"Two for the Road: Shaynee Rainbolt and Donn Trenner" at The Metropolitan Room
“Two for the Road: Shaynee Rainbolt and Donn Trenner” at The Metropolitan Room Reviewed by David Roberts Theatre Reviews Limited
It is perhaps risky to entitle a cabaret performance “Two for the Road.” Stanley Donen’s 1967 British comedy-drama by that name includes themes that challenge the viewer, themes that include personal growth: characters examine debilitating insecurities and fears and, at film’s end, are transformed into characters capable of examining and living a new future. The audience connects with these themes and is invited to experience growth as well. Henry Mancini’s title song, with lyrics by Leslie Bricusse, counterpoints the film’s powerful thematic material and has earned an important place in the American Song Book.
Unfortunately, “Two for the Road” at The Metropolitan Room does not provide a vehicle that lives up to its title. Despite the combined talents of the award-winning vocalist Shaynee Rainbolt and her legendary accompanist Donn Trenner, the evening is riddled with unnecessary, rambling patter which detracts from the performances. This duo clearly understands the power of music and the power of lyrics. It is puzzling to understand why they would spend so much time not doing what they do best: performing.
There are many performance highlights in “Two for the Road.” Ms. Rainbolt’s rendition of “In the Glow of You” featured interesting phrasings and interpretive nuances. Mr. Trenner’s piano was brilliant, effortless, fluid, and captivating. Similar success is apparent in the pairing of Lennon-McCartney’s 1965 “Yesterday” and Jerome Kern and Otto Harbach’s “Yesterdays” from “Roberta.” The Michael Legrand pairing was well executed; however, the comedic patter prior to “I Will Wait for You” stole the energy from the song. Cabaret is not stand up comedy. The exquisite control this duo possesses is diminished by comedic intrusions into the evening’s program.
This promising cabaret offering is crying out for direction. Hopefully, some of the issues can be resolved before the remaining performances. For now it would help to completely eliminate all patter unless it is essential to the program. Mr. Trenner needs a piano solo. Ms. Rainbolt needs to engage the audience. Her task is to sing to the audience, not to Mr. Trenner. They are already on the road together; they simply need to engage the audience enough to take its members along to their new future. In the meantime, sitting in The Metropolitan Room and listening to Donn Trenner enliven the keyboard in exhilarating ways as he accompanies Shaynee Rainbolt’s interpretations is worth the trip. If the issues are resolved, the trip becomes a must.
TWO FOR THE ROAD
Shaynee Rainbolt and Donn Trenner appear at The Metropolitan Room Fridays in September at 9:30 p.m. (September 14, 21, and 28). The Metropolitan Room is located at 34 West 22nd Street in Manhattan. There is a $25.00 per person Music Charge and a Two Drink Minimum with a $5.00 discount for MAC/Industry Members. For further information on the performers, visit www.shayneerainbolt.com and www.donntrenner.com
Permalink | Posted by David Roberts on Saturday, September 8, 2012
CEOExpress
