Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Review - Twenty Years of Dating . . . (The Duplex Cabaret Theatre)

Melissa Driscol is back at the Duplex Cabaret Theatre performing her second solo show, Twenty Years of Dating . . . . Weaving together an eclectic mix of songs, Driscol's latest show is a dating parade full of humor, embarrassment, love, broken hearts, and above all, hope.

Though appearing somewhat nervous during her first two numbers ('Walk Like a Man' and 'My Guy') and the stories that accompany them, Driscol quickly warmed up and hit her stride. Balancing humor (her take on Kate Perry's 'I Kissed a Girl' and an amusing seduction scene set to 'My Humps' by the Black Eyed Peas) with genuine emotion ('Hold On' from The Secret Garden and 'A Way Back to Then' from [title of show]) allow her to showcase both her creativity and her range. However, Driscol truly shines when performing songs by local cabaret stalwarts Maria Gentile and Scott Evan Davis (Gentile also directs, while Davis provides musical direction and backup vocals). Gentile's songs ('Friend of Mine' and 'Work in Progress') bring out a depth and maturity in Driscol's performance that is ultimately much more satisfying than the pop songs.

Featuring backup by a talented group of musicians and a fair number of guests, Twenty Years of Dating . . . is the latest feather in the cap of a this up-and-coming cabaret talent. Sadly, Twenty Years of Dating . . . has an extremely short run - February 20th and February 28th, but Driscol can be seen every Monday and Tuesday night downstairs at the Duplex Piano Bar.

Written by Melissa E. Driscol
Musical Direction by Scott Evan Davis
Directed by Maria Gentile
Featuring Jimmy Keaton

The Duplex Cabaret Theatre
61 Christopher Street

Friday, February 20th, 9:30 PM
Saturday, February 28th, 10 PM