Ruth Fuerst: Carousel of Time

Carla Gordon | October 1, 2016

Ruth Fuerst

Carousel of Time

Davenport’s, Chicago, IL, September 26, 2016

Reviewed by Carla Gordon for Cabaret Scenes

ruth-fuerst-cabaret-scenes-magazine_212 In Carousel of Time, Ruth Fuerst shares reflections on her 50-year marriage through songs and quite personal stories. Opening with “We Got Us” (Walter Marks from Golden Rainbow) set the tone for her journey along the up-and-down roads to her courtship and marriage. The show is often peppered with impassioned political thoughts. In saluting friends, Fuerst chose “Light One Candle” (the well-recognized Hannukah anthem by Peter Yarrow), making the case for keeping liberal causes alive. She found the contemplative side of “Far from the Home I Love” (Fiddler on the Roof), sung reflecting on leaving her Chicago-based family in order to join her true love. Fortunately for all concerned, Fuerst would travel to the Big Apple rather than to Siberia. She is strongest in her lower register. In her original parody to “I’m Going Back” (Bells Are Ringing), Fuerst delivers witty lines about returning once again with her family to Chicago. In this number, her voice was solid as was her spot on comedy timing. She will have a sweeter sound in top notes in the upper range when there is less volume push. When she found quieter approaches, such as in Maury Yeston’s “New Words,” which was sung as a tender tribute to her son, her top notes had an appealing sweetness. Feurst and team offered comedy selections that fit well into the theme, including “I’m Right” (DC Anderson/Elizabeth Doyle) which she delivered with just the right digging-heels-into-the ground smugness, and “Too Much Shit in My Purse” by Kat Eggleston. “Purse” is a funny, relatable song. Anyone who has spent ten minutes slogging through that handbag or briefcase looking for the house keys understands. As Fuerst grows as a cabaret artist, she will continue to make good discoveries, finding the balance between personal journey and relevance to a more global audience. In Carousel of Time, she was accompanied well by Bob Moreen, who joined in several duets, including “Love Is Here to Stay.”