Erich Bergen

Erich Bergen

Feinstein’s at the Nikko, San Francisco, CA, November 5, 2016

Reviewed by Steve Murray for Cabaret Scenes

Erich Bergen had plenty of practice for his charming cabaret show, portraying Bob Guadio of The Four Seasons in both the biographical musical stage play and Clint Eastwood’s film of Jersey Boys. Working an audience like a seasoned pro, the 30-year old Bergen has the choreographed moves and funny banter to win you over. Oh, and he’s extremely talented, evidenced by his accomplished piano playing and lovely tenor.

Opening with a powerful version of Sondheim’s “Being Alive,” Bergen moved onto selections from his favorite singers: Michael Jackson’s smooth jazz “Human Nature (Steve Porcaro/ John Bettis), a few bars of Barry Manilow’s “Mandy” (Scott English/Richard Kerr) and a rocking medley of Billy Joel’s “I’ve Loved These Days,” “Keeping the Faith” and “Only the Good Die Young.”

At the keys, Bergen sang a great, soulful “Walking in Memphis” (Marc Cohn),  followed by his original “I Hope You Know” (“The Proposal”), a sweet love song from his self-titled 2014 CD. Bergen showed his many influences with the country ballad “Ready to Say Goodnight” (Gary Burr/Victoria Shaw/John McLaughlin) and the comic “Sensitive Song” from Cops: The Musical (Laurence O’Keefe/Nell Benjamin).

Bergen, who’s currently co-starring on television’s hit show Madam Secretary, is a complete package: charm, looks, and smarts. He closed with a sing-along medley of hits from Jersey Boys, obviously grateful for his beginnings and where they have brought him.

Tags: American Songbook, Barry Manilow, Being Alive, Billy Joel, Bob Guadio, Broadway, Broadway Musicals, Cabaret, Cabaret Reviews, Cabaret Scenes, CD, Clint Eastwood, Clubs, Composers, Cops: The Musical, Erich Bergen, Feinstein's at the Nikko, Gary Burr, Great American Songbook, Human Nature, I Hope You Know (The Proposal), I’ve Loved These Days, Jazz, Jazz Singers, Jazz Vocalists, Jersey Boys, John Bettis, John Mclaughlin, Keeping the Faith, Laurence O’Keefe, lyricists, Madam Secretary, Mandy, Marc Cohn, Michael Jackson, Musicals, Musicians, Nell Benjamin, Nightclubs, Only the Good Die Young, Popular Song, Ready to Say Goodnight, Revues, Richard Kerr, San Francisco, Scott English, Sensitive Song, Show Tunes, Singers, Sondheim, Songbook, Standards, Steve Murray, Steve Porcaro, Supper Clubs, The Four Seasons, Venues, Victoria Shaw, Vocalists, Walking in Memphis

Category: Cabaret Reviews, Regional, San Francisco, San Francisco Cabaret Reviews