Lovely Jeanne Page Returns to Sterling's
On Sunday August 7 Jeanne Page made a stylish return to Sterling's Upstairs @ Vitello's for a marvelous evening of standards done her way. This lady has a unique brand of humor that is intoxicating and infuses every song she sings with the true colors they deserve.
Opening the evening was Mel Kohl, a standup comic from the old school, who can take just about any joke and twist it to his own design. Calling himself an Elvis from Iraq with hair that stands up high because he shampoos it with viagra, Kohl had the audience in the palm of his hand for the brief ten minutes he performed. Kohl is a good opener for Page, as both performers typify how old-school entertainers have survived so successfully in show biz ... hard work and long hours in shorter, less celebrated opening acts and a deep love of their craft.
Page titled her new show regarding love relationships after a cute story about an old married couple I Told You I Love You, So There! Totally unpredictable from one moment to the next, Page, not unlike funny actress Cloris Leachman, has an infectious patter with her observations and anecdotes that leaves you wanting more. And her versatility with singing a song is remarkable! She can carry off a jazzy "Down Here in New Orleans" and then perfom with equal ease Johnny Mandel's and Alan Bergman's "Where Do You Start" - in essence, as dramatically intense as a three act play. Quite an accomplishment! Other highlights included: "Deed I Do", "Miss Otis Regrets", the deliciously different "Being Green", Fats Waller's "Save the Bones for Mr. Jones", a sexy, divaish "Hard Hearted Hannah", a fabulous Hound Dog Medley that contained "How Much Is That Doggie In the Window?", "Where, Oh Where Has My Little Dog Gone?" and "Hound Dog"...and, a great Lost in the Fifties Tonite with "In the Still of the Night", "Maybe", and other terrific hits from Sam Cooke, Jackie Wilson, and the Shirelles, to name but a few. There was also a lovely "Stardust" and a glorious salute to Ella Fitzgerald with "Mr. Paganini" and "You'll Have to Swing It". Talk about variety in music; there were selections from the 30s, 40s, 50s on up to the 70s! Charlie Harrison provided solid musical accompaniment throughout her 80-minute set.
Miss Jeanne Page is an animated presence with a very expressive vocal instrument. She is lovely, warm and knows how to entertain her audience with a uniquely vivacious style. Don't miss her when she returns - hopefully soon!
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Storytellers Theater: PINOCCHIO @ Sac Fine Arts Sacramento Fine Arts Center (6/26-6/26) |
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The Little Mermaid The Nocturne Theatre (5/08-6/28) |