Brent Barrett: Life Is: Kander and Ebb Revisited
Brent Barrett
Life Is: Kander and Ebb Revisited
Metropolitan Room, NYC – November 10, 2014
Reviewed by Joel Benjamin for Cabaret Scenes
Brent Barrett has had a long and fruitful friendship with John Kander and Fred Ebb, including making the role of Billy Flynn (Chicago) a bit of a specialty for over a decade. Billy’s “All I Care About Is Love” plus that louche, good-time anthem, “All That Jazz” were delivered with a sly wink, the latter enhanced by a surprise harmonica solo by bassist Christopher North.
From their earliest work—a touching “My Coloring Book”—to their last—a rousing “Commencing in Chattanooga” from The Scottsboro Boys—this brilliant and beloved songwriting team’s material brought out every nuance of Barrett’s sumptuous voice. He turned on his big musical theater chops on “Second Chance” (Steel Pier) and his sweeter colors in a medley of “Married” and “Marry Me,” using both as a reference to the recent progress in the gay marriage movement.
From the optimism of “The Skin of Our Teeth” to the gorgeously romantic “Sometimes a Day Goes By” to the world-weary “Life Is,” Barrett’s voice and body language conveyed layers of meaning, supported by the offbeat arrangements of his Musical Director/pianist Christopher Denny.
The contrast between his final number, a strangely subdued “(Theme from) New York, New York” and his poignant encore, “A Quiet Thing,” was a testament to Barrett’s artistry and commitment to his craft.
Brett continues at the Metropolitan Room through November 13.
Category: Cabaret Reviews, New York City, New York City Cabaret Reviews
