Review: SUSAN EDWARDS MARTIN AT CV REP CABARET SERIES

Have you ever left a theater wishing that the performer you just enjoyed could be your friend?  That's how I felt after hearing Susan Edwards Martin sing at CV Rep's Cabaret Series last Thursday, June 26, 2025.

Susan has the knack of embracing your heart with her voice and making a place for you in the living room of her heart.  Her name didn't immediately seem familiar to me before the show.  Then I remembered I had seen Susan playing Lady Blues, the role she originated in Harvey Fierstein's Tony Award-winning show Torch Song Trilogy.  Susan, please forgive me.  After all, that was forty-two or three years ago.  Your performance contributed mightily to the award.

A seasoned performer, Susan is a two-time Broadway World winner.  Lady Blues was not her only outing on Broadway.  Susan also starred in Bubbling Brown Sugar opposite Derek Jacobi.  Her career spans stage, screen, and the world of music.  Now a passionate educator and vocal coach, Susan often collaborates with her husband Peter through their editing and video production platform.

At the piano was the brilliant James Hoeppner.  He is not only an accompanist but also a pop music producer, film/television composer, arranger, and vocalist.  During his 15-year career, James has collaborated with a bevy of great artists, receiving Gold and Platinum records for his work.  What did I take away from the show?  It was the heartwarming duet he and Susan performed together.

Though the first week of the CV Rep Summer Cabaret Series has come to an end, a great line-up of shows is scheduled for this summer.  The Cabaret Series is presenting the finest in entertainment July 8 through July 31, Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7 pm.  For more information and tickets, 760-296-2966 ext 101 or CVRep.org.