Sunday, March 12, 2006
Cabaret Convention Pt II: Different Audience, Different Experience
On March 11th the Mabel Mercer Foundation presented the 3rd night of the 3rd Chicago Cabaret Convention at Park West in Chicago. The event featured 34 performers, mostly from New York, with a dozen on hand Saturday.
The host, executive producer Donald Smith, seemed to forget that he was in Chicago, despite saying how happy he was to be here. Numerous references to New York, punctuated by an especially painful bit of shtick where he referred to the late Gene Siskel as Gene Sickle, betrayed his lack of real enthusiasm for and knowledge of, once again, THE SECOND CITY. We still can’t get no respect.
However, the real purpose of the event was to showcase the performers. It was a mixed bag, talent wise. Few of the singers rose above the level of advanced mediocrity. Yes, they sang well technically, but lacked any real passion or electricity. It was kind of like watching tryouts for a really good college production, or being at Caeser’s waiting for the rat pack to show up. The banter with the audience also seemed somewhat forced and very rehearsed.
15 minutes is not a lot of time to establish a rapport with the crowd, but when that’s all you have, you better make the most of it. It just felt like they were trying too hard, despite being seasoned performers.
A few, thankfully, did rise to the occasion. Natalie Douglas was the standout of the night. Her rendition of “I’ve got a spell on you” did just that, almost from the first note. “The first time ever I saw your face” brought a tear, mainly because it’s “our” song, my wife and myself, from waaaay back in the 70’s. She took her 15 minutes and brought it to life.
Stephanie Browning, one of the few Chicago singers, also engaged the crowd, with her 40’s femme fatale look and smoldering vocals. She’s at the Peninsula Hotel ongoing and sort of embodies the whole idea of a lounge torch singer.
Sidney Myer was the Henny Youngman of the night. His version of “Bad, bad man” was a good comic counterpoint to the earnest efforts of the other singers. He also announced, proudly, that he did not have a CD for sale in the lobby.
The accompanists were very good in their largely unrewarding job of backing up the singers. Beckie Menzie, pianist for Robert Whorton- another local- was outstanding. Great style and rhythmic drive- she had, ahem, you know. Mr. Whorton also acquitted himself quite nicely. Both can be seen at Gentry on State every second Monday.
If the foundation wants to bring this convention back to Chicago in the future, they have some homework to do. More local singers and a better understanding of Chicago culture would be a big help. The talent is here; just seek it out.
And leave Gene Sickle alone.
This review is written by Alan Carter.
Park West: 322 W Armitage, (773)929-5959
Gentry: 440 N State St, (312)836-0933
The Peninsula Hotel: 108 E Superior, (312)337-2888
The host, executive producer Donald Smith, seemed to forget that he was in Chicago, despite saying how happy he was to be here. Numerous references to New York, punctuated by an especially painful bit of shtick where he referred to the late Gene Siskel as Gene Sickle, betrayed his lack of real enthusiasm for and knowledge of, once again, THE SECOND CITY. We still can’t get no respect.
However, the real purpose of the event was to showcase the performers. It was a mixed bag, talent wise. Few of the singers rose above the level of advanced mediocrity. Yes, they sang well technically, but lacked any real passion or electricity. It was kind of like watching tryouts for a really good college production, or being at Caeser’s waiting for the rat pack to show up. The banter with the audience also seemed somewhat forced and very rehearsed.
15 minutes is not a lot of time to establish a rapport with the crowd, but when that’s all you have, you better make the most of it. It just felt like they were trying too hard, despite being seasoned performers.
A few, thankfully, did rise to the occasion. Natalie Douglas was the standout of the night. Her rendition of “I’ve got a spell on you” did just that, almost from the first note. “The first time ever I saw your face” brought a tear, mainly because it’s “our” song, my wife and myself, from waaaay back in the 70’s. She took her 15 minutes and brought it to life.
Stephanie Browning, one of the few Chicago singers, also engaged the crowd, with her 40’s femme fatale look and smoldering vocals. She’s at the Peninsula Hotel ongoing and sort of embodies the whole idea of a lounge torch singer.
Sidney Myer was the Henny Youngman of the night. His version of “Bad, bad man” was a good comic counterpoint to the earnest efforts of the other singers. He also announced, proudly, that he did not have a CD for sale in the lobby.
The accompanists were very good in their largely unrewarding job of backing up the singers. Beckie Menzie, pianist for Robert Whorton- another local- was outstanding. Great style and rhythmic drive- she had, ahem, you know. Mr. Whorton also acquitted himself quite nicely. Both can be seen at Gentry on State every second Monday.
If the foundation wants to bring this convention back to Chicago in the future, they have some homework to do. More local singers and a better understanding of Chicago culture would be a big help. The talent is here; just seek it out.
And leave Gene Sickle alone.
This review is written by Alan Carter.
Park West: 322 W Armitage, (773)929-5959
Gentry: 440 N State St, (312)836-0933
The Peninsula Hotel: 108 E Superior, (312)337-2888
