Life is a Cabaret: A Tribute to Kander and Ebb

They provided Broadway and the cabaret scene with some of the greatest standards ever sung by the greatest stars, and some of the most emotional and intense musicals ever to grace a stage. It was only appropriate, then, that the Broadway Cabaret Festival at Town Hall would kick off with a stirring tribute to the dynamic team of   John Kander and Fred Ebb that became one of the more emotional and intense events ever held in that great hall. Broadway's best and brightest turned out to honor the great duo, and, combined with creator and host Scott Siegel's witty narration, gave some classic songs new and exciting life.

Brent Barrett, who has already released a complete album of Kander and Ebb songs, performed the original version of "Life Is" from Zorba and "Seeing Things" from The Happy Time. He shone brightest, however, in his determined rendition of the title song from The Skin of Our Teeth, one of Kander and Ebb's final collaborations that is still working its way to Broadway.

 Two early songs written for Kaye Ballard were presented by Sharon McKnight and Jennifer Simard, respectively. Ballard turned "Sara Lee" into an homage to Eddie Cantor and Al Jolson, while Simard sang a quietly haunting rendition of the cabaret standard "My Coloring Book."

Nancy Anderson, as well known for her comic timing as for her lovely voice, took a turn for the dramatic with a haunting "I Don't Remember You" from The Happy Time. Jim Caruso, a friend of the late Ebb, sang "Coffee in a Cardboard Cup" from 70, Girls 70, then sang it again with his own updated lyrics about coffee in a Starbucks cup. He returned later in the evening to sing a medley of "Second Chance" and "Steppin' Out." Bryan Batt dedicated the gently poignant "Marry Me" from The Rink to the ideal of everyone having the right to say that phrase to whomever they love, and delivered an amazingly intense rendition of the beautiful song.

 Rachelle Rak, easily one of the most impressive young dancers on Broadway today, deftly performed "Where You Are" from Kiss of the Spider Woman and "Mein Herr" from Cabaret, recreating Bob Fosse's spectacular choreography for the latter and showcasing Denis Jones' original work for the former.

Rachel York perfectly captured the hope and fear of "Maybe  This Time" from Cabaret. Belting out the number from center stage, she was every inch Sally Bowles, and one must wonder why she never played the role on Broadway. She likewise displayed a brilliant mixture of fortitude and vulnerability with her rendition of "And The World Goes Round" from New York, New York. Diva Belle Calaway, who has played both Roxie and Mama Morton in the current revival of Chicago, performed both characters' star numbers from the show, proving that she may well be one of the most versatile actresses and singers on Broadway today. Cheyenne Jackson, late of All Shook Up, performed a rather unmemorable "A Quiet Thing" from Flora, The Red Menace, but brought down the house with his smooth rendition of the title song from Kiss of the Spider Woman, jumping an octave for the final note.

For a perfect finale to an excellent evening, the cast (along with Mr. Siegel) gathered to sing the title song from Cabaret, honoring not only the contributions Kander and Ebb made to both the theatre and cabaret worlds, but the performers who have made these excellent songs soar.