By Bart Greenberg***The father and daughter team of Steve Kresch and Ali Kresch Levine returned to Don’t Tell Mama after a ten-year absence with their newest show, Free Association. He is a de
ntist and she is a “shrink” (her word); together they are an entertaining duo singing, delivering some political commentary, and tossing off some bad Dad jokes that seemed totally appropriate. With their partner in crime, Gerry Dieffenbach at the piano, the pair created a relaxed and fun evening. While not a perfect show, it was warm and charming and very personal.
The fact that the two performers clearly adore each other certainly added to the glow of the show. Such comments as “he says open wide and I say open up” were indeed witty. Together they had great fun with the clever and appropriate “Fancy Meeting You Here” (Lynn Ah
rens, Stephen Flaherty). Often in this very well-worked-out show they offered up complimentary numbers, such as on the subject of aging, with his “As Good As I Once Was” (Toby Keith, ScottyEmerick), delivered with a raunchy country flair, and her “A Bit Behind” (Marvin Hamlisch, David Zippel) coupled with some fun choreography.
Each had solos as well. Kresch had fun with the language of “Shiksa Goddess” (Jason Robert Brown), delivering it with great energy. With reframing and a change of lyrics to “New York State of Mind” (Billy Joel), he offered a surprise tribute to another state, Florida, with “Sunshine State of Mind.” Levine contributed her own sense for mischievous lyrics with a delicious “Always True to You In My Fashion” (Cole Porter), seated upon the piano while finding every joke in the lyrics. Her slightly off-beat voice was also perfect for “Somewhere That’s Green” 
(Howard Ashman, Alan Menken), delivered with great sensitivity.
One great invention was having Kresch sing “The Girl From Ipanema” (Antônio Carlos Jobim, Vinícius de Moraes, Norman Gimbel), while Levine countered with the satirical “The Boy From…” (Stephen Sondheim, Mary Rodgers). That pairing fit together so well that it’s surprising it isn’t a cabaret medley standard. Levine also offered a touching “In a Very Unusual Way” (Maury Yeston) and had a field day with the ridiculous “I’d Rather Cha Cha Than Eat” (Murray Grand).
The fun just continued throughout the show. A few awkward moments of moving mic stands around and a few missed clues did nothing but make the program more endearing. Hopefully, this father/daughter team won’t stay away so long again.
Photos by Bart Greenberg
