BWW Reviews: Migguel Anggelo's I, INMIGRANTE is a Dynamic Treat

Recently, Migguel Anggelo returned to Joe's Pub in New York City with an encore performance of his latest concert, I, Inmigrante. Like his pervious concert, Between Dreams / Entre Sueños, the set featured music from both of Anggelo's solo albums, his electrifying energy, his brilliant vocal range, and his unique artistry. Anggelo's latest cabaret is a dynamic treat sewn together with palpable heart and rib-tickling humor.

Anggelo opens the set with "Inmigrantes," a rousing number from his sophomore album La Casa Azul in which he skillfully tackles issues of immigration in the United States by reminding the audience that in some way we are all immigrants to this land. Taking the audience on his personal journey from his native Venezuela to New York, Anggelo tells us of his childhood on his father's farm. With the image of serene mountain beauty in our minds, his second offering begins with "Feeling Good" (Anthony Newley, Leslie Bricusse) and morphs into his pulsating anthem "Todo" from his first album, Donde Estara Matisse.

Exposure to American pop culture as a child aided in the formation of Anggelo's dreams. Transitioning from pastoral idyll of his childhood, he offered up a gorgeous rendition of "Dust in the Wind" (Kerry Livgren) before tackling "I Got You Babe" (Sonny Bono), which allowed him to have fun by delivering a hysterical and pretty precise impersonation of Cher. Joining in on the fun, musical director and keyboardist Mau Quiros impersonated Sonny Bono with pizzazz. He continued this portion of his set dedicated to American pop standards with a charming "Mr. Sandman" (Pat Ballard), which allowed his backup singers to have fun and show off their harmonizing skills. He slowed the show down some with a lovely rendition of "What I'll Do?" (Irving Berlin), and then had the audience laughing so hard they were crying with his costumes and wigs for "The Lonely Goatherd" (Richard Rodgers, Oscar Hammerstein II). He closed this portion of the set with his dulcet Spanish language version of "When You Wish Upon a Star" (Leigh Harline and Ned Washington).

The set continued with a rendition of "Human Race," but Anggelo made sure to pack a visceral punch with his performance of "Craven Dolls (Muñecas Cobardes)" from his second album. The militaristic anthem calls out dictators the world over. Rising from the rubble, he transitioned into an evocative and gentle version of "Blackbird" (John Lennon, Paul McCartney). Next he sang the titular track from his latest album, "La Casa Azul," painting a rich portrait of Frida Kahlo and even performing the number as the famous artist herself.

As the show wound down, Anggelo treated the audience to a sparkling rendition of the classic folk song "Cucurrucucú Paloma" (Tomás Méndez). For those from Latin communities, this sweet lullaby instantly stirs memories of being tucked in by abuela. For others it is simply a lovely song about flying into something better. The melodious tune sets the perfect stage for his up-tempo anthem about living free "Libre," which is featured on his first album. Keeping with the theme of freedom, the show's encore was a vigorous and vibrant rendition of "Born Free" (John Barry, Don Black).

Anggelo will return to Joe's Pub with on September 28, 2015. For tickets and more information, please click here. To keep up with Anggelo, please visit http://www.migguelanggelo.com. Also, you can purchase La Casa Azul from iTunes, CD Baby, and Amazon.

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