Love Songs Cast
by: Sandi Durell
Steven Cagan, composer-lyricist, has had a long, celebrated career as both a conductor, with gigs including the first national tour of Dreamgirls, and film composer, and has written this song to song revue about love, jam-packed with the topic of “Romance.” The theme is a wedding weekend at Loews Regency Hotel (although it could be anywhere), but since it took place at Feinstein’s . . . well. The groom is stuck out of town, the bride is pregnant and the two other couples, members of the wedding party, have their own intimacies and problems.
Adams, Gravitte, Spirtas
The six member cast is talented and there are many ballads – “Love Me,” “I Am in Love With You,” “Miracle,” lullabye “Sweet Tomorrow” and more. The performers Ashley Kate Adams (Gaby), soprano-ingénue, is lovely to look at and sings lovely and lovingly; Kevin Spirtas (Roy) is dashingly good looking and vocally easy on the ears; Ken Clark (Jeremy), Fleur Phillips (Sarah) and Bryce Ryness (Ben) each take on their songs with heart. Outstanding is Debbie Gravitte as Rose, a lady of a certain age and sorted past, who has the most fun with “Hot Gavotte” and the telling “I’m Old.” Bryce Ryness has a winner with “Pitter Patter” – a fast list song.
Basically, there are some nice melodies, many clever lyrics, rhymes and lists and lists. On the few ensemble numbers, there are good harmonic balances. However, the theme is sappy in a been there, done that kind of way. The ever-talented Gerald Sternbach as Music Director and Pianist gives fine support to the cast.
The revue plays at Feinstein’s at the Loews Regency on Park Avenue in New York thru August 30th. What happens next? It’s anybody’s guess.
Photos: Stephen Sorokoff
Posted by Sandi Durell
on August 30, 2012. Filed under Cabaret,Cabaret and Interviews - Sandi Durell,COLUMNS,ENTERTAIMENT.
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