Daryl Nitz and Ensemble: Elaine Stritch at 90

Carla Gordon | March 17, 2015

Daryl Nitz and Ensemble

Elaine Stritch at 90

Davenport’s, Chicago, IL, February 2, 2015

Reviewed by Carla Gordon for Cabaret Scenes

Tributes to Broadway and cabaret’s baby Elaine Stritch are blossoming. Stritch at 90 was Chicago’s first, with an ensemble that, as a whole, was energized and effective. Comedy selections took the evening. That is little wonder, given that the project is the brainchild of iconic comedy cabaret performer Daryl Nitz. Putting just the right amount of cur in curmudgeon, Ann McGregor, in what is arguably her best performance to date, built Noël Coward’s “Why Do the Wrong People Travel?” to a tour de force of wit and exasperation. Another standout performance was Cynthia Clarey’s “To Keep My Love Alive.” Clarey, who is much respected as a fine classical singer, flexed her comedy chops with aplomb, never overdoing the tale of the upscale murderess. Johnny Rodgers is a top-notch musical director and his well-interpreted solo performance of “Make It Another Old Fashioned, Please” was another standout, as was Laura Freeman’s reflective, gently sung offering of “He Was Too Good to Me.” Closing with “The Ladies Who Lunch” was just right. Here’s to an excellent tribute by a talented cast who did “Stritchie” proud!