Beth Dimon: Broadway’s Second Bananas

Jeffrey Bruce | November 5, 2014

Beth Dimon

Broadway’s Second Bananas

Club Plaza, Manalapan, FL, May 8, 2014

Reviewed by Jeffrey Bruce for Cabaret Scenes

Everyone in South Florida’s theatrical community knows that multiple-Carbonell (our local Tony Award) winner Beth Dimon is a superb and versatile actress. Who knew that she was, at heart, a cabaret songstress? At her premier performance at Club Plaza, she hugged the room with her warmth and down-to-earth personality. She’s “the girl next door”—if you’re lucky! Why title the show Broadway’s Second Bananas? She said: “I never was the leading lady or the ingénue. But I got all the great songs!” Did she ever! In a one-hour show she performed 15 songs ranging from “I Cain’t Say No” (Oklahoma!) to “I Can Cook Too” (On the Town). What a pleasure to see an actress/singer who believes every word she sings. Her patter was interesting, self-deprecating and full of charm. While a definite alto belter, my personal favorite was when things quieted down a bit and she sang ”Beauty and the Beast” like I have never heard it before—introspective, loving, quiet. It was as though the song were written specifically for her oboe-like timbre. It was a welcome change of pace in a rapid-fire show, ably abetted by her musical director, the brilliant Eric Alsford. Beth Dimon will be at the beautiful, new Club Plaza until Saturday, May 17th. This was her first time performing cabaret and, if we are lucky, it will be far from her last. Enjoy!