By Bart Greenberg***Vocalist Therese Lee did something very difficult in the world of cabaret: she surprised her audience in several ways and created a moving and engrossing show. With the golden support team of director Jeff Harnar and music director Christopher Denny, the charming actress-singer presented a fascinating combination of songs. The title of the show, Pennies From Heaven: My Life in Bing Crosby Songs, 
suggested another tribute production, but this was so much more specific and intensely personal.
The expected songs were here: “White Christmas” (Irving Berlin), “True Love” (Cole Porter)—combined with tales of her romantic history—and “Swinging on a Star” (Jimmy Van Heusen, Johnny Burke), cleverly interspersed with funny tales of her past. There were some very unexpected numbers not usually connected with Crosby, though he did perform them, including “Both Sides Now” (Joni Mitchell). And there were some totally unknown entries; who knew the Crooner had offered up rarities such as “The Only Way to Go” (Marvin Hamlisch, Tim Rice), charmingly delivered as a duet with Denny.
All of these tunes were delivered with Lee’s straight-forward and unfussy style, with a clarity of lyrics and emotional honesty, supported by a fine and pleasing 
voice. All of this was in service of material such as a clever mashup of “Pick Yourself Up” (Jerome Kern, Dorothy Fields) and “I Whistle a Happy Tune” (Richard Rodgers, Oscar Hammerstein II) (great work by Denny). From this optimistic pose, though, the evening turned darker as Lee delved into her addiction to alcohol. A second fine mashup of “Temptation” (Nacio Herb Brown, Arthur Freed) and “Just One More Chance” (Arthur Johnston, Sam Coslow) delved the depths of her desires. The honesty Lee brought to these moments was certainly brave. The climax of this segment was a savage “Brother, Can You Spare a Dime” (Jay Gorney, E.Y. Harburg) that formed the dramatic climax of the show.
Lee provided an exciting and deeply moving evening. Basing the story of her life against the catalogue of a single performer certainly was an inventive way of creating a uniform show. Such talent will always be welcomed and encouraged in the world of cabaret.
Photos by Maryann Lopinto
