Darius de Haas: Come a Little Closer Again–The Holiday Show
Darius de Haas
Come a Little Closer Again –The Holiday Show
Feinstein’s/54 Below, NYC, December 15, 20015
Reviewed by Peter Haas for Cabaret Scenes
As December winds and rain swirled one evening along West 54th Street, the Jerry Herman song hit from Mame, “We Need a Little Christmas,” resonated underground. The source: Feinstein’s/54 Below, where Darius de Haas was performing a fresh, strong solo one-nighter of music to kick off the season. Opening with John Wallowitch’s invitation to “Come a Little Closer,” combining elegance and informality in his style, and mixing holiday numbers and standards, the vocalist filled the room with his sincerity, warmth, reminiscences of his own childhood, and strong singing.
Backed with fresh accompaniment by Tedd Firth on piano and George Farmer on bass, de Haas offered such popular numbers as “I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm,” “Snowbound,” “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” “Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!” and an imaginative jazz-tinged “My Favorite Things.” These were interspersed with more inspirational numbers such as “There’ll Be No Peace,” the moving “Who Would Imagine a King?,” “With a Christmas Heart” and an upbeat “The Christmas Song” (“Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire).” One highlight among many: “Silent Night,” sung in a slightly pop but highly tasteful rendition, accompanied only by Farmer on bass — to huge applause. A new year’s wish: a repeat — and longer — engagement for Mr. de Haas next holiday season.
Category: Cabaret Reviews, New York City, New York City Cabaret Reviews
