Two formidable shows, with two seasoned women demonstrating passion for their craft, dominated the island music scene this month.
Shari Lynn, who researched and conceived “Mining for Cole” at the Brad Powell Theatre at The Actors’ Group (TAG), unveiled a splendid musical revue exploring the legacy and melodies of Cole Porter, on June 14. The incomparable Kip Wilborn was her partner in song, in a splendid revue earning standing ovations. It continues Thursdays through Sundays through June 30.
Mary Gutzi, a veteran of stage and clubs, made her Blue Note Hawaii appearance June 12 at the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort, unveiling signature tunes from iconic Broadway musicals. She wowed ’em.
In retrospect:
Shari, the Cole miner
Shari’s unparalleled creation is a remarkable portrait of the music, life, manners and legacy of Porter. It’s part theater, part film-or-TV-type documentary, part storytelling with song. Shari, a pioneering advocate of the Great American Songbook, has concocted a libretto that connects the dots with uncanny observations, vocals, vignettes and a slideshow, which capture the nuances, diverse lyrical and musical signatures through two acts. It’s wholly engrossing and entertaining, a profound portal into Porter’s world of show tunes.
With crooner Wilborn and keyboarder-arranger Jim Howard, this is an unprecedented stage genre; to paraphrase Porter, it’s “de-lovely,” delightful, delirious and divine.
There are stunning solos and charismatic duets, radiantly flowing over 50 tunes like “Anything Goes,” “True Love,” “You’re the Top” and “I’ve Got You Under My Skin.” A “Kiss Me Kate” medley is the crown jewel; it’s the first musical that earned the coveted Tony Award, and the sequence offers romance (“So In Love”), defiance (“I Hate Men”) and sizzle (“Too Darn Hot”). “Guest artists” Brad Powell and Brother Gary E. Morris form a whimsical comedic team, with several exits-and-reentrances that will be joyfully remembered well after the final curtain.
Shari co-directed with Powell, and this biography/musical is worthy of staging and touring — ready for the road. …
Gutzi, theatrical gypsy
You can always tell a seasoned Broadway trouper by her stage demeanor.
The telling clues: an expansive song list of classic standards, theatrical hits, a few revelatory and rarely-heard tunes, a gift of banter including personal insights on on-the-road experiences.
Gutzi is a true Broadway gem, at her eloquent best in her Blue Note debut. She shared “Memory” from “Cats,” in which she played Grizabella at Blaisdell Concert Hall; “I Dreamed a Dream,” her Fantine signature, when she co-starred in “Les Miserables” on Broadway, and “As If We Never Said Goodbye,” her anthem as Norma Desmond, when she headlined “Sunset Boulevard” at Diamond Head Theatre.
Of Italian heritage with mainland roots, Gutzi travels frequently but admitted, “Hawaii is my spiritual home.” She’s a bona fide nomad, who’s played in all 50 states; she once did backup for Cher.
She remembered her late pal Jimmy Borges with a touching “Here’s to Life,” an affirmation of love, friendship, joy, dreaming and giving. Her band — Dan Del Negro on keyboard, Ian Sheridan on stand-up bass and Ian Wacksman on drums — provided solid support. …
Names ’n’ places
>> “New Hope Oahu Music,” at 6:30 p.m. today at Blue Note Hawaii, assembles church members Mark Yamanaka, the multiple Na Hoku Hanohano Award winner, Ben Vegas & Maila Gibson, the popular duo, Colleen Nomura, the “sign dance” originator and John Tilton, newly ordained minister who’s coordinating the show as emcee and backup singer.
“The evening will be inspirational in nature but also include secular jazz, pop and show tunes,” said Tilton. The halau of New Hope also will perform, along with Jana Alcain, Christina Brown and Noni Slade. Tickets: $25-$35, at 777-4890 or bluenotehawaii.com …
>> Hawaii’s Bruno Mars is expected to be among the performers at the Sophie Turner–Joe Jonas wedding hoopla Friday and Saturday in Carpentras, Provence, France. The couple wed last month in Las Vegas, but this one’s formal — at a castle — with a celebration at Chateau Martinet. …
And that’s “Show Biz.”
Wayne Harada is a veteran entertainment columnist. Reach him at 266-0926 or wayneharada@gmail.com.
