Nick Adams
Nick Adams
Feinstein’s at the Nikko, San Francisco, CA, June 10, 2016
Reviewed by Steve Murray for Cabaret Scenes
Nick Adams was celebrating a birthday during his debut show at Feinstein’s, and the Broadway tenor was feeling good, literally, singing “Feeling Good” (Anthony Newley/Leslie Bricusse) and opening with a rousing “It’s Today” (Jerry Herman) from Mame. Adams has had a string of successes (Chicago, The Pirate Queen, A Chorus Line and Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Wicked) and performed a smartly composed selection of songs that inspired his growth as a performer. It’s a solid show that proves he’s much more than a pretty face with a beautiful tenor.
Poking fun at his beefcake image, Adams turned the vanity infatuation onto himself with the humorous “Young and Healthy” (Harry Warren/Al Dubin) from 42nd Street. Adams shines on “These Four Walls” (Gavin Creel/Robbie Roth), written about an apartment Adams lived in, and the lovely “It Only Takes a Moment” (Herman). He easily straddles the boundaries between Broadway and contemporary pop, illustrated by his sensual cover of Britney Spears’ hit “Toxic” (Christian Karlsson/Pontus Winnberg), then honoring Judy Garland (whose birthday he shares) with a medley of “Over the Rainbow” and Wicked‘s “Dancing Through Life.” He closed with classic Kander and Ebb (“Nowadays” from Chicago) and left us with “Call Your Girlfriend” by Swedish recording artist Robyn. Once again, Adams fuses old with new.
Blessed with a golden voice and a boatload of charm, Adams is situated right where he wants to be. He reminded us of the gypsy life of an entertainer, never knowing what may come one month, two months or a year from now. But, I’m betting Adams wouldn’t have it any other way. He’s in it for the long haul.
Category: Cabaret Reviews, Regional, San Francisco, San Francisco Cabaret Reviews
