Judy McGlaughlin Rossignulolo-Rice: An Alto’s Lament
Judy McGlaughlin Rossignulolo-Rice
An Alto’s Lament
Skokie Theatre, Skokie, IL, June 17
Reviewed by Carla Gordon for Cabaret Scenes
Not only can Judy McGlaughlin Rossignulolo-Rice fill up a marquis with her formidable name, she can—and did—fill up the Skokie Theatre with her substantial alto belt and embracing personality. She can be earth mother one moment, vampy the next (for example, in a well-delivered “That Old Black Magic) and reflective in another (such as in Kander and Ebb’s “Colored Lights”). As a sequel to her debut show, They Shoot Sopranos, Don’t They?, An Alto’s Lament is a kinder, gentler journey. Song selections offer a pleasing mix of genres ranging from Broadway to pop.
Channeling empowered (or not) women, she offers two songs that have been associated with Helen Reddy. “Delta Dawn” (Larry Collins and Alex Harvey) is of itself an exploration of a woman’s injured self-esteem. Rossignulolo-Rice captures its layers while honoring its pop sensibilities. She has fun with Reddy’s hit, the anthem “I Am Woman,” which is particularly relevant this election year. We are all ready to hear her roar. “The Best Things in Life Are Free” and “The Other Side of the Tracks” are presented back to back roughly mid-show and this is an effective choice. Both songs reflect striving to be contented: the first an idyllic acceptance of what one can have, and the other a chest-to-the-wind vow to be and have more. She finds the balance in both and we enjoy seeing her determination rising. “If He Walked Into My Life” was well interpreted and gave us quieter, more reflective moments, which provided welcome contrast to her tried and true alto belt. Beckie Menzie provided supportive musical direction and joined Rossignulolo-Rice in some well delivered harmonies.
Alto’s Lament has a lovely arc. In the end Rossignulolo-Rice discovers and shares that there are indeed fine musical role for the ladies who thrive in their lower registers and we share her delight. Her boffo delivery of “Everything’s Coming Up Roses” demonstrated well that very point.
Category: Cabaret Reviews, Chicago, Chicago Cabaret Reviews, Regional
