CHICAGO - MIDWEST CABARET REVIEWS

KT SINGS KITT AT DAVENPORT'S

Reviewed by Carla Gordon

When "KT Sings Kitt" by KT Mc Cammond ran last spring, I missed it due to a death in the family. Fortunately, it is back at DAVENPORT'S for a limited run in October.

Cabaret shows paying tribute to famous artists are challenging. (I know this first hand; having recently offered a tribute show of my own). Unlike Eartha, KT is neither African American, petite, nor the banished object of a political misunderstanding. Nevertheless, the connection between Kitt and Mc Cammond came through. They share not only a physical sensuality, but a delightful balance of elegance and smartass.

Eartha Kitt was born in the fields of South Carolina to an unwed black/Cherokee mother. Given away by her mother, Eartha Mae arrived in Harlem at age nine. As a teenager, Kitt lived with friends and in the subways. Two of KT's selections reflected the hardscrabble aspects of Kitt's early life. "Nobody Taught Me," by Leonard Feather explains how Eartha (like some others among us) virtually raised herself. "The Day the Circus Left Town" by Carolyn Leigh & Mitch Spina revealed how in Kitt's life, childhood ended too soon and too abruptly. The song became more meaningful through Ms. Mc Cammond's introduction in which she shared that she, like her idol Eartha, performs because the affection of audiences touch the part of her that remains a little girl.

By the 1950s, Eartha Kitt had entertained her way out of poverty, soloing at a Paris night club and becoming the toast of the Continent. Beautiful of face, voice and figure, Kitt was wined, dined, and wooed by jet setters on multiple continents. In "Monotonous," KT communicated how too much of a good thing, or dozens of them can become tiresome.

Kitt's career nearly crumbled after she spoke against the Vietnam War at a White House luncheon hosted by Lady Bird Johnson. As a result, she was largely unable to find work in the USA. Contracts were lost or cancelled. Eartha moved to Europe, working there for the next ten years. Many of Kitt's tunes had French influence and lyrics. In "Apres Moi," Ms. Mc Cammond, sings of a woman wooed by a man simultaneously pursing her best friend. Stridently and hilariously she grants her friend "rights" to the man only after taking her (own) fill. Revealing the Romeo's ultimate preference as the tune ends KT finds the right mix of surprise, jealousy and fabulously insincere nonchalance.

In a lovely contrast to the sassiness of much of the program, KT offered "Lilac Wine". Simply and quietly delivered, we understood the quiet despair that Kitt experienced over an unfulfilled love affair with a man of great wealth, who's family would not approve of the controversial Kitt.

"When I think more than I want to think Do things I never should do I drink much more that I ought to drink Because it brings me back you.."

Like, Kitt, KT sings and moves gracefully. Ms. Mc Cammond dazzled in a backless and bejeweled red halter. KT is a recent After Dark Award winner. Perhaps, the reason for the award is her excellent voice and physical beauty. KT, however, offers more. Remarkably, she is wonderfully funny without mugging. She can lead us to reflect and regret by singing truthfully and without manipulation. In the intimacy of cabaret, it is truth that wins the awards.

DAVENPORT'S is located at 1383 North Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago, IL - 773-278-1830 - http://www.davenportspianobar.com/

Copyright, 2005 by Carla Gordon

Back to the CHICAGO - MIDWEST LAND REVIEWS Index

Back to CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE Home Page

If you would like to receive a free e-mail subscription to CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE, please e-mail cabarethotline@svhamstra.com and place the single word "SUBSCRIBE" in the subject line. Note: Your subscription will be sent to the e-mail address you subscribe from - and please include your real name along with the city where you live.

NOW YOU CAN JOIN CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE!