Scott Siegel Served Up a Tasty Musical Broadway Brunch at 54 Below -

By Bart Greenberg***Producer, writer, host Scott Siegel has been running a variety of series built around Broadway music for quite some time now and one of his current projects is Broadway Musical Brunch taking place at 54 Below. In this edition, Siegel chose an eclectic mix of songs in various genres related to the theater, but not exclusively from Broadway. While there were two known names in the show—Jill Paice and Ben Jones—the line up of young performers was beyond impressive. Usually these types of shows are hit and miss talent-wise, but this time there were no dull spots at all. Even the host’s introductions speeded things along as he provided just enough information to frame each number. Mark T. Evans did yeoman work as music director-pianist, quickly adapting to each vocalist and each style.

Kicking things off was Jax Terry, who demonstrated his assurance in playing to the audience, connecting with each of the front section attendees in turn as he worked his way through “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You” (Bob Crewe, Bob Gaudio) used in Jersey Boys. His highly contemporary sound was also later used to offer up a passionate “One Song Glory” (Jonathon Larson) from Rent.

The next performer was Benny Rose who sang “People” (Bob Merrill, Jule Styne). Now, usually, the last thing a cabaret show needs is another performance of “People,” but with her winning smile, her song voice that didn’t require her to hit the top notes, and her fine dramatic talents, she certainly made the song seem fresh and exciting—and she did not do a Barbra imitation. Later, Rose brought a totally different tone to “Fools Fall in Love” (Jerry Lieber,Mike Stoller), used in the juke box musical All Shook Up, giving it a decidedly southern country sound.

The impressive physical presence of Steven Matella, along with his attractive boyish face, made him eminently suitable to take on the role of Hercules; with a sweet tenor he performed “Go the Distance” (David Zippel,Alan Menken). A highly contrasting style was introduced by Abby Hutchins, who brought a lovely soprano and fine interpretative skills to the classic “Try to Remember” (Tom Jones, Harvey Schmidt). The two later teamed up for a beautifully acted “Fine” (Adam Gwon) from Ordinary Days, laced with some much-needed humor.

Paice took the stage for the haunting “Unusual Way” (Maury Yeston) from Nine, creating an aura of longing erotic passion. She brought a different kind of passion and strength to The Secret Garden’s “Hold On” (Lucy Simo, Marsha Norman), an almost Rodgers and Hammerstein gospel style of number.

Next came two selections from the nearly 100-year-old Oh, Kay! by the Gershwins. Clare Martin, blessed with a soprano that recalled Julie Andrews in her heyday, imbued “Someone to Watch Over Me” with expressive longing. Then Nyjair Wilkerson charmed and energized the afternoon with a dazzling tap and vocal routine to “Do, Do, Do”—and he done it well. Martin returned for a bit of delightful culinary silliness with the theme song for the series, “Bacon” (Mary Liz McNamara).

Ben Jones took the stage for a deliciously evil “You’ll Be Back” (Lin-Manuel Miranda), alternately seducing and bullying members of the audience. Later, he closed the show with a powerful and emotional rendition of “Bring Him Home” (Claude-Michel Schonberg, Herbert Kretzmer).