BWW Reviews: Christopher Allport Plays Sterling's

Christopher M. Allport's Cabaret Collective played Sterling's Upstairs @ Vitello's Sunday evening August 29. Collective most likely referring to the collection of Broadway pop tunes presented and also to the fact that Chris was joined by friends soprano Sarah Block and fellow 'Disney kid' Donny B. Lord.

For the most part it was an enjoyable set with Allport soloing, then dueting with Block throughout, and Lord performing later on. Allport is definitely a strong character type with a pack of attitude that best serves numbers like his strong opener "Wilkomen" from Cabaret. Also a good choice was "Razzle Dazzle" from Chicago or still another Kander & Ebb Chicago favorite "Mr. Cellophane". Tunes like "Anthem" from Chess, "The Prayer" and even Jason Robert Brown's "If I Didn't Believe in You" from The Last Five Years do not show off his talent. "The Prayer" especially is way beyond his vocal range, and with the others there's a dramatic stretch that is slightly out of reach. He's a tad stiff on stage as well, so sitting through some tunes with a focus on the audience might serve him better than trying to attempt some spontaneous dance steps that appear awkward and clumsy.

Block fared much better. Tall, poised and graceful, she possesses a lovely voice that just soared on "Gimme, Gimme" from Thoroughly Modern Millie, superb with Brown's "Climbing Uphill" and with just about every song she sang. She more than held up her end on "The Prayer" and was a welcome addition to the gig.

Donny B. Lord did one rousing tribute to Michael Jackson to celebrate his birthday with R. Kelly's "You Are Not Alone", on which he put his own inimitable stamp. Musical director Aurelien Eulert provided great accompaniment all evening and was divine in his piano solo "Embraceable You" in a salute to George Gershwin. Fine accompaniment was also to be had on percussion from Emiliano Almeida and on bass from O. Steinberg.

Lots of Kander & Ebb, lots of Jason Robert Brown, some George Gershwin, some Stephen Schwartz with a pinch of Jonathan Larson thrown in for good measure, "Seasons of Love", added up to a most entertaining set.

If Allport decides to return, he should stick to the comedic patter songs that fit his personality and leave the more musically lilting material to Block.