BWW Reviews: JEROME KERN IN HOLLYWOOD - A Must-See Captivating Cabaret

Susan Draper closed the first act with a delightfully humorous rendition of "You Couldn't Be Cuter." She effectively used her wiles to win the audience over with her bubbling spirit and lovely voice.

Opening the second act, Amanda Passanante's gorgeous instrument made her rendition of "Remind Me" both Stellar and unforgettable. Without a doubt, this is the best rendition of this song you'll have ever heard.

Refusing to let the number be cut from the program, Paul Hope lent his vocal talents to "The Last Time I Saw Paris." His interpretation ensured that every ounce of sentiment and sorrow read to the audience, leaving an indelible mark on our souls. It's not very often that audiences get to hear Paul Hope sing, so this was a delightful treat.

"You Were Never Lovelier" was magnificently and charismatically sung by Tye Blue. The song soared, taking the audience on a fantastic journey.

Grace Givens and her delightful personality graced audiences with a sumptuous and melodic performance of "Dearly Beloved." With her voice accompanying the music, she dazzled us and left us utterly spellbound. She captivated me so much with this performance, that I couldn't help but feel that I must see her tread the board as the title character in MAME.

With a great sense of humor and a visible glow, Paul Hope sang "I'm Old Fashioned." Here he showcased a strong and beautiful vocal instrument that thrilled the audience.

Susan Draper perfectly captured the humor and wit of "Can't Stop Singing." She emitted pizzazz and style throughout the entire number, and then left the audience in stitches as she held onto the final note for a surprisingly elongated time.

Mitchell Greco came to life and was naturally magnetic and alluring on "Sure Thing." Coming into his own, he really wowed the audience with this enchanting performance.

"Long Ago and Far Away" was strikingly and stunningly beautiful as sung by Danica Dawn Johnston. She brought emotional clarity to the song with extraordinary vocal and emotional expression.

Beth Lazarou shone on an exciting interpretation of "In Love In Vain." She put finely finessed power and emotion into the performance, making it reverberate in the hearts of the audience.

The whole cast joined together for an exquisite performance of "All the Things You Are" from VERY WARM FOR MAY. They perform it in the way that it was originally intended and written, which makes the performance rare. Susan Draper and Joe Kirkendall took the solos and everyone else filled in as chorus. The song is richly melodic and complex, but the performance was stunning, moving, and wonderful.

The opening performance of JEROME KERN IN HOLLYWOOD was marvelous, even if both Susan Shofner and Cole Ryden were unable to perform. They should be back in the show for the next two performances, which provides incentive for last night's audience to return. Moreover, Paul Hope has one of the best memories for local talent and manages to always find the perfect people for everything he does. Thus, JEROME KERN IN HOLLYWOOD is a must see cabaret performance featuring wonderful music and a mesmerizing cast.

Don't miss the upcoming performances on Monday, February 11 and 18, 2013. Tickets are $25.00 and are available by calling 713-465-6484 or online at http://bayoucityconcertmusicals.org/. Tickets may also be purchased at the door, but reservations are recommended.

Logo Image Courtesy of Bayou City Concert Musicals.

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