Barrowman delights with expressive medley of tunes
By ELAINE SCHMIDT
Special to the Journal Sentinel
Appeared in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel on Aug. 3, 2002
Singer/actor John Barrowman loves what he does - and that's what makes audiences love him.
Playing the Stackner Cabaret this weekend as part of Stepping Out Productions' Cabaret Artist Series, Barrowman lighted up the room with a program that covered a century of Broadway and dipped into traditional Scottish and American tunes as well.
Barrowman's career has taken him to Broadway and London's West End. He has appeared on American television and will soon be seen in the feature film "Megalodon." But he is quick to point out that playing a small cabaret stage is an unnerving gig.
There is no character to take up in a cabaret performance, no role to study and learn. Cabaret artists place themselves before the audience in a very personal way.
Barrowman's delight in his work, charismatic personality and ability to laugh at himself make a winning mix in a small theater. He works the room like someone talking to a group of old friends, joking and relaying bits of his own history. But he is not afraid to confront personal loss and the tragedy of Sept. 11.
Of course, it doesn't hurt that he sings with a warm, expressive voice that reaches easily into tenor range and dips comfortably into the lyric baritone neighborhood. But the part of his performance that wins over the audience is the genuine, thoughtful interpretation he gives each number on the program, effectively making each musical number a personal statement.
Barrowman moved from a powerful "Love Changes Everything" to a bit of good-natured camp with "Fools Rush In." He gave a searing rendition of "With One Look" from "Sunset Boulevard," turning from there to a slightly wistful take on "If I Only Had a Brain" from "The Wizard of Oz."
Barrowman finds the essence of whatever it is he is singing. His delivery of "Give My Regards to Broadway" and a medley of other Cohan tunes was timeless.
He created romance with "Moon River" and broke hearts with "Marry Me a Little" and "Being Alive" from Sondheim's "Company." He touched his Scottish roots with a simply done "Bonnie Doon," finding that same plaintive voice again at the end of the show with a medley of "Amazing Grace" and "Loch Lomond."
He turned what could have been a disaster, dropping a page of music while trying out a new arrangement of "Danny Boy" for an audience for the first time, into fun. When he couldn't jump back in with the correct lyrics, he simply grinned and started inventing lyrics as he went along.
Barrowman was accompanied by his music director, pianist Beverly Holt, and bassist Kevin Allen. Holt and Barrowman work together quite frequently, and it shows. She follows his every nuance without hesitation.
Tickets are still available for Saturday's performances at 6 and 9 p.m. and may be purchased at the door of the Stackner Cabaret.
