BWW Reviews: Steve Tyrell's 10th Anniversary Holiday Season Show at Café Carlyle Is Appetizing, But Ultimately Unfulfilling

With another holiday season upon us, it's time to celebrate time honored traditions, and in keeping with what's become a New York tradition, Steve Tyrell is celebrating his 10th year as the holiday season entertainment at the swanky Café Caryle on the Upper East Side (through New Year's Eve). This Grammy award-winning record producer and singer is treating audiences to his latest cabaret show, That Lovin' Feelin', which features hit tunes that are the heartbeat of America.

Being from the Houston, TX area myself, it's always a pleasure to see a fellow Houstonian perform. As a new transplant, there's a certain streak of bravado and pride that fills my heart as I hear about the success of other Texas ex-pats making their way in and leaving their mark on the big city. Yet, that notion of Texas camaraderie didn't give me that blown away feelin' while watching Tyrell's opening night show on 11/25. While there is no denying that Steve Tyrell is talented and worthy of his lengthy list of accolades, he simply didn't take big enough risks in this show to really excite me. Conversely, his target demographic (my parent's generation/the Beautiful crowd) ate from his hands the entire show and couldn't get enough of his cool as a cucumber crooning.

Tyrell affectionately referred to his set list as "The American Songbook 2," as he sang hit tunes from the early era of pop and rock. He and his Musical Director/pianist Quinn Johnson have morphed familiar pop standards-even throwing in what Tyrell calls, "girl songs"--into jazzier interpretations. I appreciated his tenacity at dipping his toes into experimental waters by performing numbers like "Will You Love Me Tomorrow" (Gerry Goffin/Carole King), but these aren't true risks. Other male singers have covered these classics. In essence, with songs like "Come Fly With Me" (Jimmy Van Heusen/Sammy Cahn), "On Broadway" (Barry Mann/Cynthia Weil/Jerry Leiber/Mike Stoller), "Stand By Me" (Ben E. King/ Jerry Liber/Mike Stoller), and "Laughter in the Rain" (Neil Sedaka/Phil Cody), Tyrell simply gives us a perfectly nice evening of perfectly respectable music.

It's not that Tyrell and his band (including David Finck on bass, Bob Mann on guitar, Kevin Winard on drums, David Mann on sax, and Jon Allen on keyboards) didn't deliver solid performances. My favorite part of this cabaret show was hearing some of the insight Tyrell offered into the creation of these classic songs. His insider knowledge of The Brill Building and his personal vignettes about his friendships with these songwriting legends left more of an impression on me than his re-orchestrated, jazzy renditions of these well-known tunes. In these moments we saw the numbers come to life and got little tastes of that special something that makes cabaret the wonderful art form it can often be.

For fans of Steve Tyrell, the Café Carlyle, and musicals such as Beautiful and Jersey Boys, this show should be on your holiday must-do list. For others looking for a posh night out with entertainment that won't sour your meal, this is also your ticket. For those looking for bold performances that make a statement and really redefine songs you already know and love, this show will probably leave you feeling a bit unfulfilled.

Performances of That Lovin' Feelin' are until December 31, Tuesday-Saturday at 8:45pm with a Saturday late show at 10:45pm. For reservations call 212-744-1600. Tickets are $115 ($165 for premium seating, $65 for bar seating) Tuesdays-Thursdays & Saturday late shows; and $140 ($190 for premium seating, $75 for bar seating) on Fridays and Saturdays. Reservations can also be made online at www.ticketweb.com, and these tickets are $110 ($160 for premium seating) Tuesdays-Thursdays & Saturday late shows; and $135 ($185 for premium seating) on Fridays and Saturdays. Café Carlyle is located in The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel (35 East 76th Street, at Madison Avenue).

Photo Courtesy Michael Wilhoite for Café Carlyle.

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