Kurt Peterson: Proud Ladies – A Memoir Concert

Musical theater actor Kurt Peterson has spent his adult life “in the treacherous trenches of musical theater” from Lincoln Center, Broadway and Off Broadway to regional and Canadian shows as well as producing concerts, theater, and recordings. Along the way women have been vital to his support and evolution. Tonight he celebrates 23 of them with a musical memoir sharing what lesson each unconsciously taught.

The artist starts with Victoria Mallory, first met at AMDA. “She was my music.” Significance of their romance, their connection is not revealed until almost the end of the show.

Young Victoria Mallory and Kurt Peterson

Stephen Sondheim’s “The Glamorous Life” (A Little Night Music) illustrates touring in Side By Side By Sondheim as the sole male actor. Peterson shares a droll anecdote about dragging stools all over the country and tells us Paige O’Hara taught him patience. Clearly he made hay while the sun shone and infectiously passes on appreciations. Rarely heard songs from Jimmy Valentine (Robert Haber/ Hal Hackaday) are welcome. Dina Merrill, Katharine Hepburn, Laura Benanti…

Wearing John McMartin’s jacket from Sondheim’s Follies in which Peterson played young Ben, he admiringly speaks of Dorothy Collins (who played Sally Durant) offering two songs from the musical.  “Losing My Mind” is understated and particularly affecting. There’s little middle ground with this vocalist. He’s subtle and emotional or full-out. His affair with Yvonne de Carlo is amusingly related. “I learned to break a few rules.”

A concert of Music in the Air (Oscar Hammerstein II/Jerome Kern) with Rebecca Luker elicits “I’ve Told Every Little Star” and “The Song is You.” Luker, whom we sadly lost in 2020 taught him “we never know if our casual goodbye will be a final one.” Betty Buckley, Bernadette Peters, Angela Lansbury (whom he’d produce in Gypsy). With Lansbury, he appeared in the ill-fated Dear World (Jerry Herman). Her elegant professionalism set an example. These songs, also infrequently aired, are just lovely.

During Sondheim’s Company, Peterson began an “on again off again” four year relationship with Donna McKechnie for which dissolution he takes the blame. Referring to her risky professional investment in A Chorus Line, the actor tells us “from Donna I learned true and courageous self love.” Elaine Stritch, Patricia Elliott, Nancy Walker, Cady Huffman… Peterson played opposite Patti Lupone (and Topol) in The Baker’s Wife (Stephen Schwartz). His co-stars vociferously and constantly argued. Several songs from this show bear special warmth and power. The relationship to Lupone pointedly does not.

On the screen – Jimmy Valentine. Kurt Peterson

Carol Demas literally saved the performer’s life during his downward spiral of alcohol and drugs. He thinks of her as an angel. That he’s candid is a script asset. “Thank you for your love.” Back to Victoria Mallory. Now we see their youthful photos as Tony and Maria in West Side Story (Leonard Bernstein/ Stephen Sondheim). After 35 years the two reignited devotion until her death. Looking up from her bed, Mallory told Kurt, “Do something for you.’ I guess this evening is that.”

“Close your eyes and remember the angels in your life. Thank them and allow yourself to miss them” introduces the apt “I Get Along Without You Very Well” (Hoagy Carmichael).

At the top of Act II, Ian Herman performs “Too Fast,” a piano solo of his own composition. It’s breathless, evocative, and beautifully played. Herman’s debut CD Images can be found online. The musician/MD here provides rich arrangements and symbiotic accompaniment.

Some of the women featured were only met in passing. The genial show is overstuffed and might be better served eliminating those despite opportunity for an anecdote. They dilute meaningful encounters. Reference to being called out for flirting is uncomfortable. A number with wooden clogs which purports to feature dancing does not. The sing-along song has nothing to do with with theme or trajectory. Intermittent voice-only interruptions by an ersatz Ethel Mermen gets old fast and is unnecessary. Peterson’s sense of humor rises elsewhere.

“Proud Ladies” (a song from The Baker’s Wife) is tender recollection with much to recommend it. The piece just needs editing.

Production Photos – Jeff Harnar
Opening photo courtesy of the production

Kurt Peterson: Proud Ladies – A Memoir Concert
Ian Herman – MD/Piano
Ray Kilday – bass, Ray Marchica- drums, Peter Sachon-cello
Lisa Asher – Director
Merkin Hall at Kaufman Music Center 
129 West 67 Street