By: Edie Stokes
Donna Hayes charmingly takes us on a journey through the corporate world in stories and song. The theme was presented in a timely and entertaining manner in a well constructed, humorous show on June 27th at Don’t Tell Mama.
Donna’s singing and acting lent drama and interest to the human resources theme. The script focused on the rules and regulations of the corporate world, without much redemption. The depiction of life in the human resources area is at times stark, but the humor in its telling overshadowed any of its barren qualities.
“She works Hard for the Money”/”Working Nine to Five” by Donna Summer and Michael Omartian/Dolly Parton, were good opening numbers with their rhythmic beat and Donna’s impressive vocal abilities.
In between each song she told humorous stories related to life in the work area. “Let’s Do It” (Let’s Fall in Love) by Cole Porter showed off Donna’s nice vibrato and her acting ability.
This was followed by the ballad, “I’ll Forget You” by Frank Wildhorn and Nan Knighton, relating to an office romance that went sour. Donna interpreted this piece very convincingly. However, at this point in the show, an upbeat number would have been effective.
Her next piece, “My Own Morning,” by Jule Styne/ Betty Comden/Adolph Green, was sung very expressively. “I Wanna Get Married “ by Nellie McKay brought in another element in the work force. It was a cute piece, well performed. At this point there was a scene about heaven or hell which was amusing, well acted, but too long. It might profit from some shortening. “Stormy Monday” by Aaron Walker was a lovely bluesy number sung with a soulful interpretation.
In “Mad World/Flight,” by Roland Orzabal/Craig Cornelia, pianist Justin Stoney capably accompanied Donna on his guitar and it was a welcome change of pace. He also lent his vocal skills to duet briefly with Donna on “Proud Mary” (J.C. Fogerty).
At this point a parody of “Memory,” by Andrew Lloyd Webber/words by Pam Petersen, was sung dealing with retirement and memory loss. It was amusing, but it would be even more so, possibly, with an original melody, lending it a voice of its own. This was followed by a clever “Movie of My Life” by Susan Werner—a good closing number.
Donna Hayes is a forceful performer in many areas. She can captivate with her soulful interpretation of ballads and her acting skills. The show was well constructed showing the many capabilities of her Director, the multiple award winner Gretchen Reinhagen. It was full of lively stories and FUN, FUN, FUN!
Donna spoke to the audience at the end, thanking them for coming. I could not doubt her sincerity and warmth expressed by her encore, “I’ll Be Seeing You” (Sammy Fain/Irving Kahal).
A show with originality, humor and a good singer is always well worth seeing—especially for anyone looking for a job!
Posted by Sandi Durell
on June 29, 2012. Filed under Cabaret,Cabaret and Interviews - Sandi Durell,COLUMNS,ENTERTAIMENT.
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