BWW Reviews: Actress/Singer CANDI MILO Slays at the Federal

"If she taps, you're f**ked."/musical direction: Michael Orland/Sterling's Upstairs at the Federal/Sunday June 28

On Sunday June 28, actress/singer Candi Milo brought her one.of.a.kind comedic cabaret to Sterling's Upstairs at the Federal and boy, oh boy, is she funny. "How funny?" you may query. This little lady grew up in a mental institution - well, her father ran one in their home, so she was exposed to craziness at a tender age...and on top of that, she's Italian...and a voice-over artist who does many, many cartoon voices to amazing perfection, starting with Sweetie Pie. She was also a member of "The Mighty Carson Art Players" on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. What fabulous improvisational training! So it's no surprise that the lady knows how to get a laugh. Humor comes gushing out of her the minute she opens her mouth, and it's never forced. It's all natural with an electric pace and a multitude of sarcastic asides that work deliciously on a cabaret stage.

Oh, did I mention that Milo can sing as well? She's a consummate belter, and with expert musical director Michael Orland at the keys, she let it rip. Also backing her in the 65-minute set were Peter Adams on Synth, Steven J. Robinson on drums, Jen Trani on guitar, and backup singers Loren Smith and Meloney Collins, all fine musicians. The musical set included: "Big Time"; a delightful "I Don't Want to Live On the Moon" displaying a bevy of cartoon voices; "Takes My Breath Away", a lovely ode to her daughter; a wonderfully over.the.top, screamingly funny "I Wanna Be Evil" in reaction to auditioning for The Sound of Music; and a rousing "Up the Ladder to the Roof" a big hit for The Supremes in 1970 sans Diana Ross. There was also a lovely "Secret of Life" in which she encouraged everyone to enjoy the passage of time...which really showed off her versatility and style at selling a ballad.

Milo unwinds and camps it up after the show

On the funny side, there were many stories about growing up in the Milo Arms Board and Care Home. With crazies on display, she never had a slumber party or a date. Her title "If she taps, you're f**ked," was what her father said to her after her first audition in Los Angeles for a company of Annie. She was a teen at the time, nervous but eager to strut her stuff. After her audition, in walked a little girl who blew composer Martin Charnin away with her vocal prowess, and thus her father's remark. It was over for poor Candi, but really just the beginning of a string of auditions that would prepare her for the wacky world of show biz. As far as men are concerned? "I have a long distance relationship. My husband lives in the future."

Don't miss Candi Milo when she performs. This set was the first in a few years, due to her schedule. Busy with voice-overs and local stage work - she did Scary Musical to great success last season at the NoHo Arts Center - she will hopefully find time to do more cabaret. Rare are the performers who can slay an audience with an affable, mostly clean humor that is totally their own. Candi Milo is a big plus, an original...and she can sing too!

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