Multi-Talented Matthew Liu Deserves to “Be Here”—And Everywhere on the Cabaret Scene

By Michael Barbieri***I have a confession to make. I spent Valentine’s Day with a man who wasn’t my husband! No, it’s not like that! I went to see Matthew Liu’s wonderful show I Will Be Here at the Duplex. In this evening of lovely romantic songs, Liu proved that music and love are both universal languages.

Matthew Liu is indeed multi-talented. Not only has he earned undergraduate degrees in music composition at The Juilliard School, he’s a singer, violinist, pianist, actor and dancer. He’s active in the NYC musical theatre scene as a musical director, conductor and vocal coach, has served as a string arranger for Nickelodeon and has worked with artists like Frank Wildhorn and Michael Mott. Some of his recent musical directing credits include Into the Woods under Sarna Lapine, Juilliard Drama’s production of Mother Courage, and Amy Englehardt and Marc Acito’s Off Broadway musical Bastard Jones. His Valentine’s Day performance showcased his many talents, as well as those of some of his equally talented friends!

Liu opened his show playing piano for himself, on a beautiful number entitled “Find You” (Zedd, ft. M. Koma, M. Bryant). His lovely vocal was soft and comforting, displaying a bright falsetto which elevated the song and set the mood instantly. He explained that this was his fourth Valentine’s Day show and that although he might have been single, he was far from being alone, as he had all of us there with him—a sweet sentiment. He then invited up his friend Lydia Graham, with whom he attended Juilliard, who joined him for several duets, including the tender “When I Look Into Your Eyes” (M. Liu) and “All I Ask of You,” from Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera. Their numbers together were definitely pretty and romantic, although marred by some technical sound issues and a little pitchiness in Graham’s mid-to-lower ranges. Her head voice, however, was bright and gorgeous, sound problems notwithstanding. Chelsea Guo then joined him for two numbers—“Bad Idea” and “You Matter to Me,” both from Broadway’s Waitress (Sara Bareilles). Dressed in full-on waitress costume, Guo’s vocals were as sparkling and adorable as she, and their pairing was perfection.

Back at the piano, Liu gave us a mashup of “Ai, Ai, Ai,” which translates to “Love, Love, Love” (K. Fong) and “Weak” (SWV). This particular medley, sung partly in Mandarin, had the wonderful feel of 1990s R&B; Liu exhibited great vocal control, although I do wish his diction during the English lyrics had been a little crisper. He also brought a soulful delivery to “Xin Tiao” (W. Leehom), with Mike Craig on percussion and Jonathan Ng on guitar. After a story of a romance he experienced in China, scuppered by cultural differences for LGBT people, Liu gave us a medley which combined “Sometimes” (Ariana Grande), “Clarity” (Zedd, ft. Foxes) and “Gravity” (S. Bareilles). This “Dressing Room Medley,” as he called it, began wistfully and suffused with sadness, eventually growing stronger with Liu coming into his emotional strength and showing off his impressive belting abilities.

Closing with another mashup—this time of Ariana Grande’s “Thank U Next” and Kander and Ebb’s “Let’s Hear It For Me”—the combination gave Liu another chance to show his emotional range. Grande’s hit was performed with a slower, much less danceable rhythm than her recording. Liu played up Grande’s theme of broken romances and failed relationships, creating a dejected, downhearted mood, which then gave way to a burst of happiness with the unbridled optimism of the Kander and Ebb song. Additionally, Liu and his alternate pianist, Xu Cheng pulled off a nifty piece of staging when Liu, seated at the piano for the first song, played a deep bass tremolo on the keyboard. As he held the phrase, Cheng snuck in and replaced him, continuing the tremolo seamlessly, while Liu got up and took center stage for the second song. The move actually got laughter and applause from the enthusiastic crowd!

Matthew Liu is talented and handsome, plus has a charming stage presence. He deserves to be a major force in the cabaret scene. And while his friends who guested in the show were just as talented, I’d love to see a show featuring Liu exclusively—perhaps just him singing solo, with Xu Cheng as his pianist and MD. He certainly has the skills to do it. But regardless of how he chooses to present himself, I know he’ll find success—both in the music industry and in love. And what more could you ask for on Valentine’s day?