BWW Reviews: Bayou City Concert Musicals' ALONE TOGETHER: THE MUSIC OF ARTHUR SCHWARTZ is a Magically Enchanting Cabaret

Paul Hope's Bayou City Concert Musicals (BCCM) is proudly continuing their mission of bringing to Houston the best of the best from show business' yesteryears. Sometimes it is in the form of a forgotten or neglected musical, like their concert stagings of ONE TOUCH OF VENUS, THE SECRET GARDEN, and FINNAN'S RAINBOW. At other events, Paul Hope stages a cabaret of a composer's hits and erstwhile gems. Last Monday, BCCM premiered their cabaret entitled ALONE TOGETHER: THE SONGS OF Arthur Schwartz. Arthur Schwartz composed for the Broadway productions THE BAND WAGON, A TREE GROWS IN BROOKLYN, and others. He was also a celebrated Hollywood composer, writing music for THANK YOUR LUCKY STARS, the film adaptation of THE BAND WAGON, and others.

Paul Hope served as Master of Ceremonies for the cabaret production, telling the audience delectable tidbits from Arthur Schwartz's personal and professional life as they related to the songs being sung. His knowledge of the Golden Ages of Broadway and Hollywood was absorbing, as he intrigued the audience with wonderful vignettes from these days gone by.

Musical Direction by Heather Tipsword was immaculately charming. Each number and vocalist impressed the audience, making us beam with smiles and sway with the music. She also provided perfect accompaniment on the piano. For most numbers, she seemed to follow the lead of the singer, giving the vocalists a lot of freedom regarding tempos and style.

Grace Givens opened the program with an engaging and fun rendition of "Something to Remember You By." Her delightful aura was infectious and got the audience into a perfectly elated mood.

Making his BCCM debut, Zachary Bryant, a new intern at the Alley Theatre, awed us with a classic sounding Broadway voice on "I Guess I'll Have to Change My Plan." His presence on stage was remarkably entrancing. Houston is going to love this new addition to our talent pool.

The comedic number "Confession" was hilariously performed by Janet Berzins. She perfectly timed her punchy delivery to leave the audience laughing.

Danica Dawn Johnston, who could easily be outperforming Kristin Chenoweth on Broadway, graced the production with a sultry and dynamic performance of "Dancing in the Dark." As usual, her performance was golden, stirring, and phenomenal.

Also making his BCCM debut, Brian Chambers showcased fantastic charisma and his lovely voice with a stunning performance of "If There Is Someone Lovelier."

With mesmerizing stage presence and an adorably cute performance, Carolyn Johnson wowed audiences with a well timed and funny performance of "They're Either Too Young or Too Old."

Cole Ryden's performance of "You and the Night and the Music" seemed so effortless and was sensationally breathtaking. He imbued the song with captivating passion and character work, stunning the audience with his flawless and astounding rendition of the lovely song.

Showing off a voice that is both sumptuous and extraordinary controlled, Jennifer Gilbert amazed the audience with a solid and stirring rendition of "Alone Together."

Carolyn Johnson returned to the stage and performed the gorgeous "By Myself" with clarity and precision. Her vibrato and expertly controlled belt simply blew the audience away.

Closing the first act, Jennifer Gilbert, Mitchell Greco, and Brian Chambers did a rousingly cutesy and funny performance of "Triplets." They closed the act perfectly and guaranteed that the audience was thrilled to see what surprises Act II had in store.

Grace Givens astounded the audience with her clean and perfected upper register as she opened the second act with an exquisite rendition of "I See Your Face Before Me."

Zachary Bryant charmed and beguiled the audience with a rich performance of "A Gal in Calico."

Singing "Oh but I Do," Janet Berzins sweetly displayed her prowess for classic vibrato and how to ensure that it is prettily applied to such a romantic piece.

With "A Rainy Night in Rio," Paul Hope told us he was going to "Rex Harrison his way through." While he does utilize some classic talk-singing in the number, his charm and wit on the piece was simply divine. I have a feeling Rex Harrison would be very proud.

"Haunted Heart" was capably sung by Mitchell Greco, allowing him to showcase his expressive tonality.

Jennifer Gilbert was radiantly effervescent on "Rhode Island is Famous for You." She enamored the audience and impeccably sang the number.

Cole Ryden's luxurious rendition of "I'll Buy You a Star" brought new and invigorating life to the classic tune. His opulent and poised tenor voice was on prominent and marvelous display during the number.

Singing what may be Arthur Scwartz's signature tune, "Magic Moment," Danica Dawn Johnston gave an exceedingly immaculate performance. She filled the number with depth, emotion, and unadulterated talent. If put alongside Megan Hilty, Bernadette Peters, or any other Broadway star, I'm certain Danica Dawn Johnston would make them appear to be amateurs in need of more training.

The Act II Finale was an energetic and entertaining performance of "That's Entertainment." The full company returned to the stage to perform the hit song, taking turns on the lines and amusing the audience.

Bayou City Concert Musical's enchanting and fanciful cabaret production of ALONE TOGETHER: THE SONGS OF SRTHUR SCHWARTZ is a magical way to spend an evening. The amazing performances captivate and enthrall. Additionally, audiences have the opportunity to ensure that Paul Hope and BCCM can continue fulfilling their mission of bringing forgotten and under-represented works to Houston, like this summer's production of THE PAJAMA GAME, by helping the company raise the required funds to keep producing these mesmerizing and decadent concert stagings and cabarets.

ALONE TOGETHER: THE SONGS OF Arthur Schwartz plays two more performances at The Ensemble Theatre's Performance Centre at 3535 Main Street, Houston, Texas. You can catch the cabaret on Monday, May 13 and Monday, May 20, 2013. For more information or tickets, please visit http://www.bayoucityconcertmusicals.org or call (713) 465 - 6484.

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