CHICAGO
- MIDWEST CABARET REVIEWS
DENISE TOMASELLO SINGS JULES
STYNE
at DAVENPORT'S
Reviewed by Carla Gordon
When
Denise Tomasello operates her chemistry set on the stage at DAVENPORT'S,
she adds an extra measure of sexiness and two extra measures of
funniness. The blend is an effervescent concoction.
Although Denise's performances recollect Barbra,
Marilyn and Mae West, not to mention others, she is one of a kind.
Recall night clubs in the Thirties, and Forties (maybe from black
and white movies, or perhaps you were there); a sizzling chantuse
with waterfall hair wearing something slinky kibitzes with the audience.
The scene is brash and elegant at once. Given her Married to the
Mob tresses, dress into which Denise was obviously poured, and smartass
dialogue with so many in the room, we are transported again to such
places and times.
This is not to imply that Denise is mere sizzle and
no steak. On the contrary, she begins the show with a marathon medley
conceived by musical director, Becky Menzie. No running out of gas
here. Denise is a thoughtful interpreter and moves us seamlessly
from the reflection of "Neverland" to the optimism of "Everything's
Coming Up Roses". When Denise sings it we believe we have nothing
to do but relax.
In "His Is the Only Music That Makes Me Dance" from
Funny Girl, Denise gives not only the realization of devotion to
another, but the joy of it. Next time I hope Denise takes a shot
at Styne's verse. It's about someone who finds life easier onstage
than off and it quite suits her.
Denise can be hilarious and vulnerable in the same
moment, which draws us to her. Denise leads us into "Prozac", a
clever parody to "People", (created in collaboration with Bob Moreen)
with the story of her own Prozac experience sharing how anti depressants
can make us too oblivious. The honesty of it makes us laugh all
the harder.
Tomasello clearly loves schmoozing with the audience.
It adds to the fun, although it took a while to figure out certain
audience references. It took a few mentions before it was clear
that Don is the boyfriend.
Beckie Menzie provided Denise with top shelf musical
direction and accompaniment. Too few accompanists get it. It's okay
to be about the piano some of the time. But when the singer is performing,
the piano should not overpower or force volume. Beckie knows when
to dive and when to stick in a toe.
It is no secret that this reviewer has kvetched about
sound issues in recent cabaret shows. For the sound to be just right
the vocalist, pianist and sound operator must sense one another.
The sound mojo at Davenport's was on the money. On sound, Justin
Folino found the groove.
Part of the delight in an evening with Denise Tomasello
is her natural sexiness. Her sensuality is only partially about
the grace of her figure in the backless dress with the rhinestone
cascades. (I overheard an audience member remark that had Denise
worn the dress backwards, they might need to call the cops.) Warmth
and laughter are even sexier. By possessing enormous talent without
taking herself too seriously, Denise turns us on. Whatever our boudoir
preferences, we want Denise to be our girlfriend. We'll respect
her in the morning.
DAVENPORT'S is located at 1383 North Milwaukee Avenue,
Chicago, IL - 773-278-1830 - http://www.davenportspianobar.com/
Copyright, 2005 by Carla Gordon
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