BWW Reviews: LINDA LAVIN's 'New' Show at 54 Below Is Formulaic Yet Still Entertaining

Linda Lavin's most recent show at 54 Below (which had a three-night run between June 4-6), Starting Over--"Because that's what I've done all my life"--illuminates a succession of chapters in her career. The show bears more than a little resemblance to a 2012 appearance at the same venue. There are repeated numbers, excessive, though entertaining anecdotes, and a feel I now find formulaic.

That Lavin is an actress is apparent. She throws herself into both songs and droll storytelling almost bodily. Appealing sincerity shines through monologue, but her performance during the opening night musical numbers often seems exaggerated. This spotlights the fact that her voice exhibits less range and tenacity instead of allowing lyrical content to gain focus.

A medley of "New Sun in the Sky," "I Hear Music," and "I Never Knew" offers a buoyant opening. Optimism prevails. Arrangement is deft. Tales of growing up in Portland, Maine are followed by stories of her first major auditions. Cast in New York's The Mad Show, Lavin sang and sings a low key version of "The Boy From . . ." with wonderful deadpan delivery and faux Spanish accent.

"I'm going to ask Billy [Musical Director/Pianist, Billy Stritch] to sing a song which is another part of my history" introduces as authentically melancholy and swoony a rendition of "Cottage For Sale" as you're likely to hear. It features light brushes, low octave guitar and a poetic bass solo by Tom Hubbard which exemplifies the essence of the lyric. Alas, Lavin chooses not to tell us to what the song refers.

We next hear a rhythmically infectious "You've Got Possibilities" from her role in It's a Bird, It's a Plane, It's Superman. The performer attributes producer Harold Prince with launching her New York career and acknowledges the icon in our audience. Accompanying herself on piano despite a recently broken wrist for "But Beautiful," which drags and "Walk a Little Faster" rescued by the band, is premature.

A Bobby Short medley in duet with Stritch reflects the spirited opening. Lavin palpably bubbles. Her husband, drummer Steve Bakunas, sings "You'd Be So Nice to Come Home To" as she feigns surprise (?!) "I Just Found Out About Love" replete with a bit of Louis Armstrong vocal gravel and a sweet "I'm Glad There is You" serve as response. What was immensely empathetic several years ago now, however, appears manufactured.

Guest Violinist Aaron Weinstein (photo) repeats stellar turns in "There's a Small Hotel," and "You Must Believe in Spring." Lavin effectively plays with the latter giving us a taste of jazz sensibility. Weinstein then delivers a rousing "After You've Gone," (great drum work by Bakunas) joining the band for the remainder of the show. In my 2012 review, I called the virtuoso's solo musical stunt flying.

Several Bossa Nova numbers (with Stritch) continue to suit Lavin. The artist relaxes into short phrasing, sensuality and shuuuush. Among these, a rendition of "No More Blues" is particularly fine. Guitarist Ron Affi's inflection is spot-on. A swinging "How High the Moon" with a textured solo by Weinstein closes out the evening.

Photos by Stephen Sorokoff

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