Lee Roy Reams Sells Out Magic Castle Appearance

Triple threat Lee Roy Reams performed his cabaret act on Tuesday April 13 at the Inner Circle of the Magic Castle to an SRO crowd. The marvelous Ron Abel served as musical director at the piano.This was a benefit for SEALED WITH A WISH Foundation, Inc, which "enriches the lives of our troops living in combat zones by providing comfort and care items that they would not normally receive".

To say the least, Reams' set was dazzling, as he told his life story starting as a boy in Covington, Kentucky with tap and ballet classes, moving onto Ohio for college and then to the Great White Way where he instantly found success as a dancer in such classic musicals as Sweet Charity, Lorelei, Hello Dolly, Applause and 42nd Street, to name a few. There were Las Vegas engagements with Juliet Prowse and TV with Danny Kaye, Carol Burnett and the Ernie Flatt Dancers, but for Reams Broadway was the thing and he made it there, captivating with his very own flamboyant humor. He had to fight for some roles, but got them. The man simply oozes charisma, and not only sang beautifully but danced along with most of the songs.

Highlights of the 90 minute set included: "Lullaby of Broadway", "Real Live Girl", tributing Prowse, medleys from Sweet Charity with Gwen Verdon's dramatic solo "Where Am I Going?" a thrilling standout, Dolly with a light but substantially rich song cut from the original show "Penny in My Pocket" and a comical tribute to how "Dolly has been used and abused" through the years with singing impressions of its stars including Carol Channing, Pearl Baily, Ethel Merman and the man himself, Louis Armstrong. The medley from 42nd. Street was particularly touching as Reams put in "I Only Have Eyes For You" as a loving homage to Ruby Keeler the film's original star, whom he befriended during his New York run of the show. She remained close until her death. The finale was upbeat and patriotic in keeping with the mission of SEALED WITH A WISH to bring the troops home, a George M. Cohan medley: "Grand Old Flag", "Over There", and "Yankee Doodle Dandy". And, oh, those delicious backstage stories throughout about Prowse, David Merrick, Gower Champion, Carole Cook (seated at a table front and center), far too many to mention here, but sheer heaven!

Lee Roy Reams is a treasure. As if performing in his parlor, he welcomed us in magnanimously with enough charm to launch a ship. What a uniquely entertaining evening! How many other big names give so much of themselves to their public and honestly, without concealing their true identity? I was first blown away by his performances a few years back of "La Cage Aux Folles" and as Roger De Bris in The Producers, so my only comment to him afterwards was, "Where was the boa?" His response? "I could have used one tonight!"Actually folks, he's an immensely talented bundle of joy without it!

 

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