BWW Reviews: James Snyder Charms Birdland

James Snyder got this week off to a great start when he brought James Snyder: Prince Charming to Birdland as part of the venue's ongoing Broadway at Birdland concert series. Existing partly as a way to promote the upcoming production of Ever After at Paper Mill Playhouse, this intimate cabaret concert was really just a great excuse to get to hear one of Broadway's favorite leading men sing a collection of songs.

With matinee idol looks and a stunning baritone voice, Snyder lives up to the moniker of "Prince Charming," but he joked with the audience that he shouldn't have chosen that name for the show. Instead, he said that "James Snyder: Douchebag" would have been more appropriate considering what he did choose. Throughout the evening, with a beaming smile, Snyder showcased his charm through witty banter. His talent was on full display as he worked through his set list as well.

He opened the show with a thrilling rendition of "Into the Fire" (Frank Wildhorn, Nan Knighton), letting the audience revel in his majestic baritone register. He quickly won the audience over with an ingenious mash-up of "Two Princes" (Mark White, Eric Schenkman, Chris Barron, Aaron Comess) and "Agony" (Stephen Sondhiem). Charl Brown joined him on the rousing number, and the two got the crowd pumped with their charismatic pairing. Tackling "Streets of Dublin" (Stephen Flaherty, Lynn Ahrens), Snyder showed how robust his vocal instrument is and teased the audience with light tenor trappings. Also, the spot-on Irish accent made the number all the more effective.

From his solo album L.A. Curse, Snyder sang "Back Pocket" and "No Guts No Glory," illustrating the vibrant rock edge he is capable of on the first number and giving the audience a ballad-like anthem with his softer vocals on the later. Next up, he delivered a perfectly cocky and wonderfully pop rendition of "You and Me (But Mostly Me)" (Trey Parker, Robert Lopez, Matt Stone). Then, without hesitation, he illustrated incredible vocal skill and poise when controlling his belt with delicate precision and signing in the full classical style on "If I Loved You" (Richard Rodgers, Oscar Hammerstein II).

Progressing through princely songs of love, Snyder offered some sentiments from "The King," sweetly crooning "Can't Help Falling in Love" (Hugo Peretti, Luigi Creatore, George David Weiss). Unfortunately, on this number, he cracked a few high notes. It sounded as if he abandoned using his diaphragm in those moments, and relied too heavily on his mask and head voice.

Next he introduced the audience to a new song he wrote, "She Cries Instead." This romantic number lands perfectly on the heart, and its sweet lyrics are truly inspired. Dedicating this section of the show to his beautiful wife, he played a sweet tune for her on the piano and told the audience it was her theme. Then, he treated us to a hysterical three finger medley of sappy tunes from the 1990s and 2000s on the piano.

Getting back into Broadway tunes, Snyder gave a comedic and perfectly sung rendition of Cry-baby's "Girl, Can I Kiss You...?" (Adam Schlesinger, David Javerbaum). He followed that with a lush performance of Ever After's "Right Before My Eyes" (Zina Goldrich, Marcy Heisler), and he was accompanied by composer Zina Goldrich on piano for this tune. Bringing out the striking melancholy of the piece, he utilized brilliant and beautiful vocals on a stirring version of "Once Upon a Time" (Charles Strouse, Lee Adams), and he gave a commanding performance of "No Matter What Happens" (Michel Legrand, Alan Bergman, Marilyn Bergman). To close the show he charmed the audience one last time, singing a moving rendition of "Rainbow Connection" (Paul Williams, Kenneth Ascher) with tears in his eyes.

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