Melba Moore
Melba Moore
Forever Moore
54 Below, NYC, May 23, 2015
Reviewed by Annamaria Alfieri for Cabaret Scenes
A generous and courageous Melba Moore celebrated her 54 Below debut with lots of vocal pyrotechnics. To the delight of her fans, Moore included “Purlie,” the song that helped her win her a Tony Award (for her role in the show of the same name) and “Lean on Me,” which she was nominated for a Grammy. She also paid tribute to “legendary ladies of song,” telling of the inspiration they offered her. Her paean to Barbra Streisand, “Don’t Rain on My Parade,” came with a description of a visit from the diva. From Nancy Wilson, Moore borrowed “Guess Who I Saw Today,” leading to the most intimate and nuanced performance of the evening. She gave out Lena Horne’s signature “Stormy Weather” with her own brand of lightning and thunder.
Midway through her set, Moore offered the gift of the stage to a friend—Anthony Wayne, star of Pippin, for two well-sung numbers from that show. Then, to everyone’s great delight, she introduced her father, Clement Moorman, who was celebrating his 99th birthday! He accompanied himself at the piano in charming and true renditions of “That’s Life” and “I Love a Piano.” Entertaining as well as inspirational, Clem made us all want to grow up to be like him.
Moore ended the evening with fireworks finale version of Diana Ross’s hit “Reach Out and Touch (Somebody’s Hand),” which brought her fans to their feet.
Category: Cabaret Reviews, New York City, New York City Cabaret Reviews
