Review: ALAN CUMMING SINGS SAPPY SONGS at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall

Are there audiences out there for concerts featuring songs of anguish - songs of heartache and heartbreak and raw honesty that may mirror your own life? And if there were such an audience, what performer would be willing and competent enough to reach deep down into their spirit and power through this statement of profundity? Night after night it would be punishing on the body, egregious on the psyche and wearisome for the soul. Not just anyone could pull this off. Enter, Alan Cumming in Alan Cumming Sings Sappy Songs.

At first blush, the title of his show might bring a smirk to one's face. Alan's distinguished work often incorporates his mischievous grin, provocative personality, and whimsical nature. So a title featuring, " sappy songs", just might make one think this is a play on words. But it isn't. Grab your tissues, it's about to get real.

In the March 5 performance at Sarasota's Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, Mr. Cumming not only sang sappy songs, through storytelling, he wove them into the fabric of his life. The audience was invited to peek into this man's lacerated soul as he delivered the perfect blend of comedy and tragedy. His theatrical mastery came to life as he embodied a mashup of poignant songs that ranged from Lady Gaga, and Annie Lennox to Adele, Katy Perry and Elaine Stritch. Alan shared humorous stories about Miley Cyrus, a condom commercial he wrote, dressing room parties during his Cabaret run, and advice from his mentor Liza Minnelli. Liza told him she approaches each song as if it were a play and her role is to portray that character within the song. That profoundly changed the way he addresses each song in his repertoire.

Mr. Cumming transformed into the young boy within, ripping out your heart over the tumultuous relationship with a malevolent father when singing Rufus Wainwright's song, "Dinner at Eight", which brought him and the audience to tears. Maybe not what you would expect from this Tony-winner and Emmy nominated powerhouse. Best known for his character as the Master of Ceremonies in Cabaret on Broadway and more recently as Eli Gold in the hit TV show, "The Good Wife, Alan was completely comfortable being so transparent in the role of just being himself. While many actors are happy to hide behind their characters, one got the feeling this show was cathartic for him, which made the intimacy between the performer and the audience all the more affectionate.

Reverently accompanying Mr Cumming is a brilliant ensemble made up of Lance Horne, (music director/pianist), Eleanor Norton, (best graphite cello ever), and Chris Jago (percussionist/guitarist). They easily transpose from lilting undertones to bold gradations as the songs dictate. They are also featured on his 2016 CD "Alan Cumming Sings Sappy Songs: Live at the Carlyle Café", on the Yellow Sound Label.

The infusion of music and stories, laughter and tears is an emotional pilgrimage worth taking with this exotic Scottish lad. He's charming and provocative yet confident and vulnerable. His closing adieu combining Nöel Coward's, "If Love Were All" with "Ladies Who Lunch", tugs at your heart one more time before parting.

Apparently there are audiences out there for concerts featuring songs of anguish. And only one performer who can do them justice. Touché Sir!

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