Christine Ebersole - Swingin' Sassy! (and some GG news)

[MasterLcZ]

Posted: 8/24/06 at 11:05am

As BroadwayBulldog noted earlier in the week, Christine Ebersole and Billy Stritch's cabaret show at the Metropolitan Room, "Sunday In New York" is a deliciously refreshing musical sorbet for a late summer evening. Those accostomed to the dramatic intensity of Ebersole's Edies would be surprised to find her so relaxed and jazzy, purriung out unexpected versions of "Surrey with the Fringe On Top" & "My Favorite Things" adding Bossa Nova spice to "Walking in New York" and swinging hard with kickass versions of two seldom-performed songs by Nat King Cole, "Errand Boy (Girl) for Rhythm" and "Hit that Jive". Ebersoles softer, romantic side came forth in meltingly beautiful versions of Sondheim's "So Many People" and Irving Berlin's "What'll I Do?" (two of my favorite songs in the LcZ Hit Parade), while Stritch had his chance to shine in "Walking My Baby Back Home" and "Give Me the Simple Life". The evening concluded with a thrilling "Beyond the Blue Horizon" and "Not While I'm Around" (Ebersole as Mrs. Lovett? Hmmmm).

In between songs, Christine talked about visiting the real Grey Gardens a few weekends ago where she and Billy performed for Ben Brantlee's 85th Birthday party, and how eerie and overwhelming it was for her to be singing in Big Edie's music room. (Ebersole also performed "Will You?" the thrilling Act 1 closing number that might have been written for Alice Faye or Jeanette MacDonald). GREY GARDENS composer, Scott Frankel was in the house, and afterwards I asked him for news. He did say that "We have our first act Little Edie" but would not say who, but said "I think you will see more of Little Edie's damage now", and (most excitingly) said that a lot of work is being done on the book - the family drama are being beefed up for both acts and there will be three new songs (I assume a few songs from the present score are being replaced).

Updated On: 8/24/06 at 11:05 AM

[Unknown User]

Posted: 8/24/06 at 11:15am

sounds dreamy!!!!

[SueleenGay]

Posted: 8/24/06 at 11:19am

Thanks for the recap, Master. It makes me so happy that Christine is haveing such a wonderful year. I hope the GG Broadway run is a hit.