John
Hoglund After Dark Reviews:(con't)
Lennie Watts
"Manilow: `73 - `83"
Metropolitan Room at Gotham
Kicking off his show with "It's
a Miracle," Lennie Watts has the confidence of a wild rooster waking
up the neighborhood with his crowing. Tackling the hits hits of one
of pop music's most successful singer/songwriters' is no easy task.
The songs are vocally demanding, full of big key changes and don't always
leave lot of room to catch your breath. In this walloping new show,
"Manilow: 73-83," Watts ebulliently rises to the occasion like a true
blue technicolor miracle as he belts through a high-energy hour of all
things Manilow in song and silly musings with his zealous group.
Accompanied
by his remarkable band led by musical director Steven Ray Watkins on
piano with Jerry Smith on drums and Matt Wigton on bass guitar along
with Tonya Holt, Karen Mack and Alisa Schiff on backup vocals, the stage
is set for a big, big show. And that it is. In fact, it's one of the
biggest shows to come out of the Metropolitan Room since it opened.
Along with the songs are an ongoing series of jokes that poke fun at
his idol worship as well as his declaration: "My name is Lennie Watts
- and I am a Fan-a-low!" He goes on to tell that it all started at an
early age, "I loved the emotion, the theatricality - and those damn
key changes!" More than anyone on today's cabaret scene, Watts is a
master at not taking himself or things too seriously on stage and yet,
turning in performances worthy of a master class in how to set your
inhibitions free and make the audience have a good time (at various
points, they were clapping, singing along, holding up candles, etc.)
He recalls Manilow's early achievements
such as his stint at Julliard, working for CBS, handling arrangements
for the off-Broadway hit, "The Drunkard" and, of course, his famous
pairing as Bette Midler's piano player at The Continental Baths. Manilow
would go on to fame and fortune along the way selling over 75 million
records including a boatload of hits that have been part of our musical
landscape for decades. Watts also recalls rejecting his father urging
him to play the accordion. He makes it all a lot of fun and the soaring
excesses of Manilow's sometimes over the top crescendos and spitfire
key changes can be a challenge to any singer. Watts delivers the goods.
He is at his best on the likes of "Daybreak" and peaks with a 5-song
medley of the "old songs" - "Somewhere in the Night," "Looks Like We
Made It," "Even Now," "Trying to Get the Feeling" and, of course, "Mandy."
Powerhouse arrangements by a powerhouse singer who does more than have
the feeling.
Watts lights up the room with his
energy alone. Yet, when he sings the reflective beauty, "Weekend in
New England," he brings it down to a desperate immediacy that is filled
with yearning and captures all that great love song is about. Watts
maintained that high energy and fearlessly engaging drive throughout
the hour. And to watch a performer go so freely on his nerve is an exciting
experience in a nightclub.
Yes, the songs are often schmaltzy and sometimes frantically
over the top. But isn't that what made Barry Manilow one of the most
popular artists on the planet for several decades? Today, at 64, Manilow
is still packing them in to Vegas show rooms and selling out stadiums.
Between Barry and Lenny, it's okay to say, looks like they made it -
which is what you should do.
"Manilow: `73 - `83" is at Metropolitan
Room at Gotham for one more show on Sunday, July 29 at 7:00. Reservations:
(212) 206 0440
After Dark Around Town:
One door closes and another opens. The good news is ... Debbie
Fierro, owner of Ruby Fruit at 531 Hudson
Street (between West 10th and Charles Street,) has announced that downstairs
at Ruby Fruit will be converted into a full time piano bar managed by
Kathy Deady. The bar is called Rita Mae's Piano
Bar. There will be a grand re-opening announced soon. AND -
she has hired most of the staff from Rose's Turn - including, Leslie
Anderson, Kimlee Hicks, Michael Dionne and Terri White
!!! It's small. It's cozy. And, it's yours for the taking. Obviously,
more details on this will follow shortly. Currently, Celeste
plays piano one night a week upstairs and Jerry Scott
holds court every Sunday brunch. Rose's Turn favorite Michael
Dionne made the announcement at the club on a packed Saturday
night and the place went wild with cheers. As of this writing, plans
are being finalized to make this happen as soon as possible. Stay tuned
... Cabaret goes to Broadway! Additional casting has been announced
for the Broadway bound production of "The Catered Affair,"
which opens in the spring at The Jujamcyn Theater. With book by Harvey
Fierstein and score by John Bucchino, the
shows stars Fierstein along with Faith Prince, Tom Wopat,
and Leslie Kritzer. Recent additions include, Philip
Hoffman, Katie Klaus, Heather Mac Rae, Lori Wilner and Kristine
Zbornik. It will be directed by Tony winner John Doyle.
After Dark Pick of the
Week: Reagan Stone Don't Tell Mama Friday, July 27 - 7 PM
You only have one last chance to catch this Back Stage Bistro Award
winner and cabaret treasure on Friday at Don't Tell Mama. Reagan Stone
is simply one of New York's best kept secrets. A thrilling voice from
a bawdy southern gal who knows how to tear the roof down with her
brand of silly and seductive songs. She's also a respected voice teacher.
Everything about this lady is very special. With David Brunetti as
musical director and Scott Barnes as director, this is one of those
"must see" singers. Go!
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