Marta Sanders: Follow Me
Marta Sanders
Follow Me
Laurie Beechman Theatre, NYC, March 6, 2016
Reviewed by Rob Lester for Cabaret Scenes
I confess that I joined in with other audience members at the exit, berating the singer who’d just finished her show. Not a sight often seen in cabaret! “This is ridiculous!” someone snapped at performer Marta Sanders. “Why aren’t you performing regularly? People want to see you!!” Another longtime admirer chidingly chimed in, grousing that there’s no reason to wait months between appearances when this gifted belter and hilariously funny veteran always brings in big crowds. An employee of the venue heartily agreed as I encouraged this true treasure to rethink her almost “Halley’s Comet” cabaret status. We savored the sighting. Sassy Sanders is fearless, but well prepared and practiced when she dives off that high board, with seeming daredevil go-for-it delight, no matter what “IT” is. Her sound is robust, life-loving and life-giving. Like a vaudevillian of old, she knows how to play to an audience delighting in wacky vignette characters she’s honed or the brio she brings to brash material. In song or story she’ll wink or roll her eyes to make us fellow witnesses of life’s absurdities. And when she turns sincere with “What a Wonderful World,” there’s no one in the world more wonderful in pointing out how to appreciate life’s harvest.
Her day job is being a tour guide, so it follows that Follow Me, her travel-themed show, feels natural. She self-interrupts a high-flying “Come Fly with Me” with pithy, plucky comments and observations. Madcap Marta’s strongest stuff among much strong stuff remains, arguably, the custom-made creations by superb pro longtime Musical Director/pianist John McMahon with witty Jay Jeffries’ juicy lyrics. The whole thing was a beaut of a hoot, with heart. With Follow Me, this pro’s followers would gladly follow,follow, follow and wallow in her glee, wherever Sanders meanders.
Category: Cabaret Reviews, New York City, New York City Cabaret Reviews, Regional
