Singer Nita Whitaker a Knockout @ Sterling's

On Sunday January 16, songbird Nita Whitaker returned to Sterling's Upstairs @ Vitello's for a joyfully rousing concert full of great singing and indomitable humor. I am always thrilled when a cabaret exceeds my initial expectations. I had heard Whitaker sing on her website, so I knew I was in for a pleasurable evening, but what I got was a star-stature talent that must be experienced first hand. She is beautiful, very funny and a helluva scintillating singer.

Highlights included: her big opening Sondheim's always dependable "Being Alive", and a delicious medley, what she named her White Girl Medley, of songs from shows a black woman would never be cast in. These included: "I Can't Say No" from Oklahoma, "I Could Have Danced All Night" from My Fair Lady, "Adelaide's Lament" from Guys and Dolls (she humorously called it Pimps and Whores for a black cast), "Memory" from Cats, "All I Ask of You" from Phantom, and "Don't Rain on My Parade" from Funny Girl. This lady possesses an unbelievable range! In fact, singing "Happy Birthday" to members of the audience, she first gave them a choice - operatic, gospel, or country; she then proceeded to sing to three people, each time using a different style. Amazing!

A former Pageant contestant - it took her 4 attempts to capture Miss Louisiana in 1984, due unfairly to the color of her skin - Whitaker simulated 3 very different fictitious contestants with fabulous comic delivery and timing. I particularly enjoyed Miss Tammy Faye Sequin, who interpreted her question about euthanasia as youth in Asia and who made mincemeat out of Dreamgirls' "I'm Telling You" as her audition piece. Funny stuff! She also brought her two musical daughters onstage, Skye and Lisi, who beautifully sang "Look" with her. There were also two of her own spirited compositions "Courage to Dream" and "Trying to Get to You", a dynamic "Down with Love", Jason Robert Brown's always appealing "Stars and the Moon", a powerful "Climb Every Mountain" and a stunning "I'm Here" from The Color Purple. Tremendous accompaniment throughout from musical director Nelson Kole and percussionist Walter Rodriguez.

Whitaker is a truly dynamite performer whose talent is immeasurable and unstoppable. She joins my list of singing favorites. Don't miss a single future appearance!

 

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