the 1920s in his native country of Germany. He fled to Paris in 1933 and two years later arrived in New York. The Threepenny Opera had already been given its premiere on Broadway, but closed after 13 performances to mixed reviews. Theater collaborations with Bertolt Brecht, Maxwell Anderson, and Ira Gershwin spotlight the composer’s legacy. Weill songs are often, though not always, dark as gracious hosts Jeff Harnar and Andrea Marcovicci set out to show, beginning with “One Life to Live” and “Live, Love, and Laughter.”
Ari Axelrod; Clint Holmes (Steve Doyle-bass)
In his auspicious convention debut, Ari Axelrod opens this evening with a thoroughly surprising version of “Lost in the Stars.” Accustomed baritone delivery here becomes a quivering tenor; a plea and a prayer of such passion the artist is met with audible off-stage applause as he exits. (Larry Yurman- MD) An evocative “I’m a Stranger Here Myself” rolls in like shadows by way of Clint Holmes’ suggestive performance. Holmes leans toward us as if tempted, his deep voice and supple phrasing at the same time cool and sizzling.
Tovah Feldshuh; Maude Maggart
“Direct from her whirlwind tour of French subways, Mademoiselle Mirabelle Le Pain Quotidian (Tovah Feldshuh), replete with beret, dangling cigarette and ersatz French accent) warbles “Mr. Right.” Intermittent monologue is droll and racy. (James Bassi-MD) Maude Maggart’s “The River is So Blue” is as ravishing as the young woman herself. Hand gestures, however, read false. (Gerald Sternbach-MD)
Minda Larsen and Danny Bacher (Steve Doyle-bass, Rex Benincasa-drums)
Danny Bacher saunters onstage with mischief in his eyes, playing swinging sax even as Minda Larsen sings “Mack the Knife” in operatic German. Larsen covers her ears. The musician continues with his infectious style until she gives up and gets into it, joining her collaborator, literally letting down her hair, all loose hips and smiles. Fun! (Ian Herman-MD)
Karen Kohler; Marta Sanders (Steve Doyle- bass)
“Bilbao Song” feels authentic with Karen Kohler’s churning German/English interpretation. The performer is fierce, character here inconsolable – over the top. (Daryl Kojak-MD) Marta Sanders seems to confide in us with “September Song.” Wistful and rueful, the song resonates. Phrasing emerges like long sighs. Emotional climate in the hall changes. (Alex Rybeck–MD)
Karen Akers
Karen Akers’ saturated rendering of “Surabaya Johnny” exposes a wretched heart. The actress excavates truth and shares. She’s quietly galvanizing. (Alex Rybeck-MD)
Madalynn Matthews, Jeff Harnar, Jason Martin, Andrea Marcovicci
Madalynn Matthews, 2023 winner of the Larry and Adele Elow American Songbook High School Competition, tonight garnered the Julie Wilson Award made possible by Linda and Peter Hansen. The plaque notes she has “musical gift and range beyond her years.” Matthews’ “Stay Well” is resolute and beautifully sung, yet lacks the fear and despair in its lyrics – something with which a director will help. A burgeoning artist to watch. (Will Kyeer-MD)
Sidney Myer, Jeff Harnar, Jason Martin
“Nearly 50 years ago, I first heard this next song introduced in One Touch of Venus. At the time it never entered my mind that it would be acceptable to sing this way,” says Sidney Myer introducing a pronoun specific “That’s Him.” We believe every ardent word in his deeply moving, wonderstruck version. Tonight Myer receives the 2023 Mabel Mercer Award as a man “who, across the course of decades in countless ways…is the supreme spiritual center of Manhattan cabaret.” (Quoted from the award.) Thirty years ago, Donald Smith invited him to appear at the convention. “It was a life changer,” Myer gratefully tells us.
Identical triplets, Mary, Maggy, and Marta Moipei, each one with a disarming soprano, perform a lovely vocal arrangement of “Here I’ll Stay.”
Moipei
Also appearing: Beckie Menzie and Tom Michael begin with a song of hope, segue to cynicism, and end with love-oddly sequenced but richly performed. (Menzie on piano.) Dawn Derow, who looks every bit the 1940s heroine she plays, renders “My Ship” from Lady in the Dark wrapped in lush pathos. (Ian Herman-MD)Therese Lee offers “This is New” without showing any sign she’s happy about the unexpected appearance of love. Celia Berk tackles the difficult “What Good Would the Moon Be?”…unless the right one shared its beams. The vocalist exudes feeling, but the song arrives monotone.
Marieann Meringolo performs “Love Song” with clarity and apt restraint. The vocalist is unconditional. (Doyle Newmyer-MD) Ute Lemper commandeers the stage for an overlong “Pirate Jenny” as flamboyant as it’s two-fisted, hanging on through thinner and thinner vocal improv. A throaty, savory “Speak Low” fares much better. Those Girls (Eve Eaton, Rachel Hanser, Karen Mack, Wendy Russell) harmonize a brisk, encouraging “There’s Nowhere to Go But Up.” (Steven Ray Watkins-MD)
Natalie Douglas taps her estimable skill with blues for “Lonely House” which emerges fraught and haunting. In 1941, “Tschaikowsky” made Danny Kaye a star. Jeff Harnar’s perfectly enunciated version is followed by his second rendition performed at Kaye’s record speed. That the artist manages to make this wry while otherwise focusing is an accomplishment. Andrea Marcovicci begins “It Never Was You” with poignant recitation. One of our best communicators, Marcovicci might arguably assume the mantle of Mabel Mercer were she to render a greater proportion of her songs spoken.
Unless otherwise specified, MD Christopher Denny is at the piano.
Photos by Richard Termine
The 34th Annual Cabaret Convention: Speak Low: The Songs of Kurt Weill
Hosts Jeff Harnar and Andrea Marcovicci
Christopher Denny-Piano, Steve Doyle-Bass, Rex Benincasa-Drums
Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Rose Theater Fredrick P. Rose Hall
The Mabel Mercer Foundation
The post Speak Low: The Songs of Kurt Weill – 34th Annual Cabaret Convention – Opening Night appeared first on Woman Around Town.
