Marilyn Hausfeld: Just Between Us: A Piano, a Mic, a Memory

Michael Miyazaki | October 9, 2015

Marilyn Hausfeld

Just Between Us: A Piano, a Mic, a Memory

Source Theatre, Washington, D.C., October 4, 2015

Reviewed by Michael Miyazaki for Cabaret Scenes

Marilyn Hausfeld’s show, Just Between Us: A Piano, a Mic, a Memory could well have been titled, instead, A Haymish Cabaret, for the humor, warmth, and storytelling the act provided.

Hausfeld described starting her current adventures in cabaret at an age where she is “too old for American Idol and too young for a bathtub that opens in front.” The show explored her Brooklyn roots, auditioning for the original The Sound of Music, her work as a teacher, and most of all, her family and friends. She illustrated her stories with musical numbers including “New Words,” “Till There Was You,” and “Somewhere That’s Green.” Auditioning for and opening in her first theatrical role as Golde in Fiddler on the Roof inspired an extended tongue-in-cheek musical sequence featuring numbers as diverse as “Miracle of Miracles,” “I’m Flying,” and “Gorgeous.”

Hausfeld offered standard, though well-considered, interpretations of current cabaret repertoire. However, she often provided context for songs that made one appreciate them in a new light. For example, “I’m Becoming My Mother” was dedicated to her daughters, and “I Miss the Music” followed reminisces about a songwriting partner lost to cancer.

Not only did Musical Director Alex Rybeck provide solid support, but Hausfeld also sang the wonderful, touching song he wrote with Ira Gassman, “Bless Your Heart.” Rybeck also served as a great singing duet partner—especially as the most unlikely Tevye since Harvey Fierstein—for Fiddler‘s “Do You Love Me?”. Let’s hope that the cabaret world doesn’t lose this terrific musical director when Danny Burstein leaves the new Broadway revival!

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