Review: Dani Stoller Presents AWKWARD at Creative Cauldron's 2016 Summer Cabaret Series

In an evening featuring classic musical favorites and unexpected gems, longtime DC performer Dani Stoller presents "Awkward: A Musical Ode to the Funny Best Friend" as part of Creative Cauldron's 2016 Summer Cabaret Series.

Stoller's performance was charming, often funny, and above all, relatable. Aptly opening with a robust rendition of "Nobody Does It Like Me" from SEESAW, she launched into a narrative of her love life from middle school to the present, focusing on the most bizarre and amusing aspects of her failed relationships. She was ably accompanied by pianist Gabriel Magiante, another DC favorite who has played for numerous cabarets and musicals over the years.

When Stoller swallowed her pride and gave a dramatic reading of an obsessive poem she composed when she was dumped in high school, it was enough to bring tears to my eyes from laughter. Cue "Screw Loose" from CRY-BABY, which she delivered with aplomb. "I feel so alone!" she joked at times, but the audience was right there with her, exchanging knowing looks when she sang Kate Miller-Heidke's "Facebook Song" with the requisite bitterness and sass. She was at her best when quirky and wide-eyed, like in "It's a Perfect Relationship" (BELLS ARE RINGING), and of course her set would have been incomplete without a song from THE LAST FIVE YEARS.

In more purely sentimental numbers, like "She Used to Be Mine" (WAITRESS), Stoller's vocals were not as strong, but she made up for this by connecting emotionally, building on her life stories. Her performance of Olivia Gatwood's "Manic Pixie Dream Girl" poem was a standout moment.

Stoller finished on an optimistic high, expressing that love is inescapable, and that's a good thing. A cover of Kacey Musgraves' "Biscuits" was the surprising capper, and I found myself itching to sing along. Luckily, Stoller brought out homemade lyric sheets to encourage us to do so. All in all, the show was "Awkward" in the best way.

Running time: approximately 1 hour 10 minutes without an intermission.

Creative Cauldron's 2016 Summer Cabaret Series features a variety of artists through September 17th, 2016, at ArtSpace Falls Church, 410 South Maple Avenue, Falls Church, VA 22046. Tickets can be purchased at www.creativecauldron.org or by calling 703-436-9948.

Photo: Dani Stoller; courtesy of Creative Cauldron website.