By Bart Greenberg***The effervescent Marieann Meringolo returned to Chelsea Table + Stage with a program emphasizing renewal, hope and resilience: You Must Believe in Spring. Making the proceedings even more positive, her special guest star was the too-rarely-seen-in-New-York, Las Vegas-based Phillip Officer, who added his own special magic to the show. Added to that was the all-star line up of a trio with music director-pianist Doyle Newmyer, bassist Boots Maleson 
and drummer Brian Woodruff, all the “watchful eye” of director, Lina Koutrakos. All of these talents merged to give the audience a truly special experience, with Meringolo the center of it all.
The songstress kicked off with the title tune by Michel Legrand and Alan and Marilyn Bergman, delivered with such specificity and such clarity that the tune became a passionate prayer. Meringolo seems to build each number from the inside out, beginning with the meaning of the song and then building the musical expansion of the melody. Her following number, “Pure Imagination” (Leslie Briccusse, Anthony Newley) became a seduction into a different way of viewing things, with a lush arrangement backing it up. “Bein’ Green” (Joe Rapso) was a gentle examination o
f being comfortable in one own’s skin, with a special appearance by Kermit the Frog himself, who posed on the piano as Meringolo serenaded him.
“Watch What Happens” (Michel Legrand, Norman Gimbel) was given a fast, upbeat delivery, complete with a dazzling solo by Newmyer, transforming the number into a very positive moment. Meringolo wisely used every inch of the stage available to her, creating a varied and eclectic stage picture. She also knows when to stay still, as when she remained at the mic stand while delivering a tremendous “Meadowlark” (Steven Schwartz). With Bob Dylan’s “Forever Young,” Meringolo welcomed her second, less green special guest, Nancy Brown, who worked with the singer on her guitar for a fresh sound. Of course, their chemistry was hardly surprising since they are real life partners.
And then the charming Phillip Officer took the stage. With his understated style, he mixed together “It’s a Good Day” (David Barbour), Peggy Lee) and “Beautiful” (Carol King) for a lovely moment. Even more powerful was “Everything Must Change” (Bernard Ighner), which he turned into a hymn to rebirth. Then the two singers joined on a most unusual choice, “Who Will Love Me as I Am?” (Bill Russell, Henry Krieger),
transforming the song about conjoined twins to one of unconditional love between dear friends—an inspiring moment.
On her own, Meringolo offered up a medley of “I Am What I Am” (Jerry Herman) and “Don’t Rain on My Parade” (Jule Styne, Bob Merrill), which started very slowly yet intensely and gradually built to a celebration of self—an interpretation that was a perfect one-act drama of personal growth. Like everything else in the show, the number led to an unexpected and ultimately joyous conclusion.
Marieann Meringolo will return to Chelsea + Table, 152 W. 26th St., NYC, on June 20th at 9:30 PM with a yet-to-be-announced guest star. Tickets may be purchased via chelseatableandstage.com.
