CHICAGO
- MIDWEST CABARET REVIEWS
BECKIE
MENZIE AND TOM MICHAEL: IT'S "BETTER TWOGETHER"
Reviewed
by Carla Gordon
When
they perform together, (or as their show title says, "twogether")
Beckie Menzie and Tom Michael seem as two peas in the proverbial pod.
However, in early dialogue with their audience in "It's Better Twogether",
(Saturdays in April at 8:00 pm DAVENPORT'S they share how different
they are. Although they explain some lifestyle differences, more interesting
is the tale of how, when Tom and Beckie first met, each faulted the
other's musical execution. Beckie found Tom's approach too structured,
while Tom found Beckie's too loose. As a cabaret analyst, fan, and
performer, I found this intriguing. Over the years, what I appreciate
most about Beckie and Tom is how they combine precision with genuine
fun. They are carefully practiced, yet much in the moment. The different
performance philosophies each brings, results in musical excellence
and joyful entertainment: Repeatedly, their shows sell out.
"It's Better Twogether" features musical selections
associated with songwriting or performing duos. While the close harmony
duet medleys (for which Tom and Beckie are best known) are, as always,
enjoyable (for example, Sonny and Cher's "The Beat Goes On" and Donny
and Marie Osmond's "It Takes Two"), I especially appreciated the show's
reflective moments.
One that stands out is Beckie's presentation of "Unchained
Melody" written by Alex North and Hy Zaret and associated with the
performing duo, the Righteous Brothers. Beckie's face and voice take
us to where we remember, each in our own history, that moment of touching
again, (both physically and spiritually) the one for whom we have
hungered that long, lonely time. Indeed, absence of one loved makes
time go by (so) slowly.
Another memorable moment is "I'd Really Love to See
You Tonight" written by Mc Gee Parker and associated with the performing
duo of England Dan (whom, Tom and Beckie point out, is not the least
bit English) and John Ford Coley. Dan and Coley's version is pleasant,
yet something seems missing. Happily, Tom's understated version gives
Mc Gee's lyrics the proper light. When Tom sings, "I don't know why
I called, I guess I really just wanted to talk with you," we understand
what he means; we've all had those moments. Sometimes our hearts tell
us to spend time with a special person; not to change that person's
life (or your own). As Tom tells us, maybe just sitting around to
watch TV can reaffirm a sweet connection.
Speaking of proper light, Josh Solomon did excellent
work on sound and lights and is a fine resource for Davenport's.
I enjoyed Beckie's soulful rendition of "If He Walked
into My Life" written by Jerry Herman, and made famous by Edye Gorme
of Steve & Edye fame, but wondered why Steve Lawrence wasn't represented.
Tom could do "Go Away Little Girl" proud.
Other rich selections included an Everly Brothers medley
capturing nicely their harmonic smoothness, as well as one featuring
Simon and Garfunkle tunes offering their qualities of both intensity
and introspection.
Each cabaret performer brings strengths. Working as
a duo (as I recently found with my wonderful musical partner Jeff
Roscoe) enables the strengths of one partner rub to off on the other,
while each retains his or her unique qualities. This is evident in
every Beckie Menzie and Tom Michael show. And, yes, making music with
a partner is more fun. It IS better twogether.
DAVENPORT'S is located at 1383 North Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago, IL
- 773-278-1830 - http://www.davenportspianobar.com/
Copyright,
2006 by Carla Gordon
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