Irving Berlin: Songs In The Key Of Black

Don’t miss Lucy Maunder’s joyous celebration of the Irving Berlin songbook, as this musical theatre songstress returns to Sydney to present her successful cabaret at the Hayes for the first time.

One of our finest young musical theatre stars, Lucy stamps herself as a versatile cabaret song stylist, warm and natural, in this whirlwind, song-packed hour of songs from one of the greats of the Great American Songbook.

From sweeping romantic songs, to ragtime, to ballads and comic songs, Lucy balances unique, original takes with simple respectful interpretations, in a dynamic, varied performance, standing and delivering with simple eloquence and elegance for most of the evening in a single spot.

We’ve known for some time that Lucy Maunder possesses a stunning musical theatre voice, now, by turns sultry, cheeky and comic, and with wonderful phrasing, she proves herself an utterly engaging cabaret artiste.

In an evening full of classics including Puttin’ On The Ritz, What’ll I Do, Alexander’s Ragtime Band, I Love a Piano, Blue Skies, Cheek to Cheek, Steppin’ Out With My Baby, Let’s Face The Music and Dance and How Deep is the Ocean?, less frequently heard Berlin songs like the gently sentimental Yiddisha Nightingale and torchy comedy of Mr Monotony really hit the spot.

Nicholas Christo’s book, insofar as there is one, evokes era and milleu, rather than telling Berlin’s life story, with yarns, allusions to Berlin’s background and a little historical touch, always light comic fun.

Accompanied with flair by pianist Isaac Hayward, the late night interaction as he gets his 'turn' lets him really cut loose too.

One can only hope Lucy Maunder will dip further into the Great American Songbook in the near future. An evening of Jerome Kern would seem to be a perfect sequel for mine.

Neil Litchfield