August’s Broadway Ballyhoo at 54 Below
Broadway Ballyhoo
54 Below, NYC, August 12, 2014
Reviewed by Ron Forman for Cabaret Scenes Magazine
Scott Siegel’s Broadway Ballyhoo had its third consecutive nearly sold-out performance at 54 Below. It is not surprising that word has gotten out that this all-star two-act extravaganza is the place to be each month. William Blake (pictured) began the excitement with his Etta James-ish “Stormy Weather” and ended the show with a very dramatic “Maybe This Time.”
In all, there were 17 outstanding numbers. Xan Russell thrilled the crowd with her operatic aria from La Bohème. Alex Getlin did two numbers: “A Lot of Livin’ to Do” and “Long, Long Time.” Willy Falk’s big, masculine voice worked beautifully with “I (Who Have Nothing).” Blonde bombshell Oakley Boycott had the crowd in stitches performing “What’s Wrong with Me?,” as it would have been performed by Jean Hagen had it not been cut from the film Singin’ in the Rain. Ian Herman on piano and Sean Harkness on guitar combined for their original composition, “Edwina.” Gavin Lee paid homage to Fred Astaire by singing and tap dancing through a medley of Astaire’s numbers. Kevin Spirtas performed two beautiful numbers: “I’d Rather Leave While I’m in Love” and, the encore, the Barry Manilow/Bruce Sussman song, “Every Single Day,” from their musical, Harmony.
Category: Cabaret Reviews, New York City, New York City Cabaret Reviews
