BWW Reviews: Raquel Sandler a Hit @ Sterling's

One of the top five finalists in LA's Next Great Stage Star 2010 Raquel Sandler successfully premiered her cabaret gig @ Sterling's Upstairs @ Vitello's Sunday July 11 to a packed house. This outstanding singer/character actress picked tunes that not only show off her tremendous range as a vocalist but as comic actress as well.

Those highlights included: the eclectic "Miss Marmelstein" that made Barbra an instant hit in I Can Get It For You Wholesale, "Adelaide's Lament" from Guys and Dolls, which Sandler performed as naturally as if it had been written for her, and the terrific "I Am Aldolpho" from The Drowsy Chaperone, some delightful gender-bending here from Sandler and even some fun audience participation! In a more serious vein, there were "So This Is Love"/"I'm Beginning To See the Light", the plaintive "Funny Girl" from the film of Funny Girl, nicely paired with the torchy "Music That Makes Me Dance" from the stage version of Funny Girl, and her finale/encore "The Wind Beneath My Wings", a tribute to her parents, as Sandler accompanied herself on piano. James Lent served splendidly as musical director/accompanist for the rest of the show. There were also two lovely duets with middle school/high school chum Charlotte Bashner: "Somewhere Out There" and a gorgeous "For Good" from Wicked. Their vocal harmony was exquisite.

Sandler is an incredibly strong performer, with a loveably ballsy charisma, who can literally do it all. She is perhaps a tad too young for Adelaide and other fiercely diva-ish character roles that she is perfect for, and so must wait a bit for her turn in the star spotlight. However, proving herself a great interpreter of song, she will hopefully be in high demand as a club singer and that one big break will be right around the next corner. Producers/casting directors, take notice! Brava!