Teri Ralston: Songs I’ve Grown Into
Teri Ralston
Songs I’ve Grown Into
Tom Rolla’s Gardenia, West Hollywood, CA, May, 13, 2016
Reviewed by Les Traub for Cabaret Scenes
Teri Ralston’s cleverly themed show, Songs I’ve Grown Into, provided her the opportunity to revisit a varied array of songs from her life and career, but with a new perspective. With some self-deprecating humor, a voice still at its peak and an endearing personality, Ralston offered up a highly entertaining evening. A Gardenia veteran from its early days and a Broadway buddy of club owner Tom Rolla, she spoke lovingly about how much the club meant to her.
Another bit of history that she spoke lovingly of was her long-time association with Musical Director Shelly Markham, whom she met in San Francisco while still in college. One could tell how deep this partnership is by watching the smile on Markham’s face all during the show. How often do you see that from a musical director?
Ralston opened and closed with a very appropriate but rarely heard number, “Why Don’t We Do This More Often?” (Allie Wrubel/Charles Newman). Her easy manner projected the warm tone that lasted throughout the show. After describing a childhood crush on Roy Rogers, she launched into a medley of songs associated with him, delivering some of them in a simple ballad style that gave them a certain amount of grace. From her favorite role, Sally in Follies, she did a touching rendition of “In Buddy’s Eyes.” Some backstage stories about The Baker’s Wife led into “Chanson” from that musical. She revisited one of her early shows, Jacques Brel Is Alive and Well and Living in Paris, with a moving performance of “If We Only Have Love.”
There is plenty of additional revisiting opportunity in her career, so a sequel would be most welcome.
Category: Cabaret Reviews, Los Angeles, Los Angeles Cabaret Reviews, Regional
