Only a handful of performers can claim the ability to captivate an audience from the opening notes through the resounding ovation of an appearance on stage, and the always lovely Rachel York can indeed count herself among such a select few.
In the first of two engagements at Sterling's Upstairs at Vitello's, in Studio City, where she will again perform on September 15, York exploded on stage with an homage to Barbra Streisand, belting a knockout rendition of "Don't Rain on My Parade." Setting a tone for the rest of the evening, York slipped in a few impersonations of her favorite leading ladies, ranging from
Liza Minnelli to
Julie Andrews, all while staying true to classic cabaret fashion, weaving comic charm with pure heartfelt emotion.
Cabaret, in fact, has never sounded better, with York hitting all the right notes as she breezily covered a range of jazz, easy listening and the always popular showtune, shinning as the bright star she is while recreating her turn on Broadway with
Les Miserables' "I Dreamed a Dream." She certainly proved to be master of this house, with a heartbreaking interpretation of the musical theatre staple.
For the "Love of It," the title of York's one-woman show, along with music director John Randall, blends into a blissful night of entertainment, as her lively attitude never ceases to amaze. Her playful nature is always finding a way to bubble up, always at just the right moments, such as her reminiscing over a haphazard experience working alongside the somewhat flighty Minnelli, who filled in for Andrews during a run of
Victor/Victoria.
York's soulful side is also on display throughout the night, especially in a vocally powerful "Mercy on Me" and jazzy fun of "Blue Lou," an Ella Fitzgerald gem of a tune.
For reservations and additional information, call Sterling's Upstairs at Vitello's (818) 981-3077. The club's web site is:
www.myspace.com/sterlingsupstairs. Vitello's is located at 4349 Tujunga Ave. Studio City, CA 91604. Valet Parking is available. For more information on
Rachel York, visit
www.rachelyork.net.
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