BWW Reviews: Stunning Lyn Stanley Makes Cabaret Debut @ Sterling's

On Sunday November 27, vivacious Lyn Stanley made her much anticipated cabaret debut @ Sterling's Upstairs @ Vitello's to an enthusiastic crowd. Stanley is a champion ballroom dancer, who at the advice of musician Paul T. Smith, made a dynamic transition to singing. Stanley has just the right style for night club work. Not unlike Peggy Lee, she is sensuously alluring, and when she performs numbers like "Fever" or "Do Right", Lee's first big hit, she really hits the mark. It's her emphasis on the lyrics that truly gives her delivery its flair.

Tony Award nominated actress/singer Sharon McKnight served meticulously as director of the show entitled Makin' Whoopee; the wonderful Bill Schneider served as musical director. Schneider accompanied on piano throughout the 70-minute set, Sherry Luchette was on bass and Jack LeCompte, drums. A truly fine musical combo!

Makin' Whoopee included of course the title song, another great tune that matches Stanley's smooth style, "Hernando's Hideaway" from Pajama Game, the ever cool and sophisticated "One For My Baby" and the delightfully playful "Arthur" made so famous by Liza Minnelli in The Act. Stanley also offered Doris Day's "Love Me or Leave Me", and her mother's personal favorite ballad "More Than You Know". There was a cute tribute to Disney films and their leading ladies with "Disney Way", though Stanley needs more experience in handling the humorous lyrics and in executing comic bits, and the very moving "Pieces of Dreams" which served as her finale. There was an exciting dance video showing the ballroom finesse that won her three prizes in Florida competition, and a winning segment in which she introduced her inspiration, Ella Fitzgerald's renowned accompanist Paul T. Smith, about to turn 90, who blew the audience away with his dazzling artistry at the piano on a medley of movie tunes.

Lyn Stanley is a lovely human being, who donates part of the proceeds of every concert she gives to charities, those in particular that rehabilitate drug-abused teenagers. Infusing the performance on stage with her abundant warmth and genuine personality, Stanley is a pleasure to watch and listen to, and with a few more experimental gigs will eventually find her niche in the night club circuit.

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