CHICAGO
- MIDWEST CABARET REVIEWS
STEPHEN WALLEM SINGS SCHWARTZ AND ALL
Reviewed
by Carla Gordon
Steve
Wallem is in-your-face funny. He also has an expressive face, and
a marvelous voice that nicely delivers everything from a Broadway
belt to a delicate whisper. However, what makes Wallem a powerful
cabaret artist is that he sings from his heart.
His audiences, full houses at Davenport's have been
obviously delighted from his opening through wistful Stephen Schwartz
ballads to his boffo closing.
Wallem's show salutes the works of songwriter Stephen
Schwartz. After a riotously self effacing parody to The Wizard and
I (from Wicked), he launches into a medley of "overdone" Stephen Schwartz
songs. The medley contains snippets of the better known Schwartz numbers
ranging from Corner of the Sky (from Pippin) to Colors of the Wind,
(from the Disney film, Pocahontas). The medley, arranged by Wallem
and the show's musical director, Beckie Menzie, is a quirky juxtaposition
of lyrics that gets funnier as the number unfolds.
Wallem has the vocal resonance, range, and interpretive
skill to fill the middle of his show with ballads without falling
into the "it all sounds the same" trap. For instance, "Where is the
Warmth?" (from The Baker's Wife) is sexual yet yearning for a more
meaningful connection. "Dreamscape" (from the CD Reluctant Pilgrim)
is about choices we face in an uncertain world. Too many singers rush
through Schwartz's remarkable and complex lyrics to this tune. Wallem
takes his time and the layers of the song unfold beautifully. Wallem
tells of his newly personal connection to "Close to Home" (from Children
of Eden). He captures well Schwartz's message that home is defined
by family and love rather than by material abundance. "On the Willows"
from Godspell is haunting; both sad and uplifting at once. Wallem
along with harmony provided by Menzie, finds the way of this short,
yet profound song.
Wallem's original lyrics, "Defying Parody" are a hoot
and perfectly fit Schwartz's "Defying Gravity"from Wicked. His seemingly
quiet and sincere introduction sets us up just right for what ultimately
becomes a celebration of smart-ass. In the lyric, Wallem refers to
himself as "the biggest snot in town." Thank goodness for us, he is
also one of the biggest talents in town. May the Schwartz be with
him!
DAVENPORT'S
is located at 1383 North Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago, IL - 773-278-1830
- http://www.davenportspianobar.com/
Copyright, 2007 by Carla Gordon
Back
to the CHICAGO - MIDWEST 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!
