BWW REVIEWS: Tracy Lynn Olivera's HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR at Signature is More Treat than Trick

The trick about Tracy Lynn Olivera's Halloween Spooktacular cabaret at Signature Theatre is that it's not so spooky. The treat though is that it is a fun and lighthearted evening with a performer who has an electric stage presence.

Olivera perfectly sets Halloween Spooktacular's tone by opening with "Spooky" by the Classic IV. The groovy feeling of the 1968 hit establishes that this cabaret won't be celebrating the scarier side of Halloween, but rather the elements which make it so much fun.

Proving that point were Olivera's next two selections a soulful "I Put a Spell on You," the Jay Hawkins classic best known from Hocus Pocus and "The Headless Horseman." Both songs allowed Olivera to channel her playful side. That included mimicking Bing Crosby and the children's cartoon The Headless Horseman.

Next up was the highlight of the evening, a slow and sultry rendition of Sting's "Moon Over Bourbon Street." As someone who frequently sees Olivera in comical roles, watching her tackle this lush and lyrically gorgeous song with such skill was thrilling. Backing her up was an incredible band with Chris Biondo on bass, Gerry Kunkel on guitar, Raice McLeod on drums and Lenny Williams on piano and also serving as the evening's musical director.

This truly is one of, if not, the best bands I've seen at a Signature cabaret. Their talent and chemistry with Olivera is exquisite. At no point was this greater than when Olivera had Williams underscore her hysterical reading of Good Night Moon, yes the children's book, with eerie music.

In between numbers, Olivera used a dry, at times self-deprecating, wit to bond with the audience. Her funniest bit was about how seemingly innocent songs can have a creepy connotation.

Also joining Olivera onstage for two numbers was her dear friend and special guest Robyn Badman. Together they led the audience in an engaging rendition of "Science Fiction Double Feature" and the encore, "Thriller" complete with a recreation of its classic dance moves!

Of course, Halloween wouldn't be complete without decorations, costumes and candy. Cute, carved miniature pumpkins line the tables, with cobwebs filling the Shen stage. Cabaret-goers are advised to attend Halloween Spooktacular decked out in their costume and they might even get a treat for their audience participation. And a performance at Signature wouldn't be complete without a little Sondheim. As befitting that the evening was celebrating Halloween, Olivera closed with a jazzy version of Sweeney Todd's title song.

Halloween Spooktacular is perfect for those who enjoy the lighter side of Halloween or those looking for a funnier way to celebrate the ghoulish holiday.

Halloween Spooktacular runs thru Halloween at Signature Theatre - 4200 Campbell Ave, Arlington, VA 22206. For tickets, please click here or call (703) 820-9771.

Photo: Tracy Lynn Olivera. Credit: Christopher Mueller.

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