BWW Reviews: Maestro Alex Rybeck and His Talented Friends Weave a Tapestry of His Songbook at 54 Below

The multi-faceted musical director/arranger/accompanist/composer Alex Rybeck flexed his talent this past Sunday night, sharing songs of every ilk with an appreciatively packed 54 Below. "Tonight is proof positive that dreams come true, just not how you imagine. I always thought you had to have a hit song to headline an evening here..."

Delivered by many of his celebrated singer friends he's worked with often (including the Callaway Sisters, Liz and Ann, photo below), entertaining selections from the writer's canon included bossa nova, ballads, musical theater numbers, pop, comic turns, seasonal songs, and "Serenade," a haunting piece of music the author composed for his mother which seemed like portraiture: strong, proud, thoughtful, warm, light.

Highlights of this effervescent show included:

"The Lilac Song" with lyrics by Milan Stitt is sung by a nun in productions of his play The Runner Stumbles. Its melody, beginning only with Sean Harkness' delicate guitar, conjured medieval troubadours, a folk tune undefined by place or time. Ann Hampton Callaway elegantly coaxed notes to breathe and stretch, to slide and circle.

Liz Callaway followed with "What A Funny Boy He Is" (lyrics Michael Stewart) written for a farce. The innocent, day-dreamy song might've been created in the 20s. Callaway's unfussy rendition is sweet and authentic, brimming with the character's feelings. Her eyes close at the final phrase.

"He Remembers, She Remembers" (lyrics Bob Levy) starts wistfully simple, then turns into a three martini memory with recollections from a couple sitting in two separate bars. Were it cinematic, the number would've ended split screen, as the two clink glasses. Susan Winter enhances its poignancy with her own finesse.

Seth Friedman and Alex Rybeck (lyrics) had a grand time with the satirical "Why Did You Have to Split?" an end of relationship love song to Sybil, the poster girl for multiple personality. "I miss staying home . . . and meeting new people . . . " Jeff Harnar (far left) pairs just the right amount of wit with vaudeville ba-dump-dump in his humorous performance.

The showstopper of the evening was Maureen Brennan's (left) terrific "Glitter and Be Gray" (lyrics Barry Kleinbort, of course.) A whip smart parody of her Tony nominated role as Cunegonde in Broadway's Candide, the number was brought to theatrical life by powerful contralto, hysterical, Carol Burnett-like expressions, and perfect timing. Distaining the infamous E flat, this vocalist replaced it with a note in alto range. We held our sides laughing.

"I'll Burn That Bridge When I Get To It" (lyrics Seth Friedman) is showcased by Karen Mason's (below, left) masterful phrasing and up-to-the-neck investment in lyrical intention. The artist's clear, muscular voice bit into and spit out the song, first questioning, then determined. Rybeck's piano flowed indomitably over irregular terrain beneath, for all the world like water. Exciting.

Kevin Dozier (far right) offered a heartfelt "Together This Christmas" (lyrics Barbara Fried) with excellent back up by Tiffany Gray and Joshua Dixon. A splendid, textural arrangement enhanced the kind of warm, holiday song we'd all enjoy singing around a piano year after year. "Just being here together at Christmas/ Makes snow mean more..."

Liz and Ann Hampton Callaway also contributed to holiday anticipation with a duet of the intimate "Christmas Eve" (lyrics Carol Hall) in appealing harmony.

The evening was both great fun and a revelation. I think I can say with assurance that we're all looking forward to the next opening of Alex Rybeck's musical trunk.

Director Sara Louise Lazarus helmed an extremely smooth presentation. Excellent musicianship and splendid arrangements acted as gift-wrap.

Photos by Maryann Lopinto

Alex Rybeck and Friends at 54 Below
Directed by Sara Louise Lazarus
Alex Rybeck-piano, Sean Harkness-guitar, Dick Sarpola-bass, Dan Gross-Drums
Tiffany Gray & Joshua Dixon provided back-up vocals, as well as ably performing "You're The Only One I Know" (lyrics Devon Sipher) in which they played well written sociopaths from a musical version of "King of Comedy"
Also featuring: Alexandra Haas, Faith Prince, Marcus Simeone, and Jerry Lanning.

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