CHICAGO - MIDWEST CABARET REVIEWS

AROUND THE CONTINENT WITH SUZANNE PETRI

Reviewed by Carla Gordon

Cyrano's Bistro Wine Bar and Cabaret nestles in a trendy block north of Chicago's Loop. Presenting Suzanne Petri at the microphone with Bob Moreen at the keyboard last Saturday, August 13th, Cyrano's offered an evening of international travel without tiresome airport security lines.

Travel? Indeed, Susanne Petri is among few cabaret vocalists who can sing in a foreign language without leaving us English-speaking gringos in the hallway. First, Suzanne is highly expressive in voice, facial expression, and movement. (Great legs, too.) We may be unfamiliar with the French; yet we find ourselves understanding. In addition, Suzanne uses spoken introductions to tunes performed in other languages to set the story for C-minus high school French students like me. Suzanne also masters the Continental touch in songs having English lyrics. She is a thoughtful interpreter of Kurt Weil and both French and English deliveries of Jacques Brel tunes. (Gringo that I am, perhaps I can persuade Suzy to give us one English verse to Brel's "Ne Me Quitte Pas" - the tune was translated by Rod Mc Kuen and true to Brel's always intense objective.) Because Suzanne is grownup and worldly, we relate to her rendition of Brel's "Jackie." There is respite, even if just for one hour, to be young and callow in that "stupid ass" way.

Suzanne Petri and Noel Coward make a charming couple. Whether it is the acerbic "I Went to a Marvelous Party," the droll "Bar on the Piccolo Marina" or the bittersweet "If Love Were All," Suzy gets it. "If Love Were All" is not to be sung by anyone lacking longtime acquaintance with life. True, the more we love, the more we are "bound to lose," yet the more we are touched by someone "affectionate and dear". The typically high-octane Petri offers Coward's song quietly. Sir Noel would think it "splendid," as did I.

Speaking of droll, Bob Moreen on piano and a few vocals certainly enhanced the evening. Moreen is a master of phrasing. His gracefully understated interpretations contrast effectively with Suzanne's out there style. As accompanist as well as occasional duet partner, Bob provides Suzanne with the space she requires. Their duet of "A Pineapple for You" from the stage (but not film) version of Kander and Ebb's Cabaret captured well the humor and sweetness of gentle courtship between old folks.

Cyrano's owner and chef Dedier Durand took a brief turn at the microphone sharing a few jokes and a tune or two with the audience. (Big thumbs up for the food at Cyrano's: I needed a surgeon to uncurl my toes after the artichoke soup.) Although Durand is not a professional entertainer, something special happens in those moments. When I was twenty years old, my parents took me to Europe and to the home of a woman who cooked for as many as would fit around her table. After wine and a meal cooked with obvious love, we sat at our new friends' table sharing stories and songs. The language differences didn't matter; we communicated. More than thirty years later, the memory of that evening remained vivid and unmatched. My trip to Cyrano's, however, felt like a revisit of that night. The friendliness of the entertainers and the host was enthusiastic and genuine. There is an art to making someone feel as much guest as customer. Save me some chocolate mousse. I'll be back.

CYRANO'S BISTRO, WINE BAR AND CABARET is located at 546 North Wells Street, Chicago, IL - 312-467-0546 - http://www.cyranosbistro.com/ )

Copyright, 2005 by Carla Gordon

Back to the CHICAGO - MIDWEST LAND REVIEWS Index

Back to CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE Home Page

If you would like to receive a free e-mail subscription to CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE, please e-mail cabarethotline@svhamstra.com and place the single word "SUBSCRIBE" in the subject line. Note: Your subscription will be sent to the e-mail address you subscribe from - and please include your real name along with the city where you live.

NOW YOU CAN JOIN CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE!